SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON 31 May 21, 2006

Paul's Witness to Jesus
Theme: Living by Faith in Christ Alone
Theme Verse: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 NIV
Readings: Acts 26
Memory Verse: "I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:17b-18; turn them from darkness to light ... so that they may receive forgiveness of sins

Background
      After the hearing before Gov. Felix, Paul was held in prison for two years as a favor to the Jewish authorities even while Felix listened to Paul frequently. The next Governor, Festus, went first to Jerusalem and the Jewish authorities "urgently requested" him to transfer Paul to Jerusalem (so they could ambush and kill him). Festus told them to come to Caesarea. Once again there were many serious charges against Paul which could not be proved, so Gov. Festus asks Paul again to go to Jerusalem to be tried there before himself. (Again this was a favor to the Jewish authorities.) Paul speaks up and says, "you know very well" that "I have not done any wrong". "I appeal to Caesar!" Festus agrees.

      A few days later King Agrippa (of the Herod family) comes to welcome Festus and they talk about this unusual case. Note that Festus states that the dispute was about "a dead man, named Jesus, who Paul claimed was alive." Paul's witness was clear. King Agrippa and Bernice and lots of important people wanted to hear this famous prisoner, so they bring out Paul again.

      It is an indication of the importance Luke gave to Paul's testimony that it is repeated three times in Acts. (Probably Luke heard it many more times.)

       Word received: Agrippa gave Paul permission to speak in defense of himself and Paul chose to give his testimony to Me. When you need to defend yourself point to Me and give your testimony. I was honored in Paul's day and I want to be honored by you too.

      Paul starts his testimony at a place he has in common with other Jews -- his hope in God's promise of a Messiah to their forefathers. "And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers." (v.6) Word received: What are you willing to stand on? Where do you place your hope? Will you stand with Paul? Will you hope in the promises made long ago by Me?

      Paul is very open about what he was like before he met Jesus and Jesus turned his life around. He describes his personal encounter with the living Jesus. "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads." (v.14b) Word received: Where are you kicking against the goads and are you willing to repent of this? (A goad was a long stick with a pointed spike attached to make oxen move.) Think about what Jesus says next! When people persecute Jesus' people, they are persecuting him! In a similar way Jesus said, if you help one of Jesus' least followers you are doing it for Jesus himself! (Matthew 25:40)

      Now Jesus tells Paul that he has chosen Paul as his servant and witness. What is Jesus calling you to do and be -- large or small?

      Jesus promises to protect Paul -- and lets him know he will need protection! What is the task? Read the Memory Verse. What is God doing here? Word received: I AM making you into a holy people. That is what God wants to do with us too.

      "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision." Word received: I want you to be obedient; I want you to call the children to obedience. Disobedience leads to death. I want you to choose life. (See Deuteronomy 30:19) Paul was obedient to Jesus' call and was a faithful witness. He was not always successful, that is God's job. Our job is to be obedient and be a faithful witness.

      Now Paul starts talking about repentance and turning to God and the core of the Gospel: Christ suffered and rose from the dead -- for both Jews and Gentiles. This makes Festus very agitated and he shouts that Paul is insane. In talking to Agrippa before the hearing Festus had said that the charge was "about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive." Paul points to the resurrection of Jesus again and again. That's what makes US Christians. That is why it is so important. Word received: I want you to point to Me in the way you live -- your actions, your speech and your thoughts.

      Note that Paul was sure King Agrippa knew about what Christians believed. It was very open and public (both the event and the preaching). (This is an issue again today with several Gnostic writings being published.)

      Then Paul seizes his chance and asks the King if he believes in the prophets. Agrippa gives Paul a sarcastic answer. (See note at end.) But Paul doesn't react to this brush-off but makes a personal appeal to all those who were listening. Word received: Paul looked for opportunities to witness. I want you to do the same.

      Paul's appeal to Festus and Agrippa point to his own confidence in Jesus and his peace in being where God put him. God wants that for us too.

      Paul has followed Jesus for many years. He has seen the interplay of the Lord's promptings and power against evil forces working through the actions of people. He sees how God often works through the unwitting actions of men. Recognizing this as one way God works has helped foster Paul's trust in God. While it might look like a good thing for Paul to have been set free, Paul knows that however unpleasant the road might be, this is part of God's plan. The prize at the end of the road is to preach to Caesar! He has already witnessed to Kings and Rulers!

      When Paul speaks to the King and says, "Do you believe in the prophets? I know you do." he is attempting something big for Jesus -- to touch the heart of King Agrippa. Word received: What are you willing to dare for My sake? Paul was willing to attempt great things for Me at My direction. I want you to follow him and imitate him.

      All of us have a conversion story or a God-moment that we can share. Paul uses his story as a tool to witness to Christ. Word received: Recognize what God has done for you. Hold onto it and hold it out to shine as the Light of how God's plan and workings are in you life. Paul could have been set free they said, but God had other plans.

      Paul's circumstances are anything but perfect yet he is steadfast in his purpose. Your circumstances may be "down the drain" or on a mountaintop but whatever is going on in your story of God's intervention in your life is still there as a beacon to a God who does not change, our Father who lives and cares for us, yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Note on King Agrippa: He was the great-grandson of Herod the Great. In 50 AD he succeeded his uncle Herod in Lebanon and soon Nero added more territory. He had little favor with the Jews because he was married to his sister. He controlled the priesthood in Jerusalem. In the Jewish revolt against Rome he sided with the Romans. In 70 AD after the destruction of Jerusalem, he accompanied Titus to Rome. He was the last Herod.

How to Teach Teachers' Word: When you point to Me, you honor Me.
Talk to kids about how to point to Jesus when they are being hassled or persecuted. For example, could say "Jesus Loves you" Talk about it. Think about how you might do it.

Teaching Ideas for Lesson 31
Please read the Study Guide first. Go over Memory Verse to make sure the children understand it and then if they have memorized it.

      Remind them their parents need to sign a report slip monthly if they have read the lessons, so they will get credit at the end of the year.

      Make sure they know what happened in the story. Get them to tell you.

Basic points of the lesson for little ones:
      1. Jesus loved us so much that he died and came back to life (called resurrection) so our sins could be forgiven and we can be made new again.
      2 God wants us to share his love by telling others about Jesus and what he did for us.
      3. God wants you to share what Jesus has done for you--and people you know.
      4. Because Jesus loves us, he wants us to obey him, even in a scary time. He always know shat is best for us. If we ask God for help, he will always be there.