### Lesson Plan: Paul Before the Civil Authority: Governor Festus (Acts 25:1-12)
**Subject:** Christian Religious Studies
**Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 2
**Topic:** Paul Before the Civil Authority: Governor Festus
**Text:** Acts 25:1-12
**Duration:** 45 minutes
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#### **Objectives**
By the end of the lesson, students will:
1. Understand the context and events of Acts 25:1-12.
2. Analyze the character and actions of Paul.
3. Identify the roles of the key figures (Paul, Governor Festus, the Jewish leaders).
4. Discuss the significance of Paul’s trial in the early Christian church.
5. Relate the story to contemporary issues of justice and integrity.
#### **Materials Needed**
- Bibles or printed copies of Acts 25:1-12
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector or smartboard (if available)
- Handouts with discussion questions
- Notebooks and pens/pencils
#### **Introduction (10 minutes)**
1. **Greeting & Opening Prayer:**
- Greet the students and begin with an opening prayer.
2. **Recap:**
- Quickly review previous lessons on Paul’s missionary journeys and his earlier trials.
3. **Context Setting:**
- Briefly explain the historical and political context of Paul’s trial before Governor Festus, including the role of Roman authorities and Jewish leaders at the time.
#### **Lesson Content (20 minutes)**
1. **Reading the Text:**
- Have students read Acts 25:1-12 aloud in turns.
2. **Key Points & Discussion:**
- **Paul’s situation**: Discuss why Paul is on trial and his journey from Jerusalem to Caesarea.
- **Governor Festus**: Explain who Festus was and his role as a Roman governor.
- **Jewish Leaders' Accusations**: Explore the accusations brought against Paul by the Jewish leaders and their motivations.
- **Paul’s Defense**: Analyze Paul’s defense and his appeal to Caesar.
3. **Character Analysis:**
- Have students explore the character of Paul in this passage: his courage, faith, and strategic thinking.
- Discuss Festus' actions as a governor trying to navigate a politically tricky situation.
#### **Application (10 minutes)**
1. **Discussion Questions:**
- Divide students into small groups and provide handouts with questions:
- Why do you think Paul appealed to Caesar?
- How did Paul’s faith influence his actions during the trial?
- What was Governor Festus’ main concern during the trial?
- How can we apply Paul’s example of standing firm in our beliefs to our daily lives?
- Allow groups to discuss and then share their thoughts with the class.
2. **Modern-Day Relevance:**
- Facilitate a class discussion on how issues of justice, fairness, and integrity from Paul’s trial are similar or different in today's society.
- Encourage students to think about a situation in their own lives where they may need to stand up for what is right, drawing parallels to Paul’s experience.
#### **Conclusion (5 minutes)**
1. **Summary:**
- Recap the key points discussed.
- Reinforce the importance of faith and integrity, as exemplified by Paul.
2. **Questions & Answers:**
- Open the floor for any final questions from the students.
3. **Closing Prayer:**
- Conclude the lesson with a closing prayer.
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#### **Assessment**
- Participation in discussions and group activities.
- Responses to handout questions.
- A short reflective journal entry for homework where students explain how Paul’s trial has influenced their understanding of justice and integrity.
#### **Notes**
- Adapt the lesson according to the specific needs and dynamics of the class.
- Consider additional multimedia resources or activities to enhance engagement.