Perpetua: Glimpses for Kids Worship Bulletin

One Last Chance For Freedom
"Perpetua, I beg you to offer the sacrifice. A simple pinch of incense won't mean anything!"

This restored villa in Carthage is similar to the home Perpetua probably would have lived in.

My case was before the Roman official, Hilarion, and my father had returned. His tears dropped on my hand as he begged me to abandon my Christian beliefs. "If you won't do it for me, then consider your infant son! Surely you don't intend to leave him behind for the sake of this new god you have found."

My stomach wrenched in pain as I thought of my family and my own sweet son. But no matter what, I could not dishonor my Savior. I tried to comfort my father. "Whatever God wants to happen to me will happen. My strength doesn't come from myself, it comes from God."

Finally, the sentence was handed down. I was condemned to the arena and the wild beasts. I would be called upon to give my life for Jesus, just as He gave His life for me. I knew He would strengthen me for what I must do.

The other Christians were also sentenced to death. We praised God when Felicitas' baby was born healthy and adopted by another believer. God also provided for my baby to be cared for by my family.

In our final days together, we prayed, sang and encouraged one another. We even celebrated the Lord's Supper on our last evening. God gave us the strength we needed to stand firm in our beliefs. We rejoiced knowing that our struggle would soon be over and we would be together in the presence of our Savior!

That's as far as Perpetua's writing takes us. Other Christians added the rest of the story.

Into the Arena
When the believers entered the arena on the day of their victory, their faces reflected great joy! They had finally begun their journey from the dark prison to the light of God's presence.

The crowd became very angry, demanding that the gladiators whip those who were to die. Instead of becoming angry, the prisoners rejoiced that they were able to share in the sufferings of Jesus.

A mad cow was set loose upon Perpetua and Felicitas. Perpetua was thrown to the ground first and then the cow charged toward Felicitas. Though her gown was torn, Perpetua was not hurt. She covered herself with her torn garment and pinned her hair back up. It seemed she wanted to look her best as she prepared to meet her Savior. The two friends embraced, awaiting the end.

As the crowd demanded to see their death, Perpetua looked into the eyes of the gladiator who was to take her life. His hands trembled so badly he could barely hold his sword. Perpetua reached out and slowly guided the sword for him. As she whispered the name of our Savior, she left this world and entered into the everlasting happiness of God's presence.

Make It Real! Questions to make you dig a little deeper and think a little harder.

Why did Perpetua refuse to offer the incense to the pagan gods? What would you have done?
In order to obey God, Perpetua felt she had to disobey her father. Was this a good choice? Why or why not?
Pagans worshipped idols. Exodus 32 tells how even the Israelites made a golden calf idol while Moses was on Mount Sinai getting the Ten Commandments from God. What did they do with it? What was God's reaction?
Are there idols or false gods that people worship in place of God today?
Why do you think Perpetua's story is still being told almost 2,000 years later?

Perpetua: Her Prison Became a Palace, Part 2.

This restored villa in Carthage is similar to the home Perpetua probably would have lived in.