Final answer:
In the apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, Paul responds to the needs of the fasting children by giving his cloak to one of them so that more loaves could be bought for the group, exhibiting his selflessness and care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The narratives you are inquiring about, involving Paul, Thecla, and other characters are from the Acts of Paul and Thecla, which are a part of the apocryphal Christian texts. These texts are not part of the canonical Bible but provide early Christian legends. The stories depict acts of faith, perseverance, and conversion, often in the face of persecution. In these texts, Paul encourages others to live in purity and is shown to be a source of inspiration for Thecla's conversion and her subsequent commitment to spreading the teachings of Christ.
One particular passage describes Paul giving to the prisoners after his father and sister leave. It is stated in the context that Paul was fasting with Onesiphorus and his family in a new tomb, when the fasting children mentioned their hunger. Paul then took off his cloak and gave it to one of the children, instructing him to buy more loaves and bring them back for the group. This act of giving his cloak represents the assistance Paul extends towards those with him, displaying selflessness and care for their well-being.
The acts of kindness and the importance of faith are recurring themes in these passages, as demonstrated by Thecla's unwavering dedication to Paul's teachings and her own faith journey, strengthened by her encounter with Paul and her determination to follow him and spread the word of God.