In this lesson, children learn that God can send His people on a mission, and that He is with them wherever they go. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God sends His people to tell others about Jesus, and He goes with them everywhere they travel.
Memory Verse
Acts 13:2
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.”
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands like they are holding a gift, then slowly lift them up toward the sky as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Acts 13 for Kids
One day, the church in the city of Antioch was worshiping God. There were teachers and prophets there, and they loved serving the Lord. They prayed and fasted, which means they went without food for a while so they could focus on God.
While they were praying, the Holy Spirit spoke. He said, “Set apart Barnabas and Saul for the work I have for them.” So the church prayed for Barnabas and Saul, laid their hands on them, and sent them out on a journey. God was sending them to tell people about Jesus.
Barnabas and Saul sailed to the island of Cyprus. They went into the Jewish meeting places and shared God’s message. In one town they met a man named Elymas, who tried to stop a leader named Sergius Paulus from believing in Jesus. Saul, who was also called Paul, told Elymas that he was being unfair and wrong. For a time, Elymas could not see at all.
Sergius Paulus saw what happened, and he believed in the Lord. He was amazed at the teaching about Jesus. God used this moment to help a leader choose to follow Him.
Paul and Barnabas kept traveling to new towns. In Antioch of Pisidia, Paul stood up in the meeting place and told the people how God had kept His promises. He told them about Jesus, who came from King David’s family. Some people were glad and believed, but others were jealous and angry. Paul and Barnabas kept telling everyone about Jesus, and the good news spread through the whole region.
Read It Together
Acts 13:4
So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
(WEB)
Point out that Barnabas and Saul went because the Holy Spirit sent them. Ask children how they think God might send them to share about Jesus, even in small ways at home or school.
Acts 13:9-10
9 But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened his eyes on him, 10 and said, “Full of all deceit and all cunning, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
(WEB)
Show children that Paul spoke the truth boldly because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. Explain that God wants us to be honest about what is right and to trust Him when we speak up for Him.
Acts 13:48
As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.
(WEB)
Point out how the people who were glad heard God’s word and believed it. Remind children that when God’s word is shared, people can receive it with joy.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the church prayed and fasted before they sent Barnabas and Saul away?
- How did God help Barnabas and Saul when they were traveling to new places?
- What do you think it felt like for Paul to tell Elymas the truth?
- Who is someone you could tell about Jesus this week?
- How can you tell that God is with you when you feel nervous about doing something new?
Activity Ideas
Map of the Journey
You will need a large sheet of paper, markers, and small paper stickers or sticky notes. Draw a simple map showing the places Barnabas and Saul traveled, such as Antioch, Cyprus, and Antioch of Pisidia. Let children draw a small footprint or boat on each place to show that God sent them there. Talk together about how God goes with us wherever we go.
Send Them Off
Set up a simple game where one child stands in the middle as Barnabas or Saul, while the others gather around and pretend to pray. Have the group gently place their hands on the child’s shoulder and say, “God is with you.” Then the child walks to the other side of the room, saying, “I am going where God sends me.” Take turns so everyone has a chance to be sent.
Message Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, crayons, and stickers. Ask each child to write or draw one way they can tell someone about Jesus this week. Help younger children by writing the words for them. Encourage them to put the card somewhere they will see it each day as a reminder that God sends His people out with His good news.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God leads His church in mission, often through prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For adults, it is a reminder that the message of Jesus spreads through ordinary people who are willing to go where they are sent, and that opposition does not stop God’s word from reaching people who are ready to hear it.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always punish people who oppose the gospel with blindness or hardship, since this was a specific moment in the story and not a pattern for everyday life. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and His invitation to share His good news.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for sending people to tell others about Jesus. Help us to listen when You speak to our hearts. Be with us wherever we go, and help us be brave when we share Your good news. Amen.
