This lesson teaches children that God sends people out to share good news, and that his Holy Spirit guides them. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use the story, the memory verse, and the activities to help children picture the Holy Spirit leading Barnabas and Saul on their first big journey.
Big Idea
God’s Holy Spirit leads people to tell others about Jesus, even when the trip is long and the news is hard to hear. God can send anyone, anywhere, to share his good news.
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are receiving a gift. Then wave them slowly in a big circle over your head. Say the verse together while you move, so children connect the words with the picture of being sent.
The Story: Acts 13 for Kids
In a busy church city called Antioch, some friends were worshiping God and fasting, which means they chose to skip a meal so they could focus on prayer. Among them were teachers and leaders named Barnabas and Saul. While they were praying, the Holy Spirit spoke. The Spirit said that Barnabas and Saul had a special job to do.
The friends prayed for Barnabas and Saul, placed their hands on them, and then sent them off. The two men sailed across the sea to the island of Cyprus. They shared God’s word in the synagogues, which were the meeting places where people gathered to worship. Their helper, John, traveled with them.
On the island they met a man named Elymas, a fake prophet who tried to stop a leader named Sergius Paulus from listening to the good news. Saul, who is also called Paul, looked straight at Elymas and told him that God’s hand was against his trickery. Right away, Elymas could not see. Sergius Paulus saw what happened and believed in the Lord.
Paul and Barnabas kept traveling to a city called Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue, and the leaders invited them to speak. Paul stood up and told the people how God had led his people through many years, and how God sent Jesus as a Savior. He said, “Through Jesus, your sins can be forgiven.”
Many people wanted to hear more. The next Sabbath, almost the whole city came together. Some people were jealous and argued, but Paul and Barnabas said they would take God’s word to the people who had never heard it before. The Gentiles were glad and believed. The good news spread through the whole region, and the new followers were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
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 the men were sent out by the Holy Spirit, which means God led them, not just their own plans. Ask children how they think it feels to go somewhere new because God is guiding.
Acts 13:9-11
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? 11 Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!” Immediately a mist and darkness fell on him. He went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul spoke boldly against Elymas because he was trying to turn people away from God’s truth. Help children see that this story is about God’s power and truth, not about enjoying someone else’s trouble.
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)
Show children that the Gentiles were glad to hear God’s word and that the good news reached new people. Ask the class what it means that God’s word spreads to everyone who listens.
Talk About It
- What do you think the Holy Spirit said to the friends in Antioch that made them send Barnabas and Saul away?
- How did the friends show that they trusted God before the men left?
- Why do you think Sergius Paulus believed after he saw what happened to Elymas?
- Who is someone you could tell about Jesus this week, and how could you start that conversation?
- What is one way God has helped you go somewhere new or try something hard?
Activity Ideas
Paper Boat Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a cup of water. Have each child fold a sheet of paper into a simple boat shape and draw Barnabas and Saul on it. Set the boats on the water and talk about how the men sailed to Cyprus, while the Holy Spirit guided their path. Let children decorate a second boat to show the message they want to share.
Sent Out Relay Game
You will need a clear space in a room or yard and two bean bags or soft balls. Divide children into two teams. Each team passes a bean bag down a line, and when the leader calls “Sent out,” the last child runs to the front and starts the next pass. Stop the game and say the memory verse together, then explain that God sends people with his good news.
Good News Card for Home
You will need index cards, pencils, and stickers. Ask each child to write a short good news message on one side of a card, such as “God loves you” or “Jesus is our Savior.” On the other side, they can draw a picture of something they can share with a family member. Encourage them to give the card to someone at home that week and tell them about Jesus.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God’s Spirit leads the church to take the gospel to new places and new people, including people who were not from the Jewish community. The story also reminds us that the message of Jesus is for everyone, not just a select group. Paul’s sermon in Antioch connects God’s promises from the past with Jesus, the Savior who was raised from the dead.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the story of Elymas as a model of how to treat people who disagree with us. Make clear that this was a specific moment with a specific sorcerer, and that Christians today share the good news with kindness and humility.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to guide us. Help us to pray, to listen for your voice, and to share the good news of Jesus with the people around us. Give us courage when we feel nervous, and joy like the new followers in Antioch. Thank you for loving us and for sending us out. Amen.
