In this lesson, children learn that God helps us share the good news about Jesus, even when people disagree or we feel nervous. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is with us when we tell others about Jesus, so we do not need to be afraid. He helps us speak and keeps us safe as we share his good news.
Memory Verse
Acts 18:9
The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent…
(WEB)
Put your hands over your ears, then slowly lower them to your sides as you say the words. Doing the motion together helps children picture God telling Paul not to be afraid.
The Story: Acts 18 for Kids
Paul traveled to a busy city called Corinth. There he met a man named Aquila and his wife Priscilla. They had come from Italy because the emperor had told all the Jewish people to leave Rome. Paul and this couple both made tents for a living, so they worked together and became good friends.
Every Sabbath, Paul went to the synagogue, which was the meeting place for the Jewish people. He talked with Jews and Greeks about Jesus, and some of them believed. Others did not like what he said, and they argued with him. Paul was sad about this, so he shook out his clothes and said he would now go to the Gentiles instead.
One night, the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision. He said, in simple words, “Don’t be afraid. Keep speaking, and don’t stop. I am with you, and no one will hurt you, because I have many people in this city.” Paul heard this and stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching God’s word.
Later, some people brought Paul before a judge named Gallio and accused him of breaking their law. Gallio listened and said these were questions about their own rules, so he would not decide the matter. He sent them away. Paul was able to keep going, and he eventually sailed on to Syria with Priscilla and Aquila.
Paul then visited Ephesus, where a man named Apollos learned more about Jesus. Priscilla and Aquila took him aside and explained the way of God more clearly. Apollos then went on to help many believers and showed people from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Read It Together
Acts 18:2-3
2 He found a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. He came to them, 3 and because he practiced the same trade, he lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul found friends who had the same job as him. God used Aquila and Priscilla to help Paul, and children can see that God often works through people who love and help one another.
Acts 18:9-10
9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak and don’t be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.”
(WEB)
Show children the words “I am with you” and ask them to notice that God promised Paul his presence. This shows that God does not leave us alone when we share his message.
Acts 18:26
He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
(WEB)
Explain that Priscilla and Aquila did not argue with Apollos. They took him aside, kindly explained things, and helped him understand better. This is a good picture of how we can gently help our friends learn about Jesus.
Talk About It
- How did Paul feel when people argued with him about Jesus, and what did God tell him to do?
- What helped Paul keep teaching even when things were hard?
- Who helped Paul in this story, and how did they help him?
- Why do you think God wanted Paul to keep speaking instead of staying quiet?
- Who is one person you could tell about Jesus this week, and how could you start that conversation?
Activity Ideas
Tent Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a simple tent shape on paper and cut it out. On the inside, they can write or draw one way they could tell someone about Jesus, and hang the tents on a string as a reminder.
Tell and Go Game
Set up two spots in the room, one labeled “Corinth” and one labeled “Ephesus,” using tape or chairs. Call out a short message about Jesus, and children walk or hop to the spot you name while repeating the message. Change the message each round so children practice sharing God’s good news.
Take-Home Prayer Card
Give each child an index card and a pencil. Ask them to write the words “God is with me” at the top and draw one friend they want to pray for. They can take the card home and place it by their bed, reminding them to pray for that friend and to share about Jesus when the chance comes.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that the gospel spread through ordinary people working, traveling, and talking with others, often in the middle of opposition. Paul’s courage came from God’s promise of presence, not from his own strength. Adults can take encouragement that God’s word keeps moving forward even when people reject it or the work feels slow.
Be careful not to suggest that obeying God always brings an easy or happy result for the child. Paul faced real arguments and court cases, and the text does not promise that sharing faith will always be welcomed. Focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you are with us every day. Help us to be brave like Paul, and help us to speak about Jesus with kind words. Thank you for friends like Priscilla and Aquila who help us learn about you. Amen.
