This lesson teaches children that God can use ordinary people, like tent makers, to share the good news about Jesus, and that God is always with us when we do the same. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is with us, so we can always tell people about Jesus, even when it is hard. He helps us do what He asks.
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)
Have children stand up and put both hands over their ears, then slowly lower them as they say the words “Don’t be afraid.” Then have them point to the ceiling for “speak,” and open their hands wide for “don’t be silent.” Repeat the motions together three times until the children can do them without help.
The Story: Acts 18 for Kids
Paul left the city of Athens and walked to a busy city called Corinth. There he met a Jewish man named Aquila and his wife, Priscilla. They had moved from Rome because the emperor had sent all the Jews away. Aquila and Priscilla made tents, and Paul made tents too, so he stayed with them and worked alongside them.
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 tried to help them believe. Some people listened, but others argued and spoke against him. Paul was sad, and he told them that if they refused to listen, he would go to the Gentiles instead.
Paul moved next door to the house of a man named Justus, and the leader of the synagogue, Crispus, believed in the Lord along with his whole family. Many people in Corinth heard the good news and were baptized. One night, God spoke to Paul in a vision. God said, “Don’t be afraid. Keep speaking, because I am with you, and I have many people in this city.”
So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching people about God’s word. Later, some Jewish leaders brought Paul to a Roman governor named Gallio and complained about him. Gallio said the problem was about their own religious questions, so he sent them away. Then Paul traveled on to Ephesus, and later to other places, to help the believers grow strong in their faith.
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 Aquila and Priscilla were ordinary working people who opened their home to Paul. Ask children how they could help a friend or family member this week, the same way this couple helped Paul.
Acts 18:10
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 explain that God made this promise to Paul when he felt scared. Help the children see that God makes the same promise to them when they feel nervous about something.
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)
Point out that Priscilla and Aquila did not argue with Apollos or make him feel silly. They gently explained more about Jesus, and that is a kind way to help someone learn.
Talk About It
- What kind of work did Aquila and Paul do together, and why do you think God used their work?
- How did God help Paul feel brave when people were arguing with him?
- Who is one person you know who needs to hear about Jesus?
- What is one thing you could say to help a friend learn about God?
- How can you tell that God is with you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Tent Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a simple tent shape and write “God is with me” on the front. Let them decorate the tent with stars, a cross, or a picture of someone they want to tell about Jesus. Children can take the tent home and place it where they will see it each day.
Speak and Don’t Be Silent Game
You will need a few chairs and an open space. Set the chairs in a circle, and have children walk around them while you call out “Speak!” or “Be quiet!” When they hear “Speak,” they say one kind thing about Jesus, and when they hear “Be quiet,” they freeze. Keep the game short and cheerful so children enjoy practicing bold but kind words.
Family Encouragement Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pen. Have each family member write one way they can share God’s love this week and place it in the jar. Choose one slip from the jar each day at dinner and read it out loud together. This helps children remember that God uses everyday moments to share His word.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God works through ordinary people in ordinary places, such as workplaces, homes, and everyday conversations. Paul’s ministry in Corinth grew not because of his cleverness but because God gave him courage and sent believers to support him. Adults can see how God’s guidance and encouragement strengthen the church through shared work and hospitality.
Be careful not to suggest to children that being brave means never feeling afraid. The text shows Paul receiving a direct word from God because he needed encouragement, which reminds children that God comforts us in fear rather than asking us to feel no fear at all.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for being with us every day, just as You were with Paul. Help us be brave and kind when we talk about You, and help us not to be afraid. Show us the people we can share Your love with this week. Amen.
