In this lesson, children learn that Paul told everyone he met about Jesus, even when it got him into trouble. This lesson is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God can change a person’s heart, and when he does, we can tell others about Jesus, even when it is hard.
Memory Verse
Acts 26:16
But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you…
(WEB)
Have children stand up tall with their hands pointing forward, like a messenger ready to go. Then let them slowly wave their hands out to the side as they say the verse, showing that God sends us out to tell.
The Story: Acts 26 for Kids
Paul was in trouble. People did not like what he said about Jesus, so he was put in chains and brought before a king named Agrippa. Before this, Paul had been a man who hated Jesus’ followers. He put many of them in prison, and he even voted to have some of them killed. He wanted to stop anyone who followed Jesus.
One day, Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus. Suddenly, a bright light from the sky shone all around him. It was brighter than the sun! Paul fell down to the ground. Then he heard a voice. The voice said, “Saul, Saul, why are you hurting me?” It was Jesus himself speaking to him.
Jesus did not leave Paul on the ground. He told Paul to stand up. Jesus said he had a special job for Paul. Paul would be a servant and a witness, which means he would tell people what he had seen and what Jesus would show him. Jesus promised to keep Paul safe from the people who would be angry with him.
Paul obeyed. He told people in many places that they should turn away from doing wrong and turn to God. Some people did not like this, and they grabbed Paul and tried to hurt him. But Paul trusted God to help him. He stood before King Agrippa and told him the whole story of how Jesus had changed his life.
King Agrippa listened, but he did not become a Christian that day. Paul told the king that he wished everyone who heard him would have a heart like his, except for the chains. The king and his friends agreed that Paul had done nothing wrong, and they said he could have gone free if he had not asked to be heard by Caesar.
Read It Together
Acts 26:17-18
17 Delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you, 18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus sent Paul to help people see the light and turn from darkness to God. Ask children to name what they think “darkness” and “light” mean in this story.
Acts 26:22-23
22 Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles.”
(WEB)
Show children that Paul said he was telling the same things the prophets and Moses had spoken about long before. Explain that God’s plan for Jesus was written down ahead of time.
Acts 26:28-29
28 Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?” 29 Paul said, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me today, might become such as I am, except for these bonds.”
(WEB)
Point out that Paul did not get angry at the king. Paul simply wished that everyone would know Jesus as he did. Ask children how Paul showed kindness even when someone did not agree with him.
Talk About It
- What did Paul do before he met Jesus on the road, and how did Jesus change him?
- What kind of job did Jesus give Paul, and what does it mean to be a witness?
- Why do you think Paul kept telling people about Jesus even when he got into trouble?
- How did Paul treat King Agrippa and the other people who did not believe him?
- Who is one person in your life you could tell about Jesus this week, and what could you say?
Activity Ideas
Light Shining Craft
You will need construction paper, a flashlight, glue, and crayons. Have children draw a simple picture of a dark room on one sheet of paper. On a second sheet, they can draw a bright sun or a star. Let them cut out the star and glue it in the corner of the dark picture, showing how Jesus brings light. Talk about how God helped Paul turn from darkness to light.
Messenger Relay Game
You will need a small object such as a ball or a bean bag. Have children stand in a line. Whisper a short message into the first child’s ear, such as “Jesus loves you.” Each child passes the message to the next. Let the last child say it out loud. Explain that Paul was a messenger, and we can also share the good news about Jesus with others.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a pencil. Have each child write one name of a person they would like to tell about Jesus. Encourage them to draw a small light beam beside the name. Ask children to take the card home and place it somewhere they will see it each day. Remind them to pray for that person and look for a chance to share.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows how God can completely change a person’s direction. Paul went from persecuting believers to becoming one of the most faithful witnesses to Jesus. It also reveals that God calls ordinary people to share their faith, even in hard circumstances, and that God is faithful to protect those who follow him.
With children, avoid overstating what happened to King Agrippa. The text does not say whether he became a Christian, so it is best to say simply that he listened to Paul and did not decide to follow Jesus that day. Let children wonder about it without filling in details the story does not give.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving us and for calling us to tell others about you. Help us to be brave like Paul when it is hard to speak up. Show us the people we can share your love with this week. Help us to be kind and patient as we talk about you. We love you, Jesus. Amen.
