This lesson teaches children that Paul told everyone he could about Jesus, even when he was in trouble. It is built for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the activities, and the prayer at the end.
Big Idea
Jesus can change anyone’s heart, and we can tell others about Him no matter where we are or what happens to us.
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)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are receiving a gift. Then raise your hands high above your head, the way Paul was told to stand up on his feet. Say the verse together while you do the motions twice.
The Story: Acts 26 for Kids
Paul was a prisoner, standing in front of a king named Agrippa. Paul had not always loved Jesus. He used to be a man named Saul, and he hurt many people who followed Jesus. He put them in prison because he wanted them to stop talking about Jesus.
One day, Saul was traveling on the road to a city called Damascus. Suddenly a bright light from the sky shone all around him, brighter than the sun. Saul fell down to the ground. Then he heard a voice speaking to him. The voice said, “Saul, Saul, why are you hurting me?”
Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The voice answered, “I am Jesus, the One you are hurting. Get up and stand on your feet. I am sending you to tell people about Me.” Saul did not disobey. He obeyed the voice from heaven, even though it changed his whole life.
Now Paul was telling King Agrippa this amazing story. He said that he went to many places to tell people to turn away from their sins and turn to God. Some Jews became angry and tried to hurt him in the temple. But God helped Paul, so he kept on telling everyone the good news.
King Agrippa listened carefully. Then he said to Paul, “You almost make me want to become a Christian!” Paul answered kindly that he wished everyone in the room could know Jesus, not just a little, but completely. The king and his friends agreed that Paul had done nothing wrong.
Read It Together
Acts 26:1
Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand, and made his defense.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul was allowed to speak for himself, even though he was in trouble. Ask the children how they think Paul felt standing before a king, and encourage them to notice that he did not run away from the chance to talk about Jesus.
Acts 26:18
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)
Show the children that Jesus wants to help people move from darkness into light. Explain that “darkness” means being far from God, and “light” means knowing Him and living close to Him. Ask them to name something that helps them see better in the dark, like a flashlight or a nightlight.
Acts 26:28
Agrippa said to Paul, “With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?”
(WEB)
Point out that the king was almost convinced, but he did not decide right then. Talk about how some people hear about Jesus and need time to think about it. Remind the children that we can keep praying for our friends and family, even when they do not answer right away.
Talk About It
- What do you think Saul felt when the bright light shone around him on the road?
- Why do you think Jesus asked Saul why he was hurting Him?
- How did Paul keep telling people about Jesus even when he was in trouble?
- Who is one person you would like to tell about Jesus this week?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel scared to share about Jesus?
Activity Ideas
Light Up the Road Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a yellow or white crayon for the light. Ask each child to draw a road with a bright light shining from the sky above it. Let them draw a person standing on the road with a smile on his face. Talk about how Jesus’s light changed Saul into Paul.
Stand Up and Speak Up Game
You will need a small open space in a room and a few soft toys or pillows. Have the children lie down on the floor, pretending to have fallen like Saul did. Then call out “Stand up!” and have them jump up with their arms raised. Pass a toy around the circle and let each child say one thing they would tell a friend about Jesus.
Shine the Light Card
You will need an index card, a pencil, and a flashlight. Have each child write one name of a person they want to tell about Jesus on the card. Let them take the card home and place it near their nightlight or flashlight. Encourage them to pray for that person each night before bed.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God can turn a persecutor into a faithful witness. Paul’s transformation came from an encounter with the risen Jesus, and his mission was to open people’s eyes and turn them to God. Paul’s willingness to speak boldly before powerful people, while staying humble and respectful, is a model for how believers can share their faith today.
Avoid overstating to children that every person who hears about Jesus will immediately believe, as Agrippa did not decide on the spot. Keep the focus on faithfulness in sharing and on trusting God with the results. Remind children that God is the one who changes hearts, and our job is to speak kindly and keep praying.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for shining Your light on us and making us bright. Help us to tell others about You, even when it feels hard. Give us courage like Paul had, and help us to love the people around us. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
