In this lesson, children learn that Peter and John stayed brave and told everyone about Jesus, even when leaders told them to stop. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God gives us courage to tell others about Jesus, even when it is hard. We do not have to be scared, because God is always with us.
Memory Verse
Acts 4:13
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding something precious, then slowly lift them up and open them wide, as if you are sharing it with everyone in the room.
The Story: Acts 4 for Kids
One day, Peter and John were teaching people about Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. They told everyone that Jesus had died and that God raised him back to life. Some priests and leaders got very upset, so they grabbed Peter and John and put them in jail for the night.
The next morning, the rulers gathered together to ask Peter and John a question. “By what power did you heal this man?” they asked. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, so he was not scared at all. He said, “It was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth that this man was healed!”
The leaders were amazed. Peter and John were regular men who had never gone to fancy schools, and yet they spoke so boldly. The leaders noticed something else too. The man who had been healed was standing right there next to them, and the leaders could not say a word against it.
The leaders told Peter and John to stop talking about Jesus. But Peter and John answered, “Should we listen to you more than to God? We cannot stop telling what we have seen and heard!” So the leaders let them go, and Peter and John went back to their friends.
When they got back, everyone prayed together and asked God for more courage. The place they were meeting in shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They spoke God’s word with great boldness. Everyone shared what they had, and no one went without.
Read It Together
Acts 4:19-20
19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 20 for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
(WEB)
Point out that Peter and John chose to obey God instead of the leaders who told them to stop. Ask the children what they think it means to obey God first, and how they can do that in their own school or home.
Acts 4:31
When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
(WEB)
Show the children that the building shook when the believers prayed, and that God filled them with the Holy Spirit. Explain that God answered their prayer for courage in a powerful way.
Acts 4:32
The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
(WEB)
Point out that the believers were of one heart and soul, and they shared everything they had. Ask the children how they can share and care for their friends in the same way.
Talk About It
- What did Peter and John do when the leaders told them to stop talking about Jesus?
- How do you think Peter and John felt when they were put in jail?
- What is one thing you could tell a friend about Jesus this week?
- Why do you think the believers prayed for courage instead of for an easy life?
- How did the believers show love to each other when they shared everything?
Activity Ideas
Brave Peter and John Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of Peter and John standing up tall and speaking to the leaders. Encourage them to add a big smile or a loud voice bubble to show their courage. Let the children share their drawings and tell one thing they would say about Jesus.
Stand Tall and Speak Up Game
You will need an open space and a few chairs. Have children stand up one at a time and say a short sentence about Jesus, like “Jesus loves me,” in a loud and clear voice. The rest of the group can cheer them on with a movement, like a thumbs up. Take turns until everyone has had a chance to speak.
Courage Jar at Home
You will need a small jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask your child to write one brave thing they can do for Jesus on each strip, such as sharing a toy or telling a friend about church. Fold the strips and place them in the jar. Each day, pull out one strip and do that brave act together as a family.
Teacher Notes
This passage shows that God gives boldness to ordinary believers who depend on the Holy Spirit. Peter and John were not trained leaders, yet the leaders noticed that they had been with Jesus. The early church also shows that faith and generosity grow together as people care for one another.
Be careful not to suggest that children will always be rescued from danger when they speak about Jesus. Peter and John faced real opposition, and many believers in history have suffered greatly for their faith. Focus on God’s presence and courage, not on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for giving us courage like Peter and John. Help us to speak about you with love and boldness, even when it feels scary. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us to share what we have with our friends. We trust that you are always with us. Amen.
