This lesson teaches children that when we know Jesus, we can tell others about him, even when it is hard. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, a discussion, and a prayer.
Big Idea
God gives us courage to tell everyone about Jesus, even when people tell us to stop. Peter and John could not keep quiet about what they had seen Jesus do.
Memory Verse
Acts 4:12
There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!”
(WEB)
Hold both hands up with your palms together, then slowly open them wide like a book. Say the words together, and open your hands on the word “name” so children remember that Jesus is the one true name we share.
The Story: Acts 4 for Kids
One day, Peter and John were in the temple in Jerusalem, talking to the people about Jesus. Earlier that day, they had helped a man who could not walk. He had sat by the temple gate for many years, and now he was jumping and praising God. A big crowd came to see what had happened.
The leaders of the temple were upset. They did not like that Peter and John were teaching people about Jesus being raised from the dead. So they grabbed Peter and John and put them in jail until the next morning. It was already evening, so they had to wait all night.
The next day, the leaders asked, “By what power did you heal this man?” Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and answered boldly. He said the man was healed in the name of Jesus Christ, the one they had crucified and God had raised from the dead. Peter was not afraid, even though the leaders were powerful and scary.
The leaders were amazed at how brave Peter and John were. They could see that these two men had been with Jesus. They told them to stop talking about Jesus, but Peter and John said, “We cannot stop telling what we have seen and heard.” So the leaders let them go.
Peter and John went back to their friends and told them everything. Together, they prayed to God and asked him to help them keep speaking boldly. The place where they prayed began to shake, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They shared God’s word with courage.
Read It Together
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)
Point out that the leaders saw Peter and John were ordinary men, yet they spoke with great courage. Ask children how they think Peter and John had become so brave, and remind them that they had spent time with Jesus.
Acts 4:20
For we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.”
(WEB)
Show children that Peter and John could not stop talking about what they had seen and heard. Explain that when we truly know something good, we naturally want to share it with others.
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)
Point out that after the friends prayed, God answered them by filling them with the Holy Spirit and shaking the place. Encourage children that we can always ask God for courage when we feel scared.
Talk About It
- What did Peter and John do for the man who could not walk, and how did he feel afterward?
- Why were the leaders upset with Peter and John for telling people about Jesus?
- What do you think Peter felt inside when he stood up to the leaders?
- Who is someone you could tell about Jesus this week?
- What can we pray for when we feel nervous about talking about God?
Activity Ideas
Courage Drawing Poster
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a picture of someone they could tell about Jesus, such as a friend, family member, or neighbor. Tape the drawings on a wall so the class can see all the people they are praying for and wanting to share with.
Boldness Freeze Game
Choose one child to be the leader, and have the others stand across the room. The leader calls out an action like jumping or clapping, and everyone copies. Then say, “Freeze, and tell a friend one thing about Jesus.” Children practice speaking up in a fun, low-pressure way while moving together.
Take-Home Courage Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope. Write Acts 4:20 on one side of each card and have children decorate the other side. Ask them to take it home and place it where they will see it, then share one thing about Jesus with someone that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the early church grew through ordinary people who were filled with the Holy Spirit and bold in their witness. The believers respond to opposition by turning to prayer rather than fear, and their unity shows in how they share what they have. Their courage flows from the resurrection of Jesus, which is the center of their message.
Be careful not to suggest to children that bravery means they will never feel afraid or that God will always keep them out of trouble. Peter and John were arrested and threatened, and the chapter does not promise an easy path. Focus on God’s presence and the courage he gives, rather than promising comfort or safety.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for Peter and John and for the friends who prayed together. Please give us courage to tell others about Jesus, even when we feel nervous. Fill us with your Holy Spirit and help us speak your word with kindness and boldness. Amen.
