This lesson teaches children that God notices and values every person who loves Jesus, even the ones whose names we rarely hear. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows every one of His children by name, and every person in His family has a job to do that matters.
Memory Verse
Romans 16:16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.
(WEB)
Have the children stand, put one hand over their heart, and wave the other hand in a big circle while saying the verse together. Ask them to do the same motion each time they hear the word “greet” in the lesson.
The Story: Romans 16 for Kids
Paul was writing a letter to friends in the city of Rome. He had never visited them yet, but he knew many of them by name. At the end of his letter, he took time to say hello to lots of people, one by one. Some of these friends were men, and some were women. Some were rich, and some worked very hard with their hands.
Paul asked the Roman church to welcome a woman named Phoebe. She had been a helper to many people, including Paul himself. He wanted everyone to know how kind and faithful she had been. Paul also remembered a married couple named Priscilla and Aquila. They had risked their own safety to help him, and Paul said that many churches were thankful for them.
Paul greeted a friend named Mary, and he said she had worked very hard for the church. He also greeted Andronicus and Junia, who had been believers even before Paul was. Paul said they were well known among the apostles. Paul remembered a man named Rufus, and he even mentioned Rufus’s mother, who had been like a mother to Paul too.
Near the end of the letter, Paul asked his friends to greet one another with love. He told them to watch out for people who tried to cause fights and to stay close to what they had learned about Jesus. Then Paul ended his letter by saying, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!”
Read It Together
Romans 16:1-2
1 I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, 2 that you receive her in the Lord, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you, for she herself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul called Phoebe a sister and a helper. Ask the children what it means to help someone, and how Phoebe helped other people in her church.
Romans 16:3-4
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul thanked Priscilla and Aquila for risking their lives. Explain that Paul was grateful for people who stood up for him, and that God sees the brave things we do for others.
Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.
(WEB)
Point out that Andronicus and Junia were believers before Paul, and that they were respected. Help the children see that people can serve God in many different ways, and that God remembers each one.
Talk About It
- What is one thing Phoebe did to help other people?
- Why do you think Paul took the time to say hello to so many people?
- How did Priscilla and Aquila show that they loved Paul?
- Who is someone in your church or family that you could say thank you to this week?
- How can you help someone in your class feel welcome and known by God?
Activity Ideas
Name Card Crowns
You will need paper strips, markers, tape, and safety scissors. Have each child write their own name in big letters on a paper strip, then decorate it with drawings of things they love. Tape the strip into a loop that fits their head. Explain that God knows every child by name, and that each one is a special part of His family.
Greeting Relay Game
Divide the children into two teams and have them line up behind a starting line. Place a small object like a block at the far end of the room. Each child must run to the block, pick it up, and greet their teammate with a friendly wave or a handshake before the next child goes. Talk about how Paul greeted many people, and how every greeting shows that we care about each other.
Thank You Card for a Helper
You will need paper, crayons, and an envelope. Ask each child to think of someone who has helped them this week, like a parent, teacher, or neighbor. Have them draw a picture and write or dictate a short thank you note. Encourage them to deliver the card at home so they can practice showing gratitude, just as Paul praised the helpers in his letter.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Romans 16 shows that the church is built on real relationships. Paul’s long list of greetings reminds us that God values every believer, including those who work quietly behind the scenes. The chapter also highlights the important roles that women played in the early church, including Phoebe, Priscilla, and Junia.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God only loves people who do big things. The point is that God knows and values everyone in His family, not that we earn His love through service. Keep the focus on God’s care and on the joy of loving others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You that You know each of us by name. Help us to be kind and helpful like Phoebe and Priscilla. Show us how to welcome our friends and to thank the people who help us. Thank You for loving every one of us. Amen.
