This lesson teaches children that God is with His people in every place, even in prison, and that He can open doors no one else can. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the activity and the prayer.
Big Idea
God goes with us everywhere, and He is able to do good things even when things look dark and scary. We can trust Him in every place we go.
Memory Verse
Acts 16:31
They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
(WEB)
Have the children hold both hands out in front of them, palms up, then slowly fold them together over their hearts as they say the verse. Repeat it three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the words settle into memory.
The Story: Acts 16 for Kids
Paul and his friend Silas were traveling to tell people about Jesus. One day, a young girl kept following them and shouting about them in the street. She had a bad spirit in her, and she made money for her masters by telling fortunes. Paul was bothered by this, so he told the spirit to leave her, and it did.
Her masters were angry, because they had lost the money they earned from her. They grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them before the judges. The crowd joined in, and the judges had Paul and Silas beaten and thrown into a dark prison. The guard locked their feet in wooden stocks so they could not run away.
At midnight, Paul and Silas were not sad or angry. They were praying and singing songs to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly the ground shook hard, the prison doors flew open, and every chain fell off. The guard woke up and saw the doors open. He thought the prisoners had all escaped, so he pulled out his sword to hurt himself.
Paul shouted, “Don’t hurt yourself! We are all still here!” The guard was shaking with fear. He fell down in front of Paul and Silas and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” Paul said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” That night, the guard and his whole family believed and were baptized, and he took care of Paul and Silas’s wounds.
In the morning, the judges sent word that Paul and Silas could go free. Paul reminded them that they were Roman citizens who had been treated unfairly, and the judges were afraid and came to apologize. Paul and Silas went to Lydia’s house, encouraged the believers there, and then continued on their way.
Read It Together
Acts 16:25
But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul and Silas were in a dark, painful place, yet they were praying and singing. Ask the children what they might do when they feel scared, and remind them that God hears them wherever they are.
Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened.
(WEB)
Show the children that God can do things no one expects, such as opening doors with an earthquake. Explain that God’s power is bigger than any problem we face, and that He cares about the people in the story.
Acts 16:33-34
33 He took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household. 34 He brought them up into his house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all his household, having believed in God.
(WEB)
Point out how the jailer changed from being scared to being happy and kind. Explain that when people trust Jesus, their hearts change and they begin to care for others, just as the jailer cared for Paul and Silas.
Talk About It
- What do you think Paul and Silas felt when they were put in the dark prison, and what did they choose to do?
- Why do you think the other prisoners stayed to listen to the singing?
- How do you think the jailer felt when he saw the doors open, and what changed his mind?
- What is one thing you can do when you feel scared, like Paul and Silas did?
- How did the jailer show that he had become a new person after he believed in Jesus?
Activity Ideas
Paper Prison Doors Craft
Give each child a sheet of construction paper, scissors, crayons and a glue stick. Have them draw a simple prison door with bars, then cut the bars out so the door looks open when they fold it. Let them decorate the door with bright colors, and talk about how God opened the doors in the story.
Earthquake Freeze Game
Play a simple movement game in a open space. Call out “earthquake!” and have the children shake their whole bodies, then call “freeze!” and have them stop in place. Between rounds, invite the children to sing a short song together, just as Paul and Silas did.
Take-Home Thank You Card
Provide blank index cards, markers and stickers. Ask each child to draw a picture of someone who helps them feel safe, then write or dictate a short note saying thank you. Encourage them to share the card with that person at home this week, reminding everyone that God uses people to care for us.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God’s work continues even when His servants suffer. Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for speaking about Jesus, yet they responded with prayer and praise, and God used their faithfulness to bring the jailer and his household to faith. It also shows that salvation is offered to anyone who believes, and that the good news spreads through ordinary relationships in homes and families.
Be careful not to suggest to children that bad things will always end quickly or that praying will guarantee an earthquake or an escape. Keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness, and remind them that God does not always rescue us in the same way, but He is always with us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are with us in every place, even in dark and scary times. Help us to trust You when we feel afraid, and help us to sing and pray to You. Thank You for opening our hearts to Jesus. Amen.
