This lesson teaches children that God can bring life back, even when things look hopeless, and that Paul cared deeply for the people he led. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is powerful enough to bring life back, and He helps His people care for one another, even when it is hard to say goodbye.
Memory Verse
Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, as if you are giving a gift. Then bring them back to your heart and say the words together. Your hands show that giving is a way of loving others.
The Story: Acts 20 for Kids
Paul was a missionary who loved the new friends he had made in many towns. After a lot of hard work, he decided it was time to travel on to Macedonia, Greece, and then toward Jerusalem. Before he left, he visited the believers and gave them encouragement with many kind words.
On the first day of the week, the believers gathered in an upper room to share a meal and listen to Paul. Paul talked on and on, and the room was full of lamps. A young man named Eutychus sat in the window, and he grew very sleepy. He fell asleep and tumbled down from the third floor. Everyone thought he had died.
Paul rushed down the stairs, bent over the boy, and wrapped his arms around him. Paul said, “Don’t be troubled, his life is in him.” Then the people brought the boy back upstairs alive, and everyone was greatly comforted. God had given them a happy surprise.
The next day, Paul said goodbye to the elders from Ephesus. He told them he was going to Jerusalem, and he did not know everything that would happen there. He reminded them to take good care of the people God had given them, like a shepherd cares for sheep.
Paul knelt down and prayed with all of them. They cried, hugged him, and kissed him. Then they walked with him all the way to the ship. Paul’s love for his friends was clear in every moment of that goodbye.
Read It Together
Acts 20:9-10
9 A certain young man named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paul spoke still longer, being weighed down by his sleep, he fell down from the third floor, and was taken up dead. 10 Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him said, “Don’t be troubled, for his life is in him.”
(WEB)
Point out that Eutychus was in danger, and that Paul did not wait to help. Ask children how Paul showed care by running to the boy and hugging him. Remind them that God is the one who gives life.
Acts 20:24
But these things don’t count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul wanted to finish his work for Jesus with joy, even though it would be hard. Point out that he did not count his own comfort as more important than telling others about God’s grace.
Acts 20:36
When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.
(WEB)
Show children that Paul prayed for his friends before he left. Talk about how prayer can be a way of saying goodbye and asking God to take care of people we love.
Talk About It
- How do you think the people felt when Eutychus fell, and then when he came back to life?
- What is one way Paul showed that he loved the believers in Ephesus?
- Why do you think Paul wanted to keep telling people about Jesus, even when it was hard?
- How can you help someone who is weak or needs help this week?
- Who is someone you could pray for today, the way Paul prayed for his friends?
Activity Ideas
Lamp and Window Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask children to draw an upper room with a window, several lamps, and a sleepy young man sitting in the window. Let them color the lamps bright yellow to show the room was full of light. Hang the pictures on the wall so the class can see the story together.
Gift Passing Game
You will need a small soft ball or a rolled-up sock. Have children stand in a circle and pass the object to the person next to them. Each time someone receives it, they say one way they can give to someone else, like sharing a toy or helping a friend. Remind them that Acts 20:35 says giving is a blessing.
Prayer Card for Home
You will need an index card, a pen, and a rubber band. Have each child write the name of one person they want to pray for and draw a small heart beside it. Let them take the card home and place it near their bed. Encourage them to pray for that person each night this week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows Paul’s deep love for the churches and his willingness to suffer for the gospel. It also shows that God works through ordinary moments, like a young man being raised back to life, to strengthen His people. Leaders are called to watch over the flock with care and humility.
Be careful not to make the story of Eutychus into a lesson that every fall or sleepy moment has a miracle attached. Keep the focus on God’s power and Paul’s care rather than suggesting that children should expect dramatic events.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You give life and help us care for each other. Help us to give and love like Paul did, even when saying goodbye is hard. Teach us to pray for our friends and family every day. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
