In this lesson, children learn that God can use us to share His love wherever we are, even when things feel hard or unfamiliar. The lesson is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God can use us to tell others about Jesus, no matter where we are or what happens to us. We can be brave and kind because God is with us.
Memory Verse
Acts 28:31
Preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, then slowly open your arms wide like you are sharing a big gift with everyone in the room. Say the verse together as you move your arms, and do it again with a big smile.
The Story: Acts 28 for Kids
Paul and his friends had a long, scary trip on a big boat. The wind was strong and the waves were high, and at last the boat ran aground on an island called Malta. Everyone swam or floated to shore, and they were all safe. The people on the island were kind to them. They built a warm fire because it was raining and cold.
Paul picked up some sticks and put them on the fire. Suddenly a snake jumped out of the sticks and grabbed his hand! The island people saw the snake hanging from Paul’s hand. They whispered, “This man must be a bad person, because he is being punished!” But Paul just shook the snake off into the fire, and nothing bad happened to him. The people watched and watched, and Paul was still fine. Then they said, “He must be a special man of God!”
Paul’s new friend on the island was a leader named Publius. Publius’s father was very sick with a fever. Paul went into the house, prayed for him, and put his hands on him. The sick man got better! Soon, other sick people on the island came to Paul, and he prayed for them too, and they were healed. The people were so thankful that they gave Paul and his friends many good things for their trip.
After three months, Paul and his friends sailed on to Rome. When they got there, Paul was still a prisoner, but he could stay in a rented house with a soldier to guard him. Paul called the Jewish leaders in Rome to talk with him. He told them about Jesus and God’s kingdom. Some of the people believed, and some did not. Paul said, “The good news of God’s salvation is sent to all people, and they will listen!”
For two whole years, Paul lived in his house in Rome. Everyone who came to visit him heard about Jesus. Paul taught them boldly and did not let anyone stop him. Even when life was hard, God helped Paul share the good news.
Read It Together
Acts 28:1-2
1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta. 2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
(WEB)
Point out how the people on Malta were kind to strangers who had just been shipwrecked. Ask the children how they can show kindness to people who are new or who need help.
Acts 28:8-9
8 The father of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paul entered in to him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.
(WEB)
Show the children how Paul prayed and healed the sick man, and how God worked through him. Explain that healing came from God, not from Paul himself, and that prayer means asking God for help.
Acts 28:30-31
30 Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him, 31 preaching God’s Kingdom, and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.
(WEB)
Point out that Paul stayed in Rome for two years and kept telling people about Jesus. Emphasize that he was not afraid to share God’s kingdom, even while he was in chains.
Talk About It
- What do you think Paul felt when the snake grabbed his hand, and what did he do?
- How did the people on the island show kindness to Paul and his friends?
- Why do you think Paul prayed for the sick people on Malta?
- Where is a place you go where you could tell someone about Jesus?
- How can God help you be brave when something scary happens?
Activity Ideas
Paint a Map of Paul’s Journey
You will need a large sheet of paper, crayons or markers, and a picture of a boat if you have one. Draw a simple map showing the island of Malta and the city of Rome. Let the children draw a boat, a fire, and a house in Rome, then talk about how God was with Paul at each stop.
Shake It Off Game
Ask the children to stand in a circle. Call out “snake!” and have everyone shake their hands hard, like Paul shaking off the viper. Then call out “God is with us!” and have everyone raise their arms high. Play a few rounds and talk about how God helps us when we feel scared.
Share the Good News Card
Give each child an index card and some stickers. Ask them to write or draw one thing they could tell a friend about Jesus this week. Let them take the card home and place it on the fridge or by their bed as a reminder to share God’s love with someone.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that the gospel travels into new places and new cultures, often through people who face danger, delay and uncertainty. Paul’s willingness to share Jesus even while in chains reminds us that God’s work does not depend on our comfort or circumstances.
Be careful not to suggest that children can heal people in the same way Paul did, or that sickness is always healed when we pray. Focus instead on God’s power and faithfulness, and on the fact that prayer is talking to God with trust, whatever the outcome.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for being with us wherever we go. Help us to be kind to people who are new or who need help, and help us to be brave when we want to tell others about You. Give us courage and joy to share Your love every day. Amen.
