This lesson teaches children that the early church took care of everyone, especially people who were easy to forget, and that God helps his people do this kindly and fairly. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God’s family takes care of every person, and God helps us share kindness fairly with everyone around us.
Memory Verse
Acts 6:3
Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
(WEB)
Have children hold up seven fingers and then press their palms together as if praying. Say the verse slowly together, touching a finger each time you say a word about choosing or being full, so the movement helps them remember the seven helpers.
The Story: Acts 6 for Kids
The church in Jerusalem was growing fast. More and more people were becoming followers of Jesus, and many of them had nothing to eat. Some of the widows, women whose husbands had died, were being left out when food was handed out each day. Some of the people who spoke Greek felt that their widows were being forgotten. This made people upset, and a complaint was raised.
The twelve apostles called everyone together. They said, “It is not right for us to stop teaching God’s word just to serve tables. Choose seven good men who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will put them in charge of this work.” The whole group liked this idea. They picked Stephen, a man full of faith, along with six others.
The apostles prayed for these seven men and laid their hands on them to show that they were being given this job. God’s message kept spreading, and more and more people trusted Jesus, even some priests.
Stephen was full of God’s power and did many amazing things among the people. Some men argued with him, but they could not win against the wisdom God gave him. Those men were angry, so they made up lies about him. They said, “We heard him speak against Moses and God.” They brought him to the council to be judged.
At the council, false witnesses spoke against Stephen. As everyone looked at him, his face shone like the face of an angel. Even while people were trying to hurt him, Stephen was calm and full of God’s light.
Read It Together
Acts 6:1-2
1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. 2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.
(WEB)
Point out that the problem started when some people were being left out. Ask children what it feels like to be left out of a game or a meal, and why God’s family did not want anyone forgotten.
Acts 6:4-6
4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.” 5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; 6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
(WEB)
Show how the apostles prayed and chose helpers together. Notice that the whole group agreed, and that praying before serving shows we want God to lead us in helping others.
Acts 6:8-10
8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. 10 They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
(WEB)
Point out that Stephen was strong in faith and wise because of the Holy Spirit. Help children see that God gives us the courage and words we need when we are trying to do what is right.
Talk About It
- Who were the widows, and why do you think the early church wanted to take care of them?
- What do you think the apostles felt when people complained, and what did they decide to do?
- How did the group choose the seven helpers, and why was it important that they were full of the Holy Spirit?
- What is one way you could help someone in your family or class who might be left out?
- How did God help Stephen when people were trying to hurt him, and how can God help you when you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Seven Helper Hands Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace a hand on paper, cut it out, and write one way they can help someone on each finger. Use seven hands or fewer, and display them on the wall as a reminder that God’s family helps everyone.
Pass the Plate Game
You will need a paper plate, a few small snack crackers or pretend food, and a timer. Children stand in a circle and pass the plate around while music plays. When the music stops, the child holding the plate gives one piece of food to the child beside them and says how they can share kindly. Keep the game short and fun.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a marker. Ask each child to write or draw one person they want to help this week, then put the card where they will see it at breakfast or bedtime. Encourage the family to pray for that person together each day that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that a healthy church notices needs, including the needs of people who are easy to overlook, and that leaders can share responsibility by choosing others to serve. It also shows that prayer, the Holy Spirit, and wisdom guide every good work, and that faithful people can keep their trust in God even when they face opposition.
Avoid overstating to children that doing good always keeps us out of trouble. Stephen was faithful and was still falsely accused, so be honest that following Jesus can be hard while God still gives us peace and strength.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for caring about every person, even the ones who are easy to forget. Help us share kindly and fairly with our family, our friends, and our neighbors. Fill us with your wisdom and your Spirit, so we can serve you with joy. Amen.
