In this lesson, children learn that Stephen trusted God even when people hurt him, and that God is with us in hard times too. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is with us all the time, even when people are mean to us. We can talk to God and trust him no matter what happens.
Memory Verse
Acts 7:59
They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together in front of their chest as if holding something precious, then slowly open them like a gift being given to God. Say the words together as you open your hands each time.
The Story: Acts 7 for Kids
Stephen was a helper in the early church, and he told people about Jesus. Some leaders did not like what he said, and they brought him to the high priest to answer some questions. The high priest asked him, “Are these things so?” Stephen answered with a long story about God’s people, starting with Abraham.
Stephen told how God led Abraham, and how Joseph was sold by his brothers but later saved many people in Egypt. He told how God heard his people in Egypt and sent Moses to set them free. Moses met God in a bush that burned but was not burned up. God said, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Stephen wanted the people to remember that God had always been faithful.
Some of the listeners were so angry that they covered their ears and rushed at Stephen. They dragged him out of the city, and they threw stones at him. This was a sad and frightening moment, and Stephen did not run away.
While he was being hurt, Stephen looked up and saw God’s glory and Jesus standing beside God. He prayed out loud, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he kneeled down and prayed again, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” After that he fell asleep, which means he died trusting God.
Read It Together
Acts 7:55-56
55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
(WEB)
Point out that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit, and that even in danger he looked up toward heaven. Ask children what it means that God was still with Stephen during something scary.
Acts 7:9-10
9 “The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him, 10 and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
(WEB)
Show children that Joseph’s brothers meant to hurt him, but God was with Joseph and helped him. Explain that God can bring good out of hard things, even when we cannot see it yet.
Acts 7:30-32
30 “When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close to see, a voice of the Lord came to him, 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Moses trembled, and dared not look.
(WEB)
Talk about how God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and spoke to him. Point out that God is real and that he speaks to his people, even in unusual places.
Talk About It
- What did Stephen do when people were being unkind to him?
- How did Stephen know that God was still with him?
- Can you think of a time when you felt scared, and how did you talk to God about it?
- Why do you think God helped Joseph even when his brothers were mean to him?
- What is one thing you can say to God when you feel afraid or sad?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Burning Bush
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a little glue if you want to add cotton balls. Have children draw a bush in the middle of the page, then color orange, yellow, and red flames around it. Explain that the bush was on fire but not burned up, which shows that God is powerful and always with his people.
Stone Freeze Game
Gather a few soft balls or rolled-up socks to act as stones, and set up a simple space in the room. Let children take turns moving slowly across the room while others call out “Stop!” and freeze like statues. Talk about how Stephen stayed calm and faithful even when things were hard, and remind children that God is always near.
Prayer Pocket Card
You will need an index card, a pen, and a small paper bag or envelope. Help each child write or draw one thing they want to tell God when they feel scared or sad. Let them put the card in a pocket, bag, or envelope to take home and remind them that they can pray anytime.
Teacher Notes
Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 retells the history of God’s people, showing that God has been faithful through many generations. For adults, the passage highlights that faithfulness to God can lead to suffering, yet Stephen’s final words reveal trust, forgiveness, and a vision of Jesus honored in heaven. Adults can see that God’s presence is not measured by our comfort or safety.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that obeying God always means nothing bad will happen to us. Stephen was hurt and died, so be honest that trusting God does not mean avoiding all pain, but that God is with us through it.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you that you are always with us, even when things feel hard or scary. Help us to trust you like Stephen did, and to talk to you when we feel afraid. Thank you for loving us and never leaving us alone. Amen.
