This lesson teaches children that God is with His people even when they face hard things, and that Stephen trusted Him to the very end. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including reading, discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
God is always with His people, even when they are treated unfairly. Stephen trusted God and asked Him to take care of others, even while he was being hurt.
Memory Verse
Acts 7:59
They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
(WEB)
Cup both hands together in front of your chest like you are holding something very special. Say the verse slowly while you hold your hands, then open them gently as you say “Lord Jesus.” Repeat it three times together.
The Story: Acts 7 for Kids
Stephen was a good man who told people about Jesus. Some leaders did not like what he was saying, and they brought him in front of the high priest to answer questions. Stephen did not hide what he believed. He stood up and told the story of God’s people, from Abraham all the way to Moses and Solomon. He wanted everyone to remember how faithful God had been to them over many years.
Moses was one of the important people Stephen talked about. God sent Moses to lead His people out of Egypt, even though the people did not always listen to him. God spoke to Moses from a bush that was on fire but was not burning up. God told Moses that the ground was holy and that God had heard His people crying. God wanted to rescue them.
Stephen told the leaders that they were not listening to God either. This made them very angry. They covered their ears and rushed at Stephen. They dragged him out of the city and threw stones at him. Stephen was not afraid. He looked up toward heaven and saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand.
While the people were throwing stones, Stephen prayed out loud. He said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” Then he asked God not to hold this sin against the people who were hurting him. After he prayed, Stephen died. Even in the hardest moment, Stephen trusted God and cared about the people who were treating him badly.
Read It Together
Acts 7:31-32
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)
Point out that Moses was surprised when he saw the bush, and that God spoke to him in a way he could hear. Explain that God still speaks to His people and cares about what they go through, even when they feel surprised or scared.
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)
Show children that Stephen was full of the Holy Spirit and was able to see heaven even while people were hurting him. Explain that Stephen could look up and see Jesus, which helped him stay calm and brave.
Acts 7:60
He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
(WEB)
Ask children to notice what Stephen prayed for, even though people were being unkind to him. Explain that Stephen asked God to forgive the people who were hurting him, which shows a heart that loves others.
Talk About It
- What do you think Stephen felt when people started throwing stones at him?
- How did God take care of Moses when Moses was scared at the burning bush?
- What did Stephen do when people were being unkind to him?
- Why do you think Stephen prayed for the people who were hurting him?
- How can you remember that God is with you when things feel hard?
Activity Ideas
Burning Bush Craft
You will need paper, red, orange and yellow crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have children draw a simple bush on the paper, then color flames around it using the warm colors. Glue a few cotton balls on the bush to look like it is glowing. As they work, talk about how God spoke to Moses from the bush and told him that God had heard His people.
Stone Pass Game
You will need a soft ball or a folded sock to act as a stone and a few chairs set in a circle. Children pass the ball around while you say a short prayer, such as “God is with us.” When you clap, the child holding the ball stops and says one thing they can trust God for. This game helps children practice remembering that God is with them even when things are hard.
Pocket Reminder Card
You will need an index card or a small piece of paper, a pen, and a rubber band. Write the memory verse on the card and let children decorate the edges with stickers or drawings. Show them how to fold the card and keep it in a pocket or clip it to their backpack with a rubber band. Encourage them to read it when they feel worried or scared.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God has been faithful to His people across many generations, and that Stephen’s death was a costly witness to Jesus. Stephen’s words to the leaders were direct, and his prayer for his killers reflects the mercy and forgiveness that Jesus taught. Adults can see how Stephen’s trust in God shaped the way he faced suffering.
With children, avoid overstating the violence of the stoning or turning the lesson into a focus on the leaders’ anger. Keep the emphasis on God’s presence, Stephen’s trust, and his prayer of forgiveness, and let children ask questions at their own pace.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You are always with us, even when things feel hard. Help us trust You like Stephen did, and help us care about others even when they are unkind to us. Thank You for hearing our prayers. Amen.
