Lesson kit: Stephen, the First Martyr
Everything you need to teach this story in Sunday school, kids' church or at home: lesson plan, questions and a printable sheet.
- Passage
- Acts 6—7
- Ages
- 6 to 8
- Length
- 37 minutes
Lesson aim
The love of Jesus teaches us to forgive even those who hurt us.
Key verse
“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen. They saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” Acts 6:15
Lesson plan
- 1
Welcome · 5 minutes
Greet the children, sing a song they know and say a short prayer.
- 2
The story · 10 minutes
Tell the story with the illustrations on the big screen or by reading it aloud, page by page.
Open on the big screen → - 3
Talk · 10 minutes
Ask the questions below and let the children answer in their own words.
- 4
Activity · 10 minutes
Hand out the printed sheet: each child draws their favourite scene and practises the verse.
- 5
Closing prayer · 2 minutes
Close by thanking God for what you learned today. The love of Jesus teaches us to forgive even those who hurt us.
Discussion questions
- What did Stephen’s face look like before the council?
- What did Stephen see in heaven?
- What did he ask God at the end?
Summary for the teacher
Stephen was full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and he helped people in need. Some leaders made up lies about him. Before the council, his face shone like an angel’s, and he told the story of God’s people that pointed to Jesus. As he was being killed, Stephen saw Jesus in heaven and prayed, forgiving those who attacked him.
Child's sheet
Name: ______________________________
Stephen, the First Martyr
Acts 6—7
- What did Stephen’s face look like before the council?
- What did Stephen see in heaven?
- What did he ask God at the end?
✂️ Cut out and take home
“All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen. They saw that his face was like the face of an angel.”
Acts 6:15