Lesson kit: Paul in Prison
Everything you need to teach this story in Sunday school, kids' church or at home: lesson plan, questions and a printable sheet.
- Passage
- Acts 16:16-34
- Ages
- 6 to 8
- Length
- 37 minutes
Lesson aim
Praising God in hard times shows our faith and can touch the people around us.
Key verse
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them.” Acts 16:25
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. Praising God in hard times shows our faith and can touch the people around us.
Discussion questions
- What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight?
- Why was the jailer so frightened?
- What did Paul answer him?
Summary for the teacher
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and thrown into prison with their feet in stocks. At midnight, instead of complaining, they prayed and sang. An earthquake opened the doors and loosened the chains. The frightened jailer asked what he had to do to be saved. He and his whole family believed in Jesus that night.
Child's sheet
Name: ______________________________
Paul in Prison
Acts 16:16-34
- What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight?
- Why was the jailer so frightened?
- What did Paul answer him?
✂️ Cut out and take home
“Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God. The other prisoners were listening to them.”
Acts 16:25