Acts Chapter 16 Lesson

Bible Verse Activity:Tell the children to form a circle. Give one child a large ball. Tell them to throw the ball to another child in the circle. When the second child catches the ball, they will say the first word in this week's memory verse-Matthew 5:10. That child will then throw the ball to a third child who will say the first word and add the second word in the verse. This continues until all the words of the verse have been repeated.
Tell the story of Acts 16, starting with verse 16, in your own words. Then follow up with some questions:
*Do you think Paul and Silas were surprised?
*Why do you think they did not run away after the earthquake?
*Paul and Silas were in prison together. What difference does it make in overcoming problems/obstacles by having a trusted partner/friend by your side rather than facing it alone?
*Have you ever encountered a problem because you were telling others about Jesus?
*What can you do when you encounter a problem?
Wall of Obstacles Activity:
Put a sign on a wall that reads "Wall of Obstacles". Have the children write on a sticky note an obstacle or problem they are facing or the name and problem of someone they know who is facing a problem. After they finish, have them post it on the wall.
End by saying something like, "Obstacles can build until a wall is created. It must be broken down before people can accept Christ. But sometimes obstacles can turn into opportunities. That is what happened with Paul in Acts 16".