Paul and Silas In Jail


Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Learning Objectives:

  • Students will learn the story of Paul and Silas in jail.
  • Students will learn that missionaries and Christians can be persecuted for sharing their faith.
  • Students will learn how to trust God no matter what situation they are in.
  • Students will learn to be brave enough to always believe in God no matter how hard people try to get us not to follow God.

Guiding Question: Why is is important to stand up for God?

Materials: Room set up like 1st century prison (chains, stocks, etc), 1st century clothes

Procedure: Review the story of Paul and Silas in Jail from Acts 16:16-40. Have the students perform the script of Acts 16:16-40. Explain how Paul and Silas had to be brave and trust in God even when they were in a bad situation and afraid. Ask the students how they would feel if they had been Paul or Silas and if it would have been hard to be brave.

The students can try one the chains and stocks to imagine what it would have felt like to be Paul and Silas. Explain to the students that even though this happened in the New Testament, there are still Christians today who are persecuted for their faith and end up going to jail. Some places still do not accept Christianity but these places are often where missionaries feel that the Gospel is needed most.

Additional Questions:

  • How can the students learn to be brave when sharing their faith?

Supplemental Activity: Have students list ways that they encourage others or themselves when things are difficult. Ask the students if they can tell themselves encouraging phrases when trying to stand up for God. What could they ask God for? What could they remind themselves when sharing their faith is hard?

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