The following lesson is a review of Paul’s ministry from Acts 18-28. The students will have an opportunity to remember the many ways Paul, empowered by the Holy Spirit, faithfully served Jesus in each circumstance he faced as he shared the Good News.
The lesson was prepared for older students and can be adapted. The following is only a suggested guide to help your class review Acts 18-28. Click here to see all the lessons in this curriculum series.
Bible Story: Paul’s Life Well Lived
Scripture: Acts 18-28
Target Age Group: Age 9 – 11 (U.S. 3rd – 5th Grade)
Learning Context: Sunday School
Target Time Frame: 60 minutes
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Supply List: Bibles, butcher paper, crayons, markers, blank index cards for activity #2
Learning Goal: Students will learn that Paul’s life models a life that was well lived as a follower of Jesus. A life well lived for Jesus will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Learning Activity #1: As students arrive direct them to butcher paper (taped to the top of a table if possible) and have them choose a scene from Acts 18-28 that is one of their favorite. They can write their favorite memory verse along with their picture if they want.
Learning Activity #2: Ask the students to call out different events from the life of Paul. For each, write a few words (or sketch a picture) on a blank index card. Once you have about 10, have the children arrange the pictures that represent Paul’s journey from Acts 18-28 in proper chronological order. They should check their work using the book of Acts.
Optional Coloring Sheet: Download and print our free coloring story cards about the conversion of Paul on the road to Damascus.
Test: Review Questions
Memory Verse: Matthew 25:21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’”
Bible Lesson: Paul’s Life Well Lived
Our lesson today is an overview of Paul’s life from Acts 18-28. (Choose volunteers to read the following selected verses or have a sword drill type activity allowing students to race to get to the passage first.)
Philippians 3:12-14 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Does anyone want to take a guess the author of the book of Philippians is? (Paul) Can you guess where he wrote this book? (While under house arrest in Rome)
2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”
Act Out Review Scenes
We have been journeying through Acts and have witnessed Paul’s life as a follower of Christ. His life has been an example for all believers to model. He was empowered with the Holy Spirit and enabled to do all God asked him to do. As a way to end our journey with Paul we will play charades with different scenes of his third missionary journey and trip to Rome.
(Have scenes already written on slips of paper for students to pick and act out for the class. If possible let the students choose a scene when they arrive so they can familiarize themselves from the Scripture passage to help them act out the scene when it’s their turn. Some scenes may need choosing some other students to help.)
Suggested scenes:
- Paul making tents with Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:2-3)
- Seven sons of Sceva (Acts 19:13-16)
- Riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41)
- Paul raises Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:8-10)
- Agabus prophesies about Paul being arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:10)
- Paul is arrested in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-34)
- 40 Jews plan to secretly kill Paul but his nephew overhears their plan and tells Paul (Acts 23:12-22)
- Paul’s trial before King Agrippa and Bernice (Acts 26)
- Paul’s shipwreck (Acts 27)
- Paul bit by viper at Malta (Acts 28:2-6)
- Paul preaches while under house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30-31)
Group Discussion
It has been fun to learn about Paul together. From what we have learned about Paul what would he want us to do with what we have learned? Obey the Lord Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to control you and empower your life as you follow Jesus.
What one thing have you learned from Paul’s life that you are putting into practice in your life as you follow Jesus? (Allow students to share)
Close in prayer.
Thank you for such simple ways to teach! I am learning so much now in my 30’s with kids. I am excited to have mature conversations with my kids someday to see how much they’ve actually retained. My 8 year old is proving to be quite the sponge for information. And even my 6 and 4 year old will say, “Keep reading!” after we finish a story. Your website has helped me have more desire and motivation to learn. 🙂