Paul Begins his Ministry – Acts 9 – Bible lessons for kids

In this lesson, we will learn about one of the most dramatic changes in the Bible. Saul had once tried to stop Christians, but after meeting Jesus, everything changed. We’ll see how God used Paul, even when others were unsure of him. This passage reminds us that God can change anyone and use each of us for His purpose.

Key Points

• Jesus can change anyone.
• God helps and protects those who follow Him.
• Friends like Barnabas help us belong.
• We can be brave and tell others about Jesus.

Lesson Guide – Paul Begins his Ministry

Begin by reviewing who Saul was. Show one or two images from a previous lesson about his conversion (Acts 9:1–19). Explain that Saul had once chased and hurt Christians, but after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became a completely new person.

Use a Bible map to locate Damascus and Jerusalem. Help your child find these cities and explain that today’s story takes place in both.

Paul Preaching in Damascus (Acts 9:20) – Paul immediately began preaching that Jesus is the Son of God. The same man who had once tried to stop Christians now shared the truth with excitement and joy.

Ask your child to imagine receiving a very special birthday gift they had been hoping for. Ask: “Did you want to tell others about it?” Explain that Paul felt the same way about Jesus. His heart was so full of love that he couldn’t keep the news to himself.

Use a flashlight as an object lesson. With the light off, ask, “What happens when it’s dark?” Then turn it on and say, “Before Paul met Jesus, it was like his heart was in darkness. But when he met Jesus, the light came on. He wanted others to see the truth too.”

Paul Escapes in a Basket (Acts 9:23–25) – Not everyone liked Paul’s message. Some people wanted to hurt him. But God used Paul’s friends to help him escape at night by lowering him in a basket through the city wall.

Show a picture of an ancient walled city. Then, using a small basket, string, and a toy figure, act out Paul’s escape. Remind your child that following Jesus isn’t always easy—but God is always with us, and He sends people to help us along the way.

Paul and Barnabas Visit the Apostles (Acts 9:26–27) – When Paul came to Jerusalem, the believers were afraid. They remembered how he had once harmed Christians. Now he claimed to be different, but many didn’t believe him. They were unsure and nervous—was it a trick?

Ask your child to imagine this: “What if someone you knew had always been mean, and one day they said, ‘I’ve changed. I want to be kind now.’ How would you feel?”

Barnabas saw what others didn’t. He believed Paul’s heart had changed. Barnabas spoke up for him and helped him be accepted. Talk about how similar situations happen today, e.g., when someone new joins a class, moves into a neighbourhood, or starts coming to church. People may feel unsure, but like Barnabas, we can help others feel welcome and safe.

Paul and Barnabas Preach Together (Acts 9:28–31) – Paul and Barnabas worked together to preach the Gospel. They were a team, and the church grew stronger because of their partnership.

Talk about people who work together in real life—firefighters, nurses, teachers, or family members. Ask: “What happens when one person tries to do everything? What’s better when people work together?”

Draw a large circle and label it ‘The Church’. Inside the circle, help your child write names of people who share God’s love—pastors, family members, friends, missionaries, teachers, and more. Be sure to add your child’s name too.

Close with a short prayer thanking God for making us part of His team and asking for help to serve Him.

Paul Begins his Ministry – Bible story for kids

Games and Activities

Basket Escape Challenge

Create a maze on the floor using painter’s tape or chalk. Place the basket with Paul inside at one end. Kids must guide the basket through the maze by pulling a rope—without touching or crossing the lines. As they get better, increase the challenge by lengthening the rope or adding turns.

Lower Paul Safely

Build a working mini-basket system! Attach string to a cup and create a pulley (or hand-lowered system) from a chair or tabletop. The challenge: Can you safely lower “Paul” without him tipping or falling?

Paul’s escape required help and teamwork—just like this challenge!

Team Challenge – Pass It On

Form two teams. Give the first person on each team a ball, beanbag, or rolled-up “message.” They must pass it down the line without dropping it—behind their back, over their head, or under their legs (change it each round).

Example pages

Paul in the Basket Craft for Kids – Free Bible Lesson Template (Acts 9)

What you need:

• Template page
• Colouring equipment
• Scissors
• String

What to do:

1. Colour the template page.
2. Cut out the basket section.
3. Make a hole in the wall and the basket. Tie the wool to the basket and thread it through the wall.

Download the lessons for FREE

Translations

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