Paul in Corinth - Bible lessons for kids

In this lesson, we will explore Paul’s time in Corinth. This passage from Acts 18 teaches us important lessons about courage, working with others, sharing our faith, and relying on God’s support.

Key Points:

God is with us during difficult times.
We can be courageous in sharing our faith.
Community matters.

Paul in Corinth (UK) pdf

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Paul in Corinth – Baby pack pdf

Paul in Corinth 5+ lesson pack pdf

Paul in Corinth TEEN lesson

Lesson Guide – Paul in Corinth

Begin by asking the children, “Can you think of a time when you felt it was hard to make friends or share what you believe?” This question encourages them to connect their personal experiences with Paul’s journey. After a few responses, introduce the exciting story of Paul in Corinth and explain how he faced similar challenges.

Tell them that Corinth was a bustling city full of different cultures and beliefs. Show them a map highlighting the location of Corinth, pointing out how Paul travelled there from Athens. Ask the children, “What do you think it was like for Paul to arrive in such a new and different place?” This sparks their imagination and helps them visualise Paul’s experience.

To connect with Paul’s trade as a tentmaker, invite the children to help you set up a tent or den using blankets, chairs, and cushions. Once the tent is ready, encourage them to crawl inside. In the tent, read Acts 18:1-3 together. After reading, engage them with questions: “Why do you think Paul chose to be a tentmaker?”

Think about how different jobs can also be a way to share Jesus with others. Ask the children, “What are some jobs you know about, like teachers, plumbers, or doctors? How do you think they can show kindness and share God’s love through their work?” Encourage them to think of people they know and different jobs. For example, a teacher can help students to learn and be kind. Invite them to share examples from their own lives or people they admire. This activity helps children understand that no matter what job someone has, they can be a witness for Jesus.

Next, introduce Aquila and Priscilla, who were fellow tentmakers and became Paul’s friends and partners in spreading the message of Jesus. To illustrate their teamwork, have the children work in groups to create a simple craft or assemble a jigsaw puzzle. Discuss how, just like Aquila and Priscilla supported Paul, we can help our friends and community, reinforcing the idea of teamwork and friendship.

Play a game called “Serving Hands.” In this activity, each child will take turns sharing one way they can serve someone in their family or community.

Explain that not everyone wanted to listen to Paul or accept his message about Jesus. Share how, despite the rejection and challenges, Paul never gave up. Highlight that God was there to encourage Paul during tough times. Read Acts 18:9-10, where God promises Paul that He is with him and that he will be safe because many in the city will believe.

Gather the children in a circle. Pass around a soft ball or toy. When a child holds the ball, they should share something encouraging or a way they trust God, and then pass it to the next person.

Explain that just as God saw potential in the people of Corinth and knew many would believe, He sees great potential in each of us. Encourage the children to trust God even when things seem difficult or unclear.

Discuss how Paul continued to serve and preach, even when facing challenges and many people in Corinth came to believe in Jesus. Share how Paul later wrote two letters to the church in Corinth, which are included in the Bible.

Read and discuss 2 Corinthians 1:20, which says, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” Explain that this verse reminds us how God keeps His promises and encourages us to trust Him. Remind them that God fulfilled His promise to Paul, and many came to believe in Him.

Finish by encouraging the children to share Jesus with their friends and those around them, as they never know who might respond to the good news of the Gospel.

Paul in Corinth – Bible story for kids

Games and Activities

Tent Building Challenge

Challenge the child or group to build a tent using blankets, chairs, and cushions.
Once the tents are built, allow the children to crawl inside and share stories about Jesus with one another, just like Paul did with Aquila and Priscilla.

Job Matching Game

Set up a display area with pictures of different jobs.
Create clue cards that describe how each job shows Jesus’ love (e.g., “This person shows Jesus’ love by caring for the sick” for a doctor, “This person shows Jesus’ love by teaching others” for a teacher).
Read each clue aloud and have the children select the correct job picture that matches the clue.
After the activity, discuss how each job can be a way to serve others and share God’s love, just like Paul did.

Faith Builders

Discuss how, like Paul, Aquila and Priscilla we can work together not only to build physical things but build up the church and other people.
Give children a set of building blocks.
Challenge them to build a structure.