Paul and Barnabas in Lystra – Bible lesson for kids

In this lesson, we will learn about Paul and Barnabas, who were good friends and travelled together teaching people about Jesus. In Acts 14:8-19, they were in a town called Lystra, where they met a man who couldn’t walk. But something amazing happened because of their faith in God.

Main Points

• God can do amazing things.
• We must give credit to God for the good things He does.
• We must be careful to worship only God.

Lesson Guide – Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

Start the lesson by discussing the power of God and how amazing He is. You might ask your child if they remember a time when they saw something really amazing or exciting. Ask your child if they remember any of the amazing things God done in the Bible?

Introduce Paul and Barnabas, who saw something amazing happen because of God’s power. Read the account of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra from Acts 14:8-19 together.

Explain to the child that the man in the story couldn’t walk for his entire life. Ask them to imagine how difficult it would be especially in a day with no wheelchairs, cars or other helps. Have the child think about some of the things the man would not be able to do.

Talk about there are times when we might feel stuck or unable to do something, just like the man who couldn’t walk. In those times, we can learn from the man, listen carefully to God’s word and believe. Just like Paul saw that the man had faith, God sees when we have faith too. Think about how we can trust God in difficult times?

Prepare some Bible verses that can be helpful during tough times. For instance, read out Hebrews 13:5 where God has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Ask the child, “Can you think of a time when this verse might help you?” They might respond with “when I’m feeling lonely” or “when I’m scared.” If they’re unsure, gently guide them towards a suitable answer. Make sure to explain that when we truly believe in God and trust His word, amazing things happen.

Discuss how the people thought Paul and Barnabas were gods and wanted to worship them. Share how Paul and Barnabas stopped this quickly and told the people to worship God only. Show the child some picture of different things, money, sports teams, games etc. Ask if they should be worshiped. Reinforce we should only worship God.  Read Exodus 20:3.

Talk more about how it’s okay to feel happy when we do good things, but we should also say, “Thank you, God, for helping me do this.” That’s what Paul and Barnabas did. They thanked God because every good thing we can do is a gift from God. This helps us not to become too proud, but to remember that God is the one who gives us all the good things.

Paul and Barnabas used the opportunity to be witnesses for God. Every time we do something good, we have a chance to be like a signpost that points to God. Think of ways our action can point others to God.

Pray together to finish the lesson.

Paul and Barnabas in Lystra – Bible story for kids

Games and activities

Jump Up and Walk Game

When the music plays, the children must “Jump Up and Walk” around.

However, when the music stops, just like the lame man before his healing, they should sit down immediately.

Repeat as long as there is interest.

Remind them of the miraculous healing, where the man who couldn’t walk was healed and could “Jump Up and Walk.”

Nature Walk

Arrange a nature walk around a garden or park.

Point out the various creations like the trees, flowers, birds, etc. Talk about how God made all these things and remind them of Paul and Barnabas pointing people to the Creator.

Listen and Do Game

Start by explaining how the man in our story listened carefully to Paul’s teaching and believed.

In this game, children need to listen carefully too. Give a series of commands such as “touch your nose”, “jump three times”, or “spin around.”

Make the challenge easier or more difficult depend on the child’s ability. Talk about how we should listen carefully to God’s Word.

Worksheets (Preschool)

Free Bible Coloring Pages – Paul and Barnabas in Lystra

Craft – Worship God Alone Wreath

What you need:

• Paper plate
• Paper in various colours
• Markers or Crayons
• Glue
• String or Ribbon
• Scissors

What to do:

1. Write “Worship God Alone” in the centre of your paper plate. Colour.
2. Cut out leaf shapes from your colourful paper. Glue all around the edges of the plate to create a wreath.
3. Punch a hole at the top of your plate. Thread a piece of string and tie it in a loop for hanging.

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Translations