Paul’s Missionary Journeys – Bible Lesson for Preteens | Acts 13–28

Acts 13–28

Trueway Word Bible lesson for preteens (ages 8–13)

About This Preteen Bible Lesson

This free printable Bible lesson helps preteens explore Paul’s missionary journeys in Acts 13–28. After Jesus changed Saul’s life, he became known as Paul and travelled from place to place sharing the good news that Jesus died, rose again, and offers forgiveness. Along the way, Paul faced opposition, changed plans, prison, danger, shipwreck, and hardship—but the message about Jesus kept moving.

Using the Trueway Word W.O.R.D. Bible study method, preteens will Walk into God’s Word, Observe what the Bible says, Reflect on what it means, and Discover how to live it out. Designed for Sunday school, homeschool, family devotions, and church groups, this preteen Bible lesson helps children develop a biblical worldview centred on mission, courage, God’s guidance, sharing the gospel with love, and trusting that God can use ordinary people wherever He sends them.

The Big Question

How do I know if God is sending me?

Paul and Barnabas were clearly sent out by the Holy Spirit and the church in Antioch, but this lesson also helps preteens see that being “sent” is not only for pastors or missionaries. Jesus calls all His followers to make disciples and carry His good news to the people and places around them.

For some children, “go” may one day mean another city or country. For others, it may mean the classroom, sports club, family table, friendship group, or neighbourhood. The important thing is to listen to God’s Word, follow His leading, and remember that Jesus promises to be with His people as they go.

What Kids Will Learn

• God’s mission begins with Him, not with how impressive we are.
• Jesus sends ordinary people to share His good news.
• Paul and Barnabas were sent out through prayer, worship, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
• The gospel is good news meant to move outward to others.
• Paul wanted people everywhere to hear about Jesus.
• Sharing Jesus is not about being pushy, loud, or perfect.
• God can redirect our plans and close one door while opening another.
• A closed door can still be part of God’s guidance.
• Following Jesus can involve hardship, rejection, and courage.
• Paul faced prison, beatings, danger, hunger, shipwreck, and opposition.
• People could stop Paul for a time, but they could not stop the gospel.
• Every follower of Jesus has a part to play in His mission.

Why This Lesson Matters

Preteens are beginning to think more seriously about purpose, influence, and where they fit in God’s work. Paul’s journeys help them see that mission is not reserved for unusually confident or gifted Christians. God used Paul and Barnabas because He called and sent them, and He still uses ordinary people who are willing to follow.

This lesson also gives children a realistic picture of what following Jesus can involve. Paul’s path was not easy, and his plans did not always work out the way he expected. Yet God continued to guide him, open new doors, strengthen believers, and spread the gospel. That helps preteens build a faith that is willing to obey even when plans change, courage is needed, or sharing Jesus feels difficult.

What’s Included

• Printable booklet and single-sided versions
• Bible reading and W.O.R.D. study pages covering Acts 13–28
• Mission Suitcase activity about what Paul and Barnabas may have needed for the journey
• Jesus Sends Ordinary People reflection from Acts 13:1–3
• Draw Three Places activity about where Paul shared the good news
• Macedonia Call Postcard based on Acts 16:9
• God Opens New Doors reflection about changed plans and guidance
• Nothing Could Stop the Gospel study exploring Paul’s hardships
• Word search featuring Paul’s troubles and travels
• Find 10 Differences activity
• Big Question apologetics page: “How do I know if God is sending me?”
• Where Might God Send You? map activity
• Weekly actions including Good News, Map My Mission, Send a Message, Learn About a Missionary, and Door Dash
• Memory verse activity based on 2 Timothy 2:9
• Prayer and notes page

Perfect For

• Sunday school
• Homeschool
• Family devotions
• Midweek Bible clubs
• Church small groups
• Christian schools
• Preteen discipleship lessons

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