Stephen – Bible lesson for kids

The account of Stephen is found in Acts 6-7. This passage can be a difficult Bible story for kids to understand. It is a sad story, but it is also a story of great courage. In this story, Stephen, a man full of faith, is obedient to God even when faced with death. It reminds us we can be a witness for Jesus even in times of great suffering.

Key Points

• Serve God no matter what
• Testify to others about Jesus
• Forgive those who wrong you

Lesson Guide – Stephen

Talk about things that are easy and things that are hard. You can adjust the degree of difficulty depending on the age of the child. For instance, is it easier to wash a car or wash a plate is an easy question to answer, but is it harder to go through the alphabet saying the names of animals or fruits? Use creativity to discuss with your child.

Speak about how Stephen served people (Show God’s love for them) and preached (Telling people about God’s love for them). Some people accepted the good news about Jesus but others wanted him to stop.

Stephen chose to testify about Jesus to the Sanhedrin even though they did not like it. Even if others are angry at us for talking about Jesus, we should do it anyway. It might not always be easy, but God will give us strength.

Go outside and take two sticks or stakes. Have your child try to push one into the ground using just their hands. Now, use a hammer to drive the other one into the ground until it is deep in the soil. Ask your child to try to move them. Talk about how the hammer hitting the stick allowed the stick to be driven deep into the ground and become strong. God uses trials to help us grow strong in Him.

Think about times in the Bible that God rescued someone in trouble (Peter in prison, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, The Israelites at the Red Sea, and so on). Talk about how God could always rescue someone, but sometimes He has a bigger purpose even if it’s difficult for us to understand.

The Sanhedrin killed Stephen. Yet, Stephen prayed and asked God not to hold it against them. Talk about forgiveness. Jesus commands us to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Remind them how Jesus also prayed on the cross “Father forgive them.’ Stephen followed Jesus’ example. We should do the same.

Discuss times that wrong was done. You may choose to illustrate this in a graphic way by writing wrongs on a whiteboard, chalkboard or on a piece of paper.

On two separate pieces of paper or divided on the chalkboard, you may write down sins committed against God and wrongs committed against selves. Explain that God forgives us by wiping the slate clean when we repent and trust in Jesus. In the way that God forgives us, we should forgive others. You may then wipe the list of sins committed against us.

We should follow Stephen’s example by sharing Jesus and forgiving others.

Talk about how Saul was in the crowd, watching coats as people stoned Stephen. Saul later became the Apostle Paul who wrote much of the New Testament. Saul witnesses Stephen’s forgiveness and trust in God at a time of suffering. Even when things are difficult, we can be a witness to others.

Pray and ask God to help you be a good witness for Him even at difficult times.

Stephen – Bible story for kids

Games and Activities

Serve out food

At meal or snack time, ask your child to be responsible for sharing the food for everyone. You could use one item such as pizza, or grapes. Alternatively, you could create a fruit salad and ask them to share equally the grapes, apples slices, strawberries and so on. Remind your child how the early church shared everything they had with each other.

Describing game

Print out some cards with pictures of objects. Include words for older children.

Take turns to pick up the cards and describe who or what is on the card.

The other players should try to guess correctly.

Picture cards on following page.

E.g., Something you can drive = car

Stone hunt

Go for a short walk and look for stones.

Talk about how the stone feel.

Compare the stone to see how they are the same and how they are different.

Measure and weigh the stones. Create some stone artwork or characters by painting a face on some stones.

Worksheets

Free Bible Coloring Pages – Stephen

Stephen light Craft

What you need:

• Template page on card
• Colouring Equipment
• Glue
• Scissors
• Small light or phone torch

What to do:

1. Colour the page. DO NOT colour Stephen’s face. Colour background in a dark colour.
2. Cut out the parts and fold along lines.
3. Glue to make a cube. Glue Bible verse on top. Place cube over a small light or torch to see Stephen’s face glow.

Download the lesson for FREE

Translations