Lesson: Acts 23:10 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 23:10 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 23:10, there was a big argument happening that was getting very rough. The leader was worried that Paul might get hurt, so he told his soldiers to come and take Paul away to keep him safe.

Imagine if you were playing with your friends, and things started to get out of control. Maybe someone got too rough, and you could get hurt. In that situation, a grown-up might step in to protect you and take you to a safe place.

Just like how the commander protected Paul from getting hurt in the fight, God also watches over us and keeps us safe when things around us get too rough. He sends help and protection, just like the commander did for Paul. It’s a reminder that God is always looking out for us and keeping us safe, even when things seem scary or out of control.

Kid's Story

In a bustling town, Sammy the Squirrel loved to gather nuts with his friends. One day, a big squirrel named Benny wanted all the nuts for himself. Sammy tried to talk to him, but Benny got so angry that he started pushing and shoving. The other squirrels were afraid they would get hurt!

Just like in Acts 23:10, where the dispute got so violent, the animals were worried about Paul getting hurt. The commander had to step in to protect him. Sammy realized that sometimes, when things get too heated, it's important to ask for help from someone in charge, just like the commander did for Paul.

Sammy learned that it's okay to ask for help when things get out of control. He made sure to share his nuts with Benny, and they all lived happily ever after, with plenty of nuts for everyone!

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for protecting Paul when he was in danger. Help us to remember that you are always with us, even in difficult times. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the dispute between the people in Acts 23:10 became so violent?
2. How do you think Paul felt when the commander ordered the troops to take him away by force?
3. Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Paul in a difficult situation?
4. What do you think we can learn from this verse about standing up for what is right, even when it's hard?
5. How can we show kindness and help others when they are facing a tough situation like Paul was?

Life Application

This Bible verse teaches us about the importance of staying calm in the midst of conflict. When faced with a situation where arguments or fights are escalating, a child can remember to not get caught up in the heat of the moment. They can choose to stay calm, seek help from a trusted adult if needed, and avoid getting involved in violent or harmful behavior. Additionally, they can remember that sometimes it's necessary to remove themselves from a situation to stay safe, just like Paul was taken away by the troops to protect him from harm. This verse reminds us to prioritize safety and seek help when conflicts become too intense.

Craft or Activity

Let's create a diorama to help illustrate Acts 23:10! You can use a shoebox or any small box as the base. Inside, you can draw or create figures of Paul, the commander, troops, and the people in the dispute. You can also add small details like the barracks and the crowd getting violent. As you work on the diorama, you can discuss the story, explaining how the commander had to protect Paul from the angry crowd. This hands-on activity will help you visualize the scene and remember the message of the verse.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When Paul was in a fix,
The commander saw the tricks.
To keep him safe and sound,
He ordered troops around.
Away from harm, to the barracks they went,
God's protection on Paul was truly heaven-sent!

Songs or Videos

One suggestion for a Christian song that relates to the message of Acts 23:10 is "My Lighthouse" by Rend Collective. This song talks about God being our lighthouse in times of trouble and chaos, just like how the commander feared for Paul's safety and took action to protect him.

Another recommendation is the video of the song "God's Not Dead" by Newsboys. This song reminds us that even in difficult and violent situations, God is with us and He is not dead. Just like how God protected Paul in the midst of the dispute, He is also watching over us and taking care of us.

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