Paul’s Missionary Journeys
Journey 1: Lystra – Acts 14:8-23
Journey 2: Philippi – Acts 16:11-40
Journey 3: Ephesus – Acts 19:21-41
This week our children are learning about the 3 missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul. We know that Paul was the most prolific missionary of the first century church. He traveled throughout the regions of Asia Minor, Greece, and even Rome spreading the message of the gospel. We remember that we were first introduced to Paul as Saul, the persecutor of the church. But after his confrontation with Jesus on his way to further imprison and persecute the followers of Christ, he became a follower himself. Other believers were skeptical of Paul. After all, they had personally witnessed and experienced his passionate quest to stop this new offshoot of biblical Judaism. So now when he comes back claiming that his new passion is for the church to grow, who could blame them. But the grace given to Paul certainly proved itself out through his journeys and effective ministry to the gentiles. Below are some questions and themes to help you with your discussions this week.
- When Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, they healed a man who had never been able to walk. The people in the city began treating them like gods and gave them the names of Greek gods. Why do you think the people treated them like this? How did Paul and Barnabas respond?
- While Paul and Silas were in Philippi they were arrested and thrown in prison.What were Paul and Silas doing while they were in prison? What did they do for the jailer after God had freed them with the earthquake?
- When Paul was preaching in Ephesus, he made a lot of people very angry. Why do you think the people in Ephesus were so angry with Paul and the other Christians?
Character Trait
Diligence: I work hard to accomplish my responsibilities.
Memory Verse
In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome…
1 John 5:3
