Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Scripture: Acts 16:1-40

Theme: God opens doors and closes doors , we follow His leading

Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)

Overview

Lesson Overview: “God’s Open Doors!” Opening with Wonder: “Who has ever opened a door for you?” (Pause for little hands to point.) God loves us so much that He opens so many doors, some for fun, some for adventures, and always for us to follow Him! Today, let’s hear about how Paul and his friends found a door to share God’s love. (Repeat: “God opens doors!”) Story Time: Paul’s Second Journey Paul and his friends traveled far, and God showed them a door to open! At Lystra, they met a man named Timotheus, who had a special job: “God wants you to help!” Even when doors felt tight (like when they got scolded for teaching), Paul trusted God. “He always leads us in the right way!” (Repeat: “God opens doors, and sometimes He closes them, but we keep going!”) Interactive Discussion: “What door did God open for you this week?” (Wiggle fingers to answer.) Maybe it was sharing a hug or sitting with a friend, every little door is a way to love someone! God smiles when we trust Him, just like Paul did. Let’s cheer: “God opens doors, and we follow Him!” (Stomp feet to celebrate!) Closing with Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for opening doors in my life. Help me trust You always, even when the doors feel big or small. Amen.” (Wave hands in the air to say “Amen!”) — Tip for Volunteers: Use puppets, bright pictures, or act out Paul and the friends to make it fun! Keep it short, sing it, and praise God together. Optional reflection: children can draw a picture of Jesus helping their friends, then share one way they can help someone else this week. This extra activity supports the lesson’s theme and gives teachers a simple, lowprep option for extending the discussion.

Bible Story

Paul and His Friend Timothy

One day, Paul and his friends traveled far and wide, teaching about Jesus. They went to a town called Derbe. There, they met a man named Timothy, who was a little boy with big eyes and a kind heart. Timothy loved Jesus too! Paul decided to take Timothy with them on their journey, just like how Jesus sent His disciples to share His love.

— A New Friend in Lystra

Next, they traveled to a town called Lystra. There, they saw a man who couldn’t walk because he was lame. The people thought the man was a god, maybe Zeus or Poseidon, because he had never walked before! Paul and his friends saw how sad the man felt. So, they healed him with God’s power. The people were amazed and said, “The gods have come down to us!” But Paul said, “It is not Zeus or Poseidon! It is the God who made everything, he healed you!”

A Big Decision

The people in Lystra were so excited! They wanted Paul and Timothy to stay, but Paul knew it wasn’t safe. He said, “We must leave now.” The next day, they packed their bags and traveled far. They saw many towns along the way, but God was leading them to a place where they could keep teaching others about Jesus.

A Joyful Ending

At the end of their journey, Paul and his friends were full of joy. They had shared God’s love, healed some, and taught many about Jesus. They thanked God for guiding them and promised to keep following Him always. That’s how Paul’s journey ended, with wonder, with trust, and with God’s amazing love shining bright!

— Why This Story Matters This story shows us that God sends people to share His love, just like He sent Paul and Timothy. When we help others, we make God smile, just like He smiled when Paul and Timothy walked with Him! Let’s always be kind and brave, just like they were.

Activities

Supplies:

  2. Draw a big road on the paper and label it “Paul’s Road to Journey!”
  3. Ask: “Where did Paul go first? (Lystra!)” Write “Lystra” under the road.
  4. Let kids color the town with red markers. Add stickers or drawings of people laughing (like in Acts 16:25, 26).
  5. Make a “river” (blue line) where Paul crossed.
  6. Say: “Paul said, ‘We must pass through here!’ What do you think God wanted him to do? (Share Jesus!)”
  7. Draw a bridge over the river with green crayons.
  8. Let kids color Paul’s travels!
  9. Give each child a crayon. They trace the road like Paul walked.
  10. When they reach “Troas,” ask: “Where did Paul rest? (On the porch of Lydia’s house!)”
  11. Glue a small toy animal (like a cow or donkey) where Paul stayed.
  12. Repeat the wonder:
  13. Close with: “God led Paul to new places, just like He leads us to share love! Can you say: ‘God makes new friends too!’?”
  14. 2. “Kindness is a Light Shine” (Activities Circle)
  16. Act it out!
  17. Hold up a flashlight and say: “Paul saw Lydia’s house, what did he do? (He went in!)”
  18. Kids stand in a circle, holding flashlights. When you say “Shine God’s love!” they light up the circle like lamps.
  19. Sing a song together (optional):
  20. “Paul walked through the night,
  21. Shared his faith so bright.
  22. ‘What if I help you too?
  23. Love like this makes hearts grow!’” (Clap hands.)
  24. At “Jailer’s house!” (Acts 16:29, 31), pause and act scared. Then shout: “PAUL, JESUS SAVES US!” Everyone freezes, then clap when the jailer opens the door!
  25. Draw “light seeds.”
  26. Give each child paper and crayons. Draw a tiny sun (like Paul’s kindness) and write: “God’s love grows like seeds!”
  27. Ask: “What can we plant today? (Kindness!)”
  28. Repeat the wonder:
  29. Close with: “Paul’s kindness was like a light, it helped others see God’s love! What’s one way YOU can share love today?” (Let kids share with a smile.)
  30. Why These Work:
  31. Map Activity teaches geography + Bible memory through movement.
  32. Light Circle turns prayer into play, showing how God’s love is active and sharing.
  33. Both use simple materials and repetition (e.g., “God led Paul!” or “Shine God’s love!”) to stick in little minds!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four open-ended questions to spark curiosity and wonder about Paul’s Second Missionary Journey while keeping it simple for young children:
  2. Where Did Paul Go?
  3. Paul left his first trip and traveled far to share God’s love with others. Where do you think he went first? What might that place look like? Did you know God sometimes sends people to visit new places to tell them about Jesus? How do you think Paul felt when he arrived? What might you do if you saw a kind stranger helping someone else, just like Paul did?
  4. Who Helped Paul?
  5. At a place called Philippi, Paul met a woman named Lydia. She was kind and trusted Paul. What do you think made Lydia feel safe to listen to Paul? Why do you think people feel brave to share their faith when others are kind? Have you ever met someone who was very friendly? What did they say or do that made you smile?
  6. Sharing God’s Love
  7. Later, Paul stayed in a house with a man named Paul and his friends. They all wanted to share God’s love together. Do you think they had fun as a family? What are some ways you and your friends can be kind to each other, like Paul and his friends? If you could invite someone to share a meal with you, even if you don’t know them, what would you say?
  8. Why Did Paul Sing?
  9. One night, Paul and his friends sang praises to God in a house where a jailer was listening. Do you think the jailer was surprised? Why do you think God wanted Paul to share songs of joy? How can you make God smile with your words or actions? If you had a friend who was feeling sad, what song or smile could you share to make them happy?
  10. Each question invites exploration, repetition of kindness, and wonder about God’s ways, just like Paul’s mission! Would you like any adjustments for tone or focus?

Prayer Focus

Prayer for Little Explorers (Acts 16:1-40) Dear God, We thank You for little hands and big hearts that wonder and explore! Like Paul and his team, we want to share Your love with everyone we meet. Help us to be kind, brave, and full of wonder, just like Paul did. Show us how to welcome others and tell them about You in simple, happy ways. God, You made everyone special, just like Lydia, who loved You so much! Help us to listen and love the people around us, just as Paul did. Let us see the joy in sharing, just like the believers in Philippi did. Teach us to trust You in all our adventures, big or small! Dear God, We wonder how You lead us, just like You guided Paul. Help us to be open hearts and curious minds, ready to learn and grow. Show us how to help others, just like Paul helped the jailer and his family. May our hearts be full of wonder, love, and kindness, always seeking You. God, You are wonderful! Help us to share Your love with smiles and prayers, just like Paul did. Let us be little missionaries, filled with Your wonder and joy. Amen!

Missions Spotlight

In Greece (ancient Macedonia), where Paul first brought the Gospel to Europe, secularism is now widespread. Yet a small, faithful Greek church remains. Pray for a new movement of the Gospel in the land where European Christianity began.

To the Cross

Paul tried to go to Asia, but the Spirit said no. Then he had a vision of a man from Macedonia saying, ‘Come over and help us!’ God redirected Paul. The cross had made Paul a servant , he went where God sent him, not where he wanted to go.

Family Take-Home

Here’s a concise summary for families: Paul and his team traveled to Philippi, where they met a woman named Lydia, she became their first Christian follower in Europe! After healing a slave girl and encountering trouble with the city authorities, Paul preached boldly, teaching many to believe in Jesus, leading to one of the first church gatherings outside Jerusalem. God used their obedience and faith to spread His love far and wide.

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