Philip and the Ethiopian
Scripture: Acts 8:26-40
Theme: The Gospel is for everyone, everywhere
Age Group: Nursery (Ages 0-2)
Overview
This Sunday school lesson introduces little ones to how God’s love reaches beyond borders and cultures through Jesus Christ. Through Acts 8:26, 40, we see an angel send Philip to meet a kind Ethiopian man riding a chariot, who is reading the Old Testament prophecy about a Messiah. Philip shares the good news that Jesus is the Savior everyone needs, and the Ethiopian believes, leading to his joyful confession: “I believe in God!” This story shows that God’s word is meant for everyone, just as He sent Philip to tell the Ethiopian about Jesus. Kids will learn that no one is too far away or different to hear God’s love and salvation. The key verse, Acts 8:35, teaches that God’s message of hope is for all, just like Philip shared it with the Ethiopian. For little ones, this means that Jesus lo 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
The angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: ‘Go south toward the desert road that leads to Gaza,’ he said. Philip obeyed and started walking along the path, feeling the sun warm his face as he followed God’s direction.
As Philip walked, he saw a man sitting alone in the desert, wrapped in a beautiful purple robe. The man was very hungry and tired, but he had no one to help him. Philip asked, ‘Do you want to be fed?’ and the man said, ‘Yes, please!’
Philip turned to the Scriptures and read from God’s Word about Jesus. He said, ‘This man in the robe is the king who will one day save everyone!’ The man listened and believed. Then Philip pointed to Jesus and said, ‘The Lord wants you to trust Him!’
The man, who was called Ethan, trusted Jesus. Philip baptized him in the water, and as they prayed, the Holy Spirit filled Ethan’s heart. He knew God loved him and that Jesus was his friend forever!
Activities
Coloring the Cross of Jesus
Supplies: Printed cross template (e.g., simple line drawing of a cross or a heart with a cross in the middle), crayons/markers, paper
- 1. Distribute the printed cross templates to each child.
- 2. Ask children to color the cross (e.g., blue for the sky, red for the blood, or use their favorite colors). Discuss how Jesus loved everyone and gave His life on the cross for them.
Story Stones: ‘The Gospel is for Everyone’
Supplies: Sand or clay, paint/markers, small smooth stones, printed pictures of Philip, the eunuch, a scroll, and the cross (optional), glue
- 1. Paint or draw simple pictures on stones (e.g., a scroll for the Bible, a cross, Philip, and the eunuch).
- 2. Let dry, then mix them up and ask children to tell the story using the stones as prompts. Discuss how God’s love reaches all people, no matter who they are.
Simon Says: ‘Gospel for Everyone’
Supplies: None (or a small reward like a sticker for participation)
- 1. Explain that the gospel is for everyone, everywhere. Play a game where you call out actions like: ‘Simon says raise your hand if you believe in Jesus,’ or ‘Simon says show how you would share the good news with a friend.’
- 2. Praise children who share that Jesus loves them and wants everyone to know about Him.
Discussion Questions
- Who was the Ethiopian eunuch? Why was he special?
- How did Philip help the eunuch understand God’s love?
- What did the eunuch do after hearing about Jesus?
- How can we share the good news with others, just like Philip did?
- Why does God want everyone to know about Jesus?
Prayer Focus
Pray for children to understand that God loves all people, no matter their background or appearance. Ask God to help them share His love with others.
Missions Spotlight
The Ethiopian eunuch was once an outsider in the Jewish community but found welcome and faith in Jesus. Pray for Ethiopian believers and missionaries to share the gospel in their country, especially among Muslim-background communities.
To the Cross
Philip showed the Ethiopian eunuch that Jesus’ death on the cross was the greatest gift of love for everyone, no matter who they were.
Teaching Tips
- Adapt Questioning to Developmental Stages: Since direct “hard” ques
- Facilitate Cross-Age Small Groups: Divide the class into mixed grou
- Employ High-Frequency Repetition: Reinforce the lesson’s core theme
- Incorporate Simple Songs: Use a simple song about the “Good News” t
Family Take-Home
God’s love is for everyone, everywhere! Just like Philip shared the good news with the Ethiopian eunuch, we can help others learn about Jesus by being kind and kind-hearted.