Philip and the Ethiopian
Scripture: Acts 8:26-40
Theme: The Gospel is for everyone, everywhere
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Lesson Overview This Sunday school lesson tells the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, showing that Jesus’ love and message aren’t just for people in the Bible, he wants to share the good news with everyone, no matter where they are or who they are! In Acts 8:26-40, an angel sends Philip to meet a traveling Ethiopian official reading the Old Testament. Though the man doesn’t understand, Philip points him to Jesus, and he believes! The lesson teaches kids that God’s love and kindness are meant for all people, just like Philip shares the Gospel with the stranger in his way. They’ll learn that Jesus cares deeply about everyone and that we can be His helpers, just like Philip did, by sharing His love and stories. 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
One day, the Holy Spirit sent an angel to a man named Philip. This angel said, ‘Go south to the desert where there is a city called Gazara.’ So Philip ran there quickly, walking along the road.
When Philip arrived in Gazara, he saw a man sitting in the desert, wrapped in fine clothes, eating his lunch. The man was an Egyptian king’s servant who had been brought here to worship the Lord. ‘Can I help you?’ Philip asked.
The man said, ‘Please, sir, will you teach me God’s words? I’ve been here for a long time, and no one will talk to me.’ So Philip told him about Jesus, the one God sent to save us. The man listened and believed!
The moment the man believed, his eyes opened wide. He could see clearly! ‘I’ve been blind,’ he said, ‘and now I can see God’s truth!’ Philip led him to the city, where everyone rejoiced to hear the good news. The Lord was pleased!
Activities
Gospel Story Bingo
Supplies: Bingo cards (with pictures of people, animals, and simple symbols like a watering can for baptism), Markers (stickers, crayons, or small paper pieces), A small cup of water (for a mini baptism demonstration)
- 1. Create or print bingo cards with themes like ‘people from far away,’ ‘a water symbol,’ ‘a kind heart,’ and ‘a new follower.’
- 2. Read Acts 8:26, 40 aloud while children mark their cards when they hear key terms (e.g., ‘far away,’ ‘water,’ ‘believe’).
- 3. First to fill a row (or ‘Gospel’ card) shouts ‘Bingo!’ and shares how God loves everyone, just like Philip did for the eunuch.
Colorful Cross Craft
Supplies: Cardstock or paper (for the cross shape), Markers, crayons, colored pencils, Glue sticks, Scissors (pre-cut shapes for younger kids), Optional: fabric scraps, stickers, or glitter for extra decoration
- 1. Fold a cardstock strip into a cross shape (or pre-cut for little hands).
- 2. Let children decorate their cross with colors, patterns, or symbols (e.g., a heart for love, a star for faith).
- 3. Discuss: ‘This cross is like the one that showed the Ethiopian eunuch God’s love, even for people who look different!’
Storytelling Stones
Supplies: Smooth stones or small rocks, Paint or markers (optional, to add details), String or yarn (to hang stones for a ‘story path’)
- 1. Paint or draw simple symbols on stones: a donkey (for riding), a scroll (for Scripture), a water droplet (for baptism), or a person’s face (for Philip).
- 2. Arrange the stones on the floor to tell the story: ‘Philip met the eunuch, talked about God’s love, and baptized him!’
- 3. Kids take turns acting out the scene with the stones as props.
Discussion Questions
- Who do you think God wants to share His love with today? (Hint: Think of someone who looks different or is far away!)
- Why do you think the Ethiopian eunuch understood Isaiah’s words so quickly? How can we share God’s love like Philip did?
- If you could talk to God like Philip did, what would you ask Him about loving others?
- What’s one way we can be like Philip, helping others see God’s love?
- Where in the world do you think God wants us to share His story? (Point to a map or globe if available.)
Prayer Focus
Pray for children to open their hearts to share God’s love with others, especially those who might feel left out or far away. Ask God to help them understand that the Gospel is for everyone, everywhere, just like it was for the Ethiopian eunuch.
Missions Spotlight
Ethiopia has one of the oldest Christian traditions, but many people still don’t know about Jesus. Pray that God will open hearts there and around the world to hear the Gospel. Ask kids to imagine how they could share God’s love in their own community or with someone who looks different from them.
To the Cross
The cross was like a special ‘key’ that unlocked the Bible for the Ethiopian eunuch. Just like Philip, we can share God’s love with others by talking about His kindness and forgiveness, even if they look different or don’t know Him yet.
Family Take-Home
Today’s story teaches us that God’s love is for everyone, everywhere! Just like Philip, we can share His Word with others, whether it’s a neighbor, a friend, or someone in a far-off country. The cross is the sign that shows God’s love is big enough for all of us, no matter what.