Paul and Silas in Prison

Paul cast an evil spirit out of a young slave girl, but her owners were angry and brought Paul and Silas before the city magistrates.  Even though they were both beaten and thrown into prison, they were heard singing hymns and praying to God during the night.  After an earthquake, Paul and Silas taught the jailer and his household about Jesus.  Before the night was over, they were all baptised.  The next day, Paul and Silas were released from prison.

In Christ, we can experience true joy despite our circumstances.

Bible verses used in this episode:

Acts 16:16-40

Philippians 4:4

Outline:

1. Paul helps a slave girl (Acts 16:16-18)
2. Paul and Silas are arrested and imprisoned (Acts 16:19-24)
3. Miraculous release from prison. Salvation for the jailer (Acts 16:25-34)
4. Freedom and respect (Acts 16:35-40)

Tips for teaching children:

• As you tell the story draw two stick figures (Paul and Silas) and draw chains on them. Guide the children in drawing vertical lines down the paper to represent the prison bars.
• Make and decorate a poster from the verse Philippians 4:4
• Make paper chains

Tips for teaching adults:

• Read the story in the class.  Choose various people to read the different parts.  Choose a narrator, Paul, jailor, and city officials. 
• Say this to the class: “Using your imagination, what were the songs they might have been singing?”  Why do you think they were singing and praying?  What would you have been doing at midnight if that was you?
• Why didn’t Paul mention that he was a Roman citizen before he was beaten?  Why only the next day?

Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:

Bible Lesson: A Jailer Becomes a Christian 

Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.

Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.

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