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    Paul and Silas in Prison: Sunday School Lesson

    Acts 16:16–34

    Ages 6–12 ~40 min Memory: Acts 16:31

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    Praise at midnight is heard by more people than praise at noon.

    Story Summary

    Beaten and locked in the inner prison with their feet in the stocks, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God at midnight — and the prisoners heard them. A great earthquake shook the foundations, every door opened and every band was loosed. The keeper of the prison fell down trembling and asked what he must do to be saved.

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

    Acts 16:31

    Discussion Questions

    1. What were Paul and Silas doing at midnight?
    2. Who was listening to them sing?
    3. Why did none of the prisoners run away?
    4. What is something hard you could still thank God for tonight?

    Craft Idea: Shake-the-Prison Box

    Supplies

    • Small box or tub
    • Paper bars glued to the front
    • Dried beans
    • Markers

    Steps

    1. Glue paper bars across the opening to make a prison.
    2. Put beans inside and shake for the earthquake.
    3. Open the 'doors' and let the beans out.
    4. Write Acts 16:31 on the lid.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the verse card and take-home questions.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to Acts 16:16–34.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the shake-the-prison box.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

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