📖

Paul in Athens: Unknown God

Paul's Missionary Journeys

Day 104of 180
Week 21of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how Paul shared the gospel with people of a different culture

2

Identify the key points of Paul's sermon in Athens

3

Develop compassion for people who don't know God

📖 Scripture Connection

Acts 17:23

“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, I announce to you.'”

— Acts 17:23 (WEB)

Demonstrates Paul's cultural sensitivity and strategic approach to sharing the gospel

📦 Materials Needed

  • Bible (World English Bible)
  • Colored pencils
  • Journey map
  • Blank paper
  • BibleMouse Travel Journal template
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

In today's BibleMouse lesson, we'll explore how Paul shared God's message with people who didn't know Him

💭 Review Question: What cities has Paul visited on his missionary journey so far?
2Teaching (10 min)

Paul arrived in Athens and saw a city full of idols. Instead of getting angry, he looked for a way to share God's love

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Athens was full of philosophers and statues
  • Paul noticed an altar 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD'
  • He used this as a way to tell them about the true God
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How might Paul have felt in a city with so many different beliefs?
  • Why do you think he chose to talk about the 'Unknown God'?
3Activity: Unknown God Sermon Map (12 min)
sermon analysis

Create a visual map of Paul's sermon, highlighting key points

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide paper into sections
  2. Draw images representing Paul's main points
  3. Write key phrases from Acts 17:22-31
  4. Use BibleMouse Travel Journal template
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Trace provided sermon outline

Challenge: Write a short dramatic retelling of the sermon

4Closing (3 min)

Review Paul's approach to sharing the gospel

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did Paul teach about the true God?
  • How can we share God's love with people different from us?
🙏 Prayer:

Lord, help us to be brave like Paul in sharing Your love

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore Paul's ministry in Ephesus

💎 Memory Verse

Acts 20:24

“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.”

— Acts 20:24 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Memory Verse Relay Race: Divide the verse into 6-8 word segments, write each on a separate card. Children race to put the verse in order while reciting it

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Paul's sermon in Athens is a masterclass in cultural sensitivity and gospel presentation

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage curiosity about different cultures
  • Emphasize understanding before judging
  • Use the BibleMouse Resource Guide for additional context
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find the philosophical language challenging

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Understanding of Paul's respectful approach to sharing the gospel

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research Greek philosophy for older students
  • Create a model of an ancient Greek altar
  • Listen to BibleMouse Song Collection tracks about missionary journeys

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 105 →Back to Bible