📖

Paul's First Missionary Journey Begins

Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry

Day 99of 180
Week 20of 36
30Minutes
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🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand how the early church sent missionaries

2

Trace Paul and Barnabas's first missionary journey on a map

3

Recognize God's guidance in spreading the gospel

📖 Scripture Connection

Acts 13:1-3

“Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then, after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.”

— Acts 13:1-3 (WEB)

Demonstrates how the early church discerned and supported missionary work

📦 Materials Needed

  • World English Bible
  • Large world map
  • Colored markers
  • Notebook
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade 4 Bible
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

BibleMouse adventure begins! Recall previous lessons about Paul's conversion and Barnabas's encouragement

💭 Review Question: What special thing happened to Paul on the road to Damascus?
2Teaching (10 min)

Exploring how the early church sent missionaries

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • The church in Antioch prayed and fasted
  • Holy Spirit guided their missionary selection
  • Barnabas and Paul were set apart for special work
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How do you think the church knew who to send?
  • What might it feel like to be chosen for a special mission?
3Activity: Missionary Journey Map Adventure (12 min)
journey mapping

Trace Paul and Barnabas's first journey using BibleMouse map resources

📝 Instructions:
  1. Locate Antioch on the map
  2. Mark their first stops using colored markers
  3. Draw lines showing their travel route
  4. Write brief notes about key events at each location
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-marked map with basic route

Challenge: Research and add additional historical context for each location

4Closing (3 min)

Review journey and missionary calling

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did Paul and Barnabas do?
  • How did the church support their mission?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us be brave like Paul and Barnabas in sharing Your love

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn about Paul's first sermon in Pisidian Antioch

💎 Memory Verse

Acts 9:15

“But the Lord said to Ananias, 'Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.'”

— Acts 9:15 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Memory Verse Treasure Hunt: Write verse words on separate cards, hide around room, child must collect and arrange in correct order

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

First missionary journey marks critical expansion of early Christian church beyond Jewish communities

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use enthusiasm when discussing missionary work
  • Encourage child's curiosity about different cultures
  • Connect lesson to modern missionary efforts
🤔 Common Struggles:

Understanding geographical and historical context of ancient travel

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's ability to trace route and explain basic journey details

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Create a missionary prayer journal
  • Research modern missionaries from BibleMouse Recommended Resources
  • Write a fictional letter from Paul to the Antioch church

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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