Ages 7+ · Bible Stories · Easter and the early church
Paul's long journey
🏙️Damascus⛵a ship⛓️a prison🌊a storm🏛️Rome
Paul's long journey.
The big ideaThe Bible tells how Paul travelled far to tell people about Jesus.
How it works
The Bible tells how a man named Saul did not like the friends of Jesus. On the road to Damascus a bright light stopped him, and for three days he could not see. Ananias helped him, and from then on he was also called Paul.
Paul and his friend Barnabas sailed to the island of Cyprus and walked from town to town telling people about Jesus. Some were glad, but others would not listen.
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were put in prison. At midnight they prayed and sang songs to God, and an earthquake opened the doors.
Later soldiers took Paul by ship toward Rome. A fierce storm broke the ship, but nobody was lost, and at last Paul reached Rome and told everyone about Jesus.
Paul's journey, in order.Saul and Paul.
Example 1: Trace it on a map
With a grown-up, find a map of the Mediterranean sea.
Start at Damascus, and then go on to the island of Cyprus.
Trace on to Philippi, and last to Rome.
Example 2: How things were in those days
Ships were wooden, with one big square sail.
Winter storms made sailing risky.
A prisoner's feet could be held fast in a wooden frame.
Example 3: People can change
Saul once did not like the friends of Jesus.
Then he changed and told the good news.
Ananias was afraid at first, but he went and welcomed Saul.
Words to know
Damascus
The old city Saul was walking to when the light shone.
jailer
The person who guarded the prison.
Cyprus
The island Paul and Barnabas sailed to across the sea.
Watch out
Saul and Paul are the same man. He was first called Saul, and then also Paul.
Paul and Silas were in prison in Philippi. Rome is where the journey ended.
In the prison at midnight they prayed and sang. They did not sleep or shout for help.
The storm broke the ship, but nobody was lost. Everyone swam or floated on planks to the shore.
Try it
What stopped Saul on the road to Damascus?
What did Paul and Silas do in prison at midnight?
Who helped Saul see again?
Where did Paul's long journey end?
Answers: 1. A bright light · 2. Prayed and sang songs to God · 3. Ananias · 4. In Rome
Try at homeWith a grown-up, find a map of the Mediterranean sea, and trace Paul's journey from Damascus to Rome.
For grown-upsThis is a long story, so read it in parts. The episode softens the worst of it (what Saul did to the friends of Jesus, and the beating of Paul and Silas, are left out), so tell more only if your child asks. Find the places on a map together.
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