​Read all or parts of Acts 4:1-31 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.

STORY: Peter and John could not keep quiet about Jesus. They had to share the good news with everyone! Even when the religious leaders tried to stop them, Peter and John still continued to preach the gospel. Just like the religious leaders thought killing Jesus would stop Him, they thought they could stop Peter and John by putting them in jail. Nothing and no one can stop Jesus or the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter and John were filled with God’s power through the Holy Spirit and continued to tell others about Jesus no matter how difficult it became.

Peter told the religious leaders that he was teaching and healing in the powerful name of Jesus. This was proof that Jesus is alive! Even though the religious leaders thought they killed Jesus, Peter told them Jesus rose again. Jesus’ power was at work through His Spirit living in the disciples.

The religious leaders knew Peter and John did nothing wrong, but they told the two apostles to stop sharing Jesus with others. But Peter and John could NEVER be quiet about Jesus and what He has done! Like Peter and John, we tell others about Jesus so that they will hear and believe the good news.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #1: Is sharing the gospel a way we show love to people? Why? 

ANSWER: Tell kids that sharing about Jesus is the best way to love others because we want them to be forgiven of sin and live forever. Help kids understand that Peter and John showed they loved all people - even the religious leaders who threw them in prison - by giving them a chance to hear the gospel and repent of their sin. Discuss how we share the gospel by telling others about Jesus and by serving others like Jesus has served us. Share how our words and actions can show the love of Jesus.

DISCUSSION QUESTION #2: How can we have boldness to share the gospel with others?

ANSWER: Tell kids that to be bold for the gospel means that we trust God more than we fear others’ reactions or responses. Discuss how the Holy Spirit gave Jesus’ followers boldness to serve Him with their lives. Encourage kids to remember that if they are followers of Jesus, they have the same Holy Spirit within them to help them and give them boldness. Tell kids that they can pray for boldness and ask God to help them be bold just as the disciples did. 

MORNINGS:

Thank you, Father, for the good news of the gospel. We love and trust You. Just like You did for Peter, John and the other believers in Acts, please give us the power to speak about Jesus with boldness and without fear. Amen.

EVENINGS:

Father, we are so thankful for the work You are doing in our lives. Thank You for rescuing us from our sin and setting us free to enjoy the life You created us to live. Please give us boldness and confidence to talk about Jesus with our friends and family who aren’t yet following Him. Help us live lives that honor Your Name. Amen.