Stephen Was Arrested
NOVEMBER 2, 2025
Stephen Was Arrested
Jesus told His followers that they would be persecuted—hated, hurt, or even killed—for loving Him. Jesus also said that those who suffer for Him would be blessed. We can face suffering in this life because Jesus suffered first. He died and then rose again, and He is waiting for us in heaven.
Read all or parts of Acts 6-7 from your Bible or watch the Bible story video.
ELEMENTARY GK STORY:
LIL' GK STORY:
STORY:
Stephen loved Jesus, and he was even one of the men chosen to serve the church in last week’s story. He was full of the Holy Spirit and performed signs and miracles. The religious leaders argued with Stephen and made up lies about him. When the leaders asked Stephen to defend himself, Stephen began to preach about Jesus.
Stephen used stories from the Old Testament to show the religious leaders that Jesus is the Messiah God promised He spoke about God’s promise to Abraham, Joseph in Egypt, Moses and the burning bush, Joshua’s conquering of the promised land, and even how Solomon built God’s temple. Stephen reminded the Jewish leaders that even though God’s plan was at work to send Jesus into the world, His people rejected His prophets’ messages. Stephen reminded the Jewish leaders that they had rejected and murdered Jesus. Jesus became human to obey His Father’s plan and rescue sinners. But the religious leaders did not accept the truth of the gospel.
The Jewish leaders became incredibly angry. They threw large stones at Stephen. But Jesus was with Stephen. As Stephen was being persecuted for preaching about Jesus, he saw heaven and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. This gave Stephen hope as he faced persecution. We can have the same kind of hope Stephen had. If we have trusted Jesus as Savior, we can face any type of suffering or death knowing that Jesus is waiting for us in heaven.
DISCUSSION QUESTION #1: How does Jesus’ death and resurrection give us hope?
ANSWER: Prompt kids to think about how Stephen saw Jesus in heaven standing at God’s right hand waiting for him. Remind kids that because of Jesus’ death and resurrection we have the hope of eternal life with Him. Discuss how any hardship we go through will not compare to the joy that awaits us in heaven.
DISCUSSION QUESTION #2: Do we have a choice of whether we choose to accept or reject Jesus? Why?
ANSWER: Discuss how some people reject Jesus and some choose to believe in Jesus. Remind kids that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, and everyone who believes in Him will be forgiven.
WORK ON MEMORIZING OUR SCRIPTURE VERSE!
Lil' GK verse
Elementary GK verse
Or learn it through song!
Lil' GK Scripture Song
Elementary GK Scripture Song
MORNINGS:
Thank You, Lord, that You know everything we face here on earth. Thank You for always being with us and for giving us hope through Jesus. Help us live faithfully for You and to share the gospel with others so they can have hope through Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.
EVENINGS:
Thank You, Lord, that You are always with us and for giving us hope through Jesus. Help us face hard times with courage, knowing You will give us strength. In Jesus’ name, amen
