Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
(Acts 15:36-16:15)
After the big meeting in Jerusalem, Paul wanted to visit all the churches he had started. He said to Barnabas, "Let's go back and see how the believers are doing." Barnabas wanted to bring his cousin John Mark along. But Paul didn't think that was a good idea because John Mark had left them on their first journey.
Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement. They couldn't agree on what to do. So they decided to go separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to Cyprus. Paul chose Silas as his new partner, and they traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
As they traveled, Paul came to a town called Lystra. There he met a young disciple named Timothy. Timothy was well spoken of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium. His mother was Jewish and a believer, but his father was Greek. Paul wanted Timothy to join his team. So he circumcised Timothy because of the Jewish people in those places. Then Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled through the towns, delivering the rules decided by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. The churches grew stronger in faith and increased in number every day.
Paul and his team traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit stopped them from preaching in Asia. They tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. That night, Paul had a vision. A man from Macedonia stood before him and begged, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." Paul knew God was calling them to preach the gospel there.
They sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, then to Neapolis. From there they went to Philippi, a Roman colony and the leading city in that part of Macedonia. Paul and his team stayed in Philippi for several days.
On the Sabbath, Paul went outside the city gate to the river. He expected to find a place of prayer there. He sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered. One of them was named Lydia, a seller of purple cloth from the city of Thyatira. Lydia was a worshiper of God, and the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. She believed, and her whole family was baptized. Then she invited Paul and his companions to stay at her house, saying, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home." And she persuaded them to come.
A Curious Question
Why did Paul have a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help, and how did that change the direction of his entire journey?
Old Testament Connection
This story connects to God's covenant promises to Abraham. God promised Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his family (Genesis 12:1-3). When Paul received the vision to go to Macedonia, he was taking the good news about Jesus to people who were not Jewish. This was part of God's bigger plan to bless all the people of the world, just as he promised Abraham. The prophet Isaiah also spoke about God's light coming to the nations (Isaiah 49:6). Paul's journey to Macedonia was a step in fulfilling that prophecy. God was expanding his kingdom family to include people from every nation, tribe, and language.
Discussion Questions
- Why did Paul and Barnabas disagree, and how did they handle their disagreement?
- What does it mean that the Holy Spirit stopped Paul from going to certain places?
- How did Lydia respond when she heard Paul's message, and what can we learn from her example?
So What? What Can I Do?
- Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend? How can you be kind even when you don't agree?
- How can you know if God is leading you to do something or to not do something?
- Lydia opened her home to Paul. What is one way you can show kindness to someone who is sharing God's love?
Memorize God's Word
Acts 16:14b - "The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul."
• The Lord opened cup your hands together and open them like a flower blooming.
• her heart place both hands over your heart.
• to pay attention cup your hand around your ear like you are listening carefully.
• to what was said by Paul point forward with both hands as if telling someone something important.
Praying with Kids
Dear Father, thank you for guiding Paul and his friends on their journey. Help us to listen to your leading in our lives, just like Paul listened to the vision. Open our hearts to hear your Word and to respond with faith like Lydia. Show us how we can be kind and helpful to others who share your love. In Jesus' name, amen.
Craft or Activity
Macedonian Vision Scroll
How to Make the Macedonian Vision Scroll:
- Cut a large rectangle from the brown paper bag.
- Write "Come over to Macedonia and help us" on the paper.
- Decorate the scroll with drawings of a boat, a map, and a person asking for help.
- Roll the paper from both ends toward the middle to make a scroll shape.
- Tie each end with a piece of string or yarn to keep it rolled.
- Unroll your scroll to remember how God called Paul to help people in a new place.
Effective Teaching Techniques
For Younger Children: Focus on the idea of listening to God's voice. Use simple language to explain the vision Paul had. Let them draw a picture of a person asking for help.
Prep Shortcut: Pre-cut the paper bag rectangles before class. Have the string pre-cut into small pieces for tying the scrolls.
Classroom Management: As children work on their scrolls, ask them to share one way they can help someone this week. Keep the discussion light and encouraging.
For Older Kids: Challenge them to look up Macedonia on a map and trace Paul's route. Discuss how God's plan was bigger than Paul's original plan.