In Acts 8:26-39, we read about Philip and the Ethiopian official. This official was reading the book of Isaiah but did not understand what it meant. God sent Philip to help him understand that the scripture he was reading pointed to Jesus. Once the official believed, he asked to be baptized right away. This story shows us how God uses the Bible to help people know Him more deeply.
Young children may not grasp complex theology, but they can begin to understand that the Bible is God’s special book that tells us about Jesus. Preschoolers can relate to the Ethiopian’s curiosity and learn that it is okay to ask questions about God. This lesson introduces them to the idea that God helps us understand the Bible, often through others like teachers, parents, and church leaders.
Yarn for hair (Note: You can finger crochet the hair pieces to make it easier to glue for little hands)
Description Kids decorate puppets and use them to “ask questions” like the Ethiopian man. Teacher answers using simple language. Reinforces the concept that asking about the Bible is good!
3. BIBLE VERSE GAME: Ask & Go Puppet Parade 10:30–10:40
Purpose: To help kids act out the Ethiopian man’s curiosity and show that asking questions about the Bible is good—just like he did with Philip.
Items Needed:
Completed “Tell Me More” puppets (from the craft)
Signs or images taped around the room (Bible, cross, water, scroll, heart)
Open floor space for walking
How to Play:
Set the scene: Place 4–5 signs or images around the room representing parts of the story (e.g., a scroll, a Bible, water for baptism).
Line up kids: Have kids hold their puppets and stand in a line with you as their guide, just like Philip.
Start the parade: As you walk to each sign, stop and have one puppet “ask” a question:
Puppet: “What is this scroll?”
Teacher: “That’s the Bible! It tells us about Jesus.”
Puppet: “Why is there water?”
Teacher: “The man believed in Jesus and wanted to be baptized.”
After each stop, everyone repeats together with their puppets:
“Tell me more!” (Use silly voices or whisper voices for fun repetition.)
At the end of the walk, circle up and say: “We can ask questions and learn from the Bible—just like the man in our story!”
4. SONG 10:40–10:50
5. BIBLE STORY 10:50–11:00
Where is this found in the Bible? Acts Is this in the Old Testament or New Testament? New Testament
Tell the story like this:
Philip was one of God’s helpers. One day, an angel told Philip to go to a certain road. On that road was a man from a faraway country called Ethiopia. This man was reading the Bible, but he didn’t understand it. Philip came up to him and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The man said, “No, I need help.” So Philip told him all about Jesus. The man was so happy he believed! When they saw water nearby, he said, “Can I be baptized?” Philip said yes, and they went into the water together. The man was baptized and went home joyful.
Object Lesson: Show a children’s Bible and a glass of water. Say, “This book helps us learn about Jesus. And when we believe, we can show our love by being baptized, like going into water and coming out clean.”
Theological Questions:
Who helped the man understand the Bible? (Philip)
What book helps us learn about Jesus? (The Bible)
Life Application Questions:
Can you ask someone when you don’t understand the Bible? (Yes)
Who helps you learn about Jesus? (Parents, teachers)
Prayer: Dear God, thank You for giving us the Bible. Help me understand it so I can know Jesus. Amen.
6. BIBLE CRAFT “Tell About Jesus” Megaphone 11:00–11:15
Purpose: To help preschoolers understand that Philip used his voice to tell the Ethiopian man about Jesus—and that they can share God’s Word too!
Items Needed:
Paper (construction or printer paper)
Crayons or markers
Glue sticks or tape
Sample finished megaphone for display
Instructions:
Give each child a sheet of paper. Invite them to decorate it with simple symbols from the story: a Bible, a heart, water, or a happy face.
As they color, say: “Philip helped someone understand the Bible. We can use our voices to tell others about Jesus too!”
After decorating, help each child roll the paper into a cone shape like a megaphone and secure it with glue or tape.
Once their megaphones are ready, invite them to say short messages into them like:
“Jesus loves you!”
“God’s Word is true!”
“I can tell others about Jesus!”
Connection to the Story: Just like Philip told the Ethiopian man about Jesus, your megaphone reminds you that you can use your voice to share God’s Word.
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (KJV)
“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” – Acts 8:35-36
