The Philippian Jailer Bible story is found in Acts 16:25-34. Paul and Silas are in prison at midnight at the beginning of our story. By the end they are having a meal with the jailer and his family.
For young children a few details have been ommitted or simplified.
The Philippian Jailer Bible story idea
In the story bag – dolls/puppets representing Paul, Silas, the jailer, some play food. Take the items from the bag as you need them. You can add some movement in the story too.This is indicated in the text below.
Telling the story
‘Say hello to Paul and Silas. They had had a very tough day. People in the town of Phillipi weren’t happy with them talking about Jesus. They had been locked up in prison! It wasn’t very nice at all. It wasn’t clean and tidy and it definitely wasn’t comfortable.
What could they do? They might have decided to moan and groan. They might have decided to be really angry and upset. But they didn’t do any of those things.
In the middle of the night, they were praying to God and singing.
I think they were singing quite loudly because the Bible tells us that all the other people in the prison could hear them!
Suddenly the ground began to shake and shudder! (you could all shake and shudder here).The prison walls moved! The prison doors opened! Everyone’s chains fell off!
The man in charge of the jail was frightened. He would be in big trouble if Paul and Silas escaped. But they didn’t. Paul called out,’ Don’t worry, we are still here’.
The jailer ran into the room, he was shaking with fear, ‘What do I need to do to be saved?’ he asked Paul.
What would Paul say? He told the jailer about the Lord Jesus, the only one who can save. And the jailer believed.
The jailer took Paul and Silas into his home and he and his family looked after them and they had some yummy food to eat.
The next day Paul and Silas were set free and the leaders who had hurt them and locked them up said sorry.
This was the beginning of the church in the town of Phillipi.’
For another story about the new church in Philippi have a look at Lydia hears about Jesus
Play Ideas
Make a music area for the children to explore
Make musical instruments using yogurt pots, uncooked rice and paper lids secured with tape. Decorate the pots with stickers.
Song ideas
Paul and Silas were singing praises to God in prison – here are some songs you could sing with the children
- From my head down to my toes God loves me
- If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands
- My God is so great so strong and so mighty
Paul and Silas in Jail craft
Scroll down for the printable downloads you need for the above craft. Cut out the pieces you need and provide an A4 piece of sugar paper for the background. You also need crayons and glue.
