The Church Begins · Lesson 6
Philip and the Ethiopian
Acts 8:26-40; Isaiah 53:7-8 New Testament PrincipleJoy
God sent Philip to a desert road to meet an important man from Ethiopia who was reading the Bible. Philip told him the good news about Jesus, the man was baptized, and he went home full of joy.
God goes looking for people from every nation, and knowing Jesus fills us with a joy we want to share.
- CreationGod made it
- FallWe broke it
- RedemptionJesus fixes it (this lesson)
- RestorationJesus makes it new
Memory verse
“Then Philip began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.”
Acts 8:35 BSB
Christ Connection · Promise
The man was reading Isaiah 53 about a lamb led to the slaughter, and Philip explained that it was about Jesus. Seven hundred years earlier, God had promised the suffering Servant who would carry our sins. Jesus is that Servant, and the good news is for every nation.
Acts 8:32-35; Luke 24:27; Isaiah 53:7-8
The Big Story · Redemption
Since Babel, the nations have been scattered far from God. Through Jesus, God is gathering people from every nation, even the ends of the earth, into one joyful family.
Teacher Guide
This version includes:
- Background and context for the passage
- Hidden in Plain Sight: the detail most people miss
- The Christ Connection: how this story points to Jesus
- A 45-minute class plan and prep checklist
- Object lesson: Who is it about?
- Theo’s Workshop (build challenge): Build a chariot
- A skit to act out the story
- Review game: Catch the chariot
- Pronunciation help, tips for every age, song ideas and a note for parents
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Preschool (ages 3–5)
Jesus' good news brings joy.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 4-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 3 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Chariot ride, Color the chariot
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
Free preview · Kindergarten – 2nd grade
God sent Philip to tell a man from far away about Jesus. The man believed, was baptized, and went home full of joy.
Memory verse
“Philip told him the good news about Jesus.”
Adapted from Acts 8:35
Start here
Ask, "Have you ever read something you didn't understand? Who helped you?" Let kids share. Say, "Today a man reads something confusing, and God sends a helper."
Bible story 6 min
An angel spoke to Philip. "Go south to the desert road." Philip did not know why. But he went.
A chariot came down the road. In it sat an important man from Ethiopia. He took care of the queen's money. He was reading part of the Bible out loud.
God's Spirit said, "Go to that chariot!" Philip ran to it. "Do you know what you are reading?"
The rest of the story, discussion questions, songs, Live It and prayer are for members.
Try an activity
Run to the chariot 8 min
You’ll need: A paper scroll
- One child "drives" the chariot slowly around the room holding the scroll. Another is Philip and runs to catch up.
- Philip asks, "Do you understand what you're reading?" The driver says, "Tell me about Jesus!" Switch roles.
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
3rd – 4th grade
God led Philip to an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53. Philip showed him that the passage was about Jesus, the man believed and was baptized, and he went home rejoicing, carrying the good news toward the ends of the earth.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 8-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: The Lamb in Isaiah, Scroll of good news
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: at school, at home, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
5th – 6th grade
God sent Philip to an Ethiopian official reading Isaiah 53, fulfilling both Isaiah's promise of the suffering Servant and his promise to welcome outsiders. The man believed, was baptized, and went home rejoicing as the gospel moved toward the ends of the earth.
This version includes:
- An opening hook and a 10-minute Bible story written for this age, with a Hidden in Plain Sight moment
- 5 discussion questions
- 2 activities: Promises kept, My desert road
- 6 “Dasch Digs Up” facts
- Real-life connections: online and on screens, at school, at church
- Song ideas, Live It, a prayer, and a printable student handout (preview below)
Every lesson, every age, from $25 a month. · Log in
More lessons on Joy
The same principle in other Bible stories.
Jesus the KingJesus Is BornLuke 2:1-20; Micah 5:2In Bethlehem, God's Son was born as a baby and laid in a manger, and angels told shepherds the good news of great joy that a Savior was born.New TestamentJoy
The Church BeginsPaul and Silas Sing in JailActs 16:16-34; Philippians 4:4Paul and Silas were hurt and locked in jail for telling about Jesus. At midnight they prayed and sang to God. An earthquake opened the doors, and the jailer and his family believed in Jesus and were filled with joy.New TestamentJoy
The Church BeginsThe Holy Spirit ComesActs 2:1-47; Genesis 11:1-9On Pentecost, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit like a rushing wind and tongues of fire. The disciples told about Jesus in many languages, Peter preached, and 3,000 people believed. The church was born with great joy.New TestamentJoy