Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Hello, everyone! Today is the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Paul and Barnabas.” It’s a great feeling to have good news to share with others. As followers of Christ, we have the best news ever—the Good News of Jesus Christ! Now let’s sing The Salvation Poem as we thank Jesus, who made the Good News of salvation possible!

Play Video 7: (Song) The Salvation Poem(3 minutes)

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.

The Salvation Poem

SuperTruth and Discussion(2 minutes)

Our SuperTruth today is, “I will share the Good News.”

God has entrusted us with a unique and awesome mission to spread the message of Jesus Christ. The Good News is that when we believe in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven, and we are set free to serve Him now. We also receive a promise for the future that we will live with Him forever in heaven. Raise your hand if you believe this is Good News.

The disciples in the New Testament were on a mission to share this Good News to the ends of the earth. Today, the mission is the same for all believers. Some people will accept the Good News we bring; others will not. Regardless, we must continue to look for opportunities to share Jesus and to represent Christ in all we do.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together once more: “I will share the Good News.”

Introduce Condensed Bible Story(1 minute)

If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.

Let’s watch a short version of the video about Paul and Barnabas. If you’ve already seen it, watch carefully to see what they do when people begin to worship them.

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story(12 minutes)

Superbook takes Chris, Joy, and Gizmo to join Paul and Barnabas on their mission trip. In Paphos, Paul miraculously blinds a sorcerer, and the Roman governor is saved. In Perga, John Mark abandons the mission, leading to a rift between Paul and Barnabas. In Lystra, Paul is nearly stoned to death. Even so, the disciples continue preaching the Gospel.

Condensed Bible Story

Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic

The graphic loops two-and-a-half minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.

10C SuperVerse Graphic

SuperVerse Discussion (2 minutes)

Our SuperVerse today is Romans 1:16 (NKJV):

Paul wrote the book of Romans, and in this verse, he declares that he is not ashamed of the Gospel. Why not? It is God’s power of salvation.

Jesus will save anyone who believes in Him—no matter who they are or what they have done.

In the video, what did Paul and Barnabas do when people began to worship them? They tore their clothes.

In Bible times, tearing your clothes was a sign of deep grief and distress. Why were Paul and Barnabas so upset? Children answer.

They wanted people to worship Jesus—that’s why they were on their mission to preach the Gospel.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes."

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group.

Introduce Signposts Video(1 minute)

Let’s watch the Signposts video to learn how the disciples followed Jesus’ example.

Play Video 6: Signposts Video (4 minutes)

Signposts Video

Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)

Let’s pray before we move to Small Group.

Dear God, the Gospel is Your plan of salvation. It contains Your love, mercy, and power for all people. Fill us with your Holy Spirit to give us boldness to declare the Gospel. Help us to never be ashamed or afraid or embarrassed to stand up for Your Word. By the authority and power of Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Raise your hand if you have tossed a beach ball back and forth with someone in the pool or at the beach. Children respond.

I am sorry to say that we don’t have a pool or a beach today; however, in Small Group you will get to play a fun game with a beach ball. Let’s go play!

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

Beach Ball Believing: Catch the Good News and share it with others.

Who can say the SuperTruth with their eyes closed? “I will share the Good News.”

Hold up a beach ball so that the children can see the writing. In this game, you will each have a chance to share the Good News with others so they can believe.

Divide the children into two teams. Divide each team in half. The team halves stand at opposite ends behind the lines directly across from each other. If a team is uneven, a child may play twice. Have two older players stand at one end of the middle line, facing their teams. Say the two phrases on the board together and tell children they can look at the board as needed during the game.

Start the game. The two players at the middle line begin with the beach balls. They shout “Catch the Good News!” and toss the ball to the first player on each team. The throwers in the middle then go to the back of their team line. 

The players catch the ball and shout, “I believe the Good News!” Then they quickly walk to the middle line, shout “Catch the Good News!” and toss the ball to a teammate behind the other line. 

Play this way until all children have had the opportunity to catch the Good News and share it. The first team that does this wins. It is important to continue play until all children have done both actions! Play additional rounds as time allows.

If a ball is dropped, the player picks it up and then shouts “I believe the Good News.”

Optional challenge: Throw and catch with one arm only!

Conclusion: That looked really fun! In order for someone to catch the Good News, someone else had to throw it first! So let’s not be ashamed to share the Gospel with others—it is the power of God to save people.

Teaching

Follow the Leader: Discuss how the disciples modeled Jesus to others.

Have a child select the first Signpost Card and read it aloud. Tape the card to the wall or prop it up so children can see it. Lead a discussion with the information below. Repeat for the other two Signpost Cards. Additional material is included for Grades 4–6 to look up and discuss.

Signpost 1: Encourage and Serve

As believers, we should try to represent Christ in all that we do. 1 John 2:6 (CEV) says:

Let’s look at some ways that the disciples followed Jesus’ example. Paul, Barnabas, and the other disciples did many miraculous and wonderful things. By doing these miracles, the disciples were being examples of Jesus. Who remembers some miracles that Jesus did? He healed the sick—including people who were blind, deaf, crippled, and who had leprosy. He walked on water, calmed the storm, and cast out demons. He turned water into wine. He multiplied a few loaves of bread and fish to feed thousands of people. He raised dead people to life again—the He rose from the dead Himself!

Barnabas encouraged and lifted up other believers. What does his name mean? “Son of Encouragement.”

What did Barnabas do for Paul when he first became a believer? Barnabas brought Paul to the apostles and told them how Jesus had appeared to him on his way to Damascus and about how Paul had become a believer. He told them how Paul had begun to preach boldly about Jesus.

Even though John Mark abandoned the mission, what did Barnabas do for him? He gave him a second chance and went on another mission.

Jesus also gives people second chances! While Jesus was on trial for His life, one of His closest friends denied even knowing Him! Do any of you know who that person was? Peter.

How would you feel, if you were going through a very scary time and one of your best friends pretended not to know you? Lonely, sad, betrayed, forgotten, unloved.

Even so, Jesus forgave Peter. And do you think Jesus forgives us? Yes.

No matter what we’ve done, we only need to confess it to Him, and He forgives us. We always have a second chance with Jesus!

It was important to Paul and Barnabas to return to places where they had preached the Gospel so they could encourage the new believers. Jesus tirelessly encouraged His disciples and prayed for them. Jesus not only prayed for His disciples, but He also prayed for everyone who would hear the Gospel and become a believer—that includes us! (John 17:20).

Jesus showed His followers how to serve by being a servant Himself. He says in Matthew 23:11 (NLT):

Paul, Barnabas, and the other disciples followed His example and humbly served others. And we, too, should be like Christ and humbly serve others.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT):

Acts 4:36–37 (NLT):

Acts 14:21–22 (NLT):

Signpost 2: Opposition Will Come

Sometimes, when we follow Jesus, we face opposition to the Gospel. Can you name some ways that the disciples faced opposition as they shared the Good News? Elymas, the governor’s sorcerer, opposed Paul and Barnabas and questioned the miracles that Jesus performed. The religious leaders opposed the disciples’ message and forbade them to preach about Jesus.

The disciples were often mocked, laughed at, arrested, and even persecuted for their beliefs. How do you think they reacted? Children answer.

Let’s read the answer in Acts 5:41 (NLT):

Jesus faced rejection, suffering, and even death, yet He submitted to God’s plan so that we could be forgiven and have eternal life. If we share the Gospel with people and they laugh, should we get angry and upset? No.

What should we do instead? We should pray for them, continue to show love, and trust God.

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

Luke 9:22 (NLT):

Matthew 5:43–45:

Matthew 5:10 (NLT):

Philippians 2:8 (NLT):

Signpost 3 Share the Good News

The disciples followed Jesus’ example by preaching the Gospel—the Good News of Jesus Christ. Do you remember what the apostles did when they were released from jail by God’s angel? They went to the temple and preached to the people as the angel had commanded them to do.

Even though they were ordered to not preach about Jesus, they obeyed God instead of the religious leaders.

Jesus wants everyone to follow Him, yet, He told us very plainly that it takes sacrifice and commitment. He told His disciples in Matthew 16:24 (NLT):

To believe in Jesus is to follow His example, in encouragement, in service, and in telling others the Good News. Jesus said that the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Will you choose to follow Jesus and work in His harvest?

OPTIONAL VERSES FOR GRADES 4–6

John 5:24 (NLT):

Luke 10:2 (NLT):

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Who was able to do the challenge from the last lesson? Children respond.

Would you like to share how it felt to encourage others? Children share.

Did anyone memorize Philippians 2:4? Can you say it now?

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

It is easy to focus only on ourselves, but if we do this, we miss opportunities to help others. Paul wrote in this verse to be aware of other people and what is going on in their lives. When we do that, the Holy Spirit can show us a way to encourage and help them by demonstrating God’s love.

Give the Mission Ship Craft to children who missed Lessons 1 and 2, so they may assemble it at home. Hold up the sample craft. Would someone please read our mission challenge for Lesson 3 on the sail? Share—Read Romans 1:16 and share the Good News.

Paul and Barnabas took the Good News to many places; those who believed were saved by the power of God. God has entrusted us with this same mission. Your challenge now is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with at least one person before this class meets again. The second part of your mission is to read Romans 1:16 and try to memorize it. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage and boldness to share the Good News and to prepare someone’s heart to receive it. God’s power is nothing to be ashamed of; it is something to shout about!

Optional: Read Romans 1:16 (NKJV):

SuperVerse

Superbook Power: Memorize the SuperVerse with a group activity.

Before God transformed Paul’s life, his name was Saul. Saul was a Pharisee who strictly obeyed the Jewish law. He thought he was pleasing God by capturing Christians and sending them to jail or to be killed. Then he met the Lord Jesus on the road to Damascus. God changed him in an instant and turned his life upside down. Instead of persecuting Christians, Saul became the apostle Paul who gave his entire life to bringing more people to Christ! Was Paul ashamed of the Gospel? No.

Now, to help us learn the SuperVerse, we are going to say it in a couple of different ways. When you are ashamed, do you feel confident and bold? No.

Right, you feel embarrassed and probably don’t want to see or talk with anyone. So, let’s say the SuperVerse very quietly—as softly as you can. First, let’s have the girls say it when I whisper, “Go.” Girls quietly say the verse. Then repeat with the boys.

Now, when Paul was changed by the Gospel, he began to preach boldly about God’s power to save through the Gospel. This time I will have the boys boldly shout the verse when I say “Go!” Boys shout the verse. Then repeat with the girls.

Wow, what a difference it makes to proclaim the power of God with boldness! This time, when I say "Go," let’s shout the SuperVerse together. Go! Everyone shouts the SuperVerse.

God does not want us to shout the Gospel at people; however, He does want us to boldly share the Good News with His love and by the power of His Spirit!

Note: If some children cannot memorize the entire SuperVerse, be sure they understand its meaning.

Prayer

Confidence Prayers: Communicate with God.

In our prayer time today, we are going to pray for boldness to share the Good News. Sometimes it’s hard to live for Jesus or to share about Him when it seems we are the only one. We don’t want people to make fun of us. The truth is, everyone needs to hear the Gospel—whether they realize it or not! Many people look as if they are happy, but secretly, they are sad and lonely and hopeless. They may be praying for God to help them! If you reach out to them with love and share the Good News of Jesus with them, you may be part of God’s answer to their prayer. They could accept Jesus and have new hope and joy.

Even if people reject us or laugh at us, we can’t stop. Paul asked people to pray for him as he shared the Gospel. Here is what he wrote in Ephesians 6:19 (NLT):

In our prayers today, let’s confess to God if you’ve felt embarrassed or ashamed to share Jesus with others. Then ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with His power and boldness to share the Gospel whenever you have the opportunity. Let’s bow our heads, close our eyes, and silently pray now. Allow time for children to pray.

Paul asked God to give him the right words to explain the Gospel to others. Let’s pray again, and ask God to give us the right words to say when we speak to people about Him. Allow children time to pray.

Finally, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of people for when we share the Gospel with them. God knows every person and what they need to hear. Allow children time to pray.

Close in prayer: Dear God, thank You for the power of the Gospel! Replace our fears and embarrassment with your boldness and power. Prepare the way and guide us to those who need to know about Jesus! In His name we pray, amen.

Review Game

Special Delivery: Play a true and false game to review the Bible lesson.

This is the final lesson about Paul and Barnabas, so we are going to play a review game and deliver the Good News at the same time. Before television and the internet, newspapers were a very important way to receive the news each day. Boys and girls who were often your age would ride bicycles and deliver the news by tossing a rolled-up newspaper onto people’s porches.

Divide the class into two teams. Hold up a rolled newspaper. Step back and forth on the floor signs and toss the newspaper as you describe the game.

In this game, you will deliver the Good News represented by the rolled newspapers. This is a True and False question game where you will have two chances to score points for your team! You will receive one point for a correct answer and one point for each newspaper delivered to the proper place or person represented by the three containers.

I will ask the same question to a player for each team. You will answer by standing on a True or False Sign. When both players are standing on a sign, I will reveal the answer. Then, players have two chances to toss their papers into the container I call out. You score a point for each newspaper tossed into the correct container. Are you ready to deliver for your teams?

The team with the most points after all the children have taken a turn wins. Optional: when the answer is “false,” ask teams for the true answer and award a bonus point if it’s correct. You may also ask additional bonus questions related to the original one.

True or False Review Questions

1. The apostles performed many miracles among the people. (True)
2. Sick people were brought into the streets so Peter could fall on them to be healed. (False—So his shadow could fall on them to be healed)
3. The religious leaders supported the apostles. (False—They were filled with jealousy)
4. The religious leaders had the apostles arrested and thrown into the river. (False—Into jail)
5. An angel of the Lord came one night and rescued the apostles from jail. (True)
6. The angel told the apostles to preach the Gospel in the courthouse. (False—In the Temple)
7. The religious leaders gave the apostles strict orders to never teach about Jesus again. (True)
8. Peter and the other apostles said they would obey the priests instead of God. (False—They must obey God rather than any human authority)
9. Paul and Barnabas went to the island of Cyprus, and the Roman governor became a believer. (True) Bonus point, what was the governor’s name? (Sergius-Paulus)
10. Paul made a sorcerer deaf for interfering with his Gospel message. (False—Blind)
11. Barnabas’s name means Son of Discouragement. (False—Son of encouragement)
12. Paul and Barnabas traveled in a ship with a man named Luke Matthew. (False—John Mark)
13. A Gentile is anyone who is not Jewish (True)
14. Some apostles were stoned by angry mobs. (True)
15. Before Paul became a believer, his name was Sean. (False—Saul)
16. Barnabas went with Paul to the apostles and convinced them to accept him. (True)
17. John Mark left Paul and Barnabas and did not go on another journey with both of them. (True)
18. Paul refused to return to any of the churches where they had preached the Gospel. (False—He returned to many of them to see how they were doing)
19. Paul and Barnabas separated because of a disagreement over who should pay for their ship ticket. (False—because of their disagreement about John Mark)
20. Barnabas traveled with John Mark to preach the Gospel after his disagreement with Paul. (True)

Conclusion: Remember, the Holy Spirit will direct us to people whose hearts He has prepared to receive the Good News.

Craft Activity

Beautiful Feet! Make custom Gospel shoes.

I would like everyone to close their eyes and say the SuperTruth aloud on the count of three: one, two, three! “I will share the Good News.”

How would you know about Jesus if no one ever told you?

Let’s read what Paul wrote in Romans 10:13–15 (NLT):

Look down at the children’s feet for a moment. Has anyone ever said that you have beautiful feet? Children answer.

The Bible says that you do! In fact, when Paul wrote that, he was quoting an Old Testament prophet named Isaiah. Read Isaiah 52:7 (NLT):

We are going to make a craft about your beautiful feet. You can take it home to remind you of this verse and the importance of sharing the Good News. Display the finished craft.

Give each child a Gospel Shoes Pattern, pencils, glue, colored pencils, washable markers, or crayons, scissors, and any of the materials you chose to decorate with. Have children write their names on the blank line and use the materials to customize their shoes. When finished, set the crafts aside to dry and allow children to walk around and enjoy each other’s creativity.

Look at your picture to remind you to share the Good News and keep your feet beautiful!

Maze Activity

Separate Paths: Choose the correct routes for Paul and Barnabas’s separate journeys.

Let’s say our SuperTruth together: “I will share the Good News.”

Paul and Barnabas had great success traveling together on their first journey from Antioch as they were sent by the Spirit of God. On the second journey to share the Good News, something changed. What was it? They separated to go to different places because of the disagreement about John Mark.

Your mission is to guide Paul and Barnabas on their separate journeys to reach their different destinations.

Read Acts 15: 36–41 (NLT):

That’s what this maze is about. Give each child a copy of the maze and a pencil. Lead a discussion using the questions below as the children complete the activity.

1. Why did Paul want to return to places they had already traveled to? To visit the people who had accepted Jesus and encourage them in their faith.
2. Why do you think it is important and appreciated to follow up with the people as they did? They may have questions about how to live as a Christian, according to God’s Word. They could be discouraged or confused and need help.
3. Who did Paul travel with instead of Barnabas? Silas.

Conclusion: Although Paul and Barnabas had a disagreement, they still obeyed God and continued preaching the Good News. Eventually, Paul and John Mark were brought together again, and Paul considered him a trusted co-worker in the Lord! (Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:9–11)

Bible Activity

Life-changing News! Look up verses about the power of the Gospel.

Let’s say the SuperVerse together: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.

The Gospel contains God’s power and is God’s solution to our problem of sin and death. The verses you will look up are about the Gospel, or the Good News, of Christ.

Note that the suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary. Write the scripture references, one at a time, on the board for children to look up, read, and find the answers to fill in the blanks. Assist children as necessary to help children who are not familiar with the Bible, or pair them with a more experienced child. Have children raise their hands when they have found the answer.

1. 1 Corinthians 1:18: 

(Foolish) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 

2. 1 Thessalonians 1:5: 

(Assurance) For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance. 

3. Romans 1:16: 

(Believes) For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes.

4. John 5:24: 

(Life) “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” 

5. 1 Corinthians 1:18: 

(Power) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.

6. 2 Timothy 1:9: 

(Grace) For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was His plan from before the beginning of time—to show us His grace through Christ Jesus. 

7. Romans 16:25: 

(Strong) Now all glory to God, who is able to make you strong, just as my Good News says. 

8. John 3:16: 

(World) “For this is how God loved the world: He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

9. 2 Corinthians 4:4: 

(Light) Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are unable to see the glorious light of the Good News.

10. Ephesians 2:8: 

(Gift) God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.

Pray: Heavenly Father, the Gospel contains Your unlimited power to save all who believe. Help us to never be ashamed or afraid to share this amazing Good News with others. In Jesus’ powerful name we pray, amen.