Game

What city were Paul and Silas visiting when they were thrown in jail? Philippi.

Point to the Philippi sign. As the apostles went about preaching the Gospel, they often faced opposition and persecution from religious leaders or city officials. In addition to being beaten and jailed in Philippi, Paul also experienced hardships in Iconium (“I-CONE-ee-um”), Lystra (“LIST-ruh”), and Derbe (“DER-bee”). Point to the three signs.   

Have a sixth grade helper or another older child play a Roman soldier who has been dispatched by the religious leaders who oppose the Gospel. Have the soldier stand in the center of the room as you explain the game. 

Have you ever played a game called Four Corners? This game is very similar. You are traveling with Paul from city to city to preach the Gospel. Your goal is to avoid being caught and arrested by the soldier who has been sent by the religious leaders. The soldier will close his/her eyes and slowly count aloud to 10. As the soldier counts, you will quietly move to the city sign of your choice. Now, remember to move very quietly so the soldier can’t hear you! When the soldier is finished counting to 10, with eyes still closed, he/she will say, “I think someone is preaching in city number 1, 2, 3, or 4.” You never know which number the soldier will pick! Everyone who is caught in that city is “arrested” and sits down near the soldier, in “jail.” The game continues until only one player remains and is the winner. What did Paul and Silas do in prison? They sang.

So here’s something to think about: If the people in our “jail” start singing, they’ll actually help the people who are still going from city to city, because the soldier won’t be able to hear them moving! 

Let’s play two practice rounds to make sure everyone understands the game. If you’re caught in the first two rounds, you don’t need to go to jail! 

To shorten the game, once a city is named, you may announce that the city is closed and no one may enter. This limits play to three turns per round, after which there will probably be a group of winners in the remaining city. Choose another soldier for Round 2. Children who were “arrested” are freed to play again. Leave the city signs on the wall for the teaching.