Leader Guide

Maze Activity

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Make copies of the Journey Maze, one per child, plus extras.

Make one copy of the Paul and Barnabas Journey Maze Answer Key.

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):

36After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” 37Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. 38But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. 39Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. 40Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. 41Then he traveled throughout Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches there.

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)

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