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In the last stages of his third missionary journey, Paul stopped in Troas and met with the church in an upstairs room. During Paul’s very long preaching, a young man named Eutychus went to sleep and fell out of a window and onto the ground below. Paul miraculously brought the boy back to life.
For a practical lesson, help students understand how to pay attention and participate with the church in listening when God’s Word is being preached.
Bible verses used in this episode:
Acts 20:7-12
Outline:
- Paul preaches until midnight (Acts 20:7-8)
- The young man, Eutychus (Acts 20:9-10)
- Paul continues to preach until morning (Acts 20:11-12)
Tips for teaching children:
- Discuss how to pay attention when God’s Word is being preached.
- Use paper or a notebook to write or draw what is being said.
- Participate in the worship service (Sing and pray).
- Look up verses in your own Bible.
- Before worship begins, ask the preacher what words he plans to discuss most. Keep a tally of those words during his sermon. If the word is Jesus, mark every time he says “Jesus.” At the conclusion of worship, the preacher might be interested in seeing your list and might like to know how often you heard him say the word or words.
Tips for teaching adults:
- One of the insights from our story today is that part of what Paul was doing in speaking at the gathering was using dialogue instead of monologue. An effective teacher will include the class in the discussion, will ask questions that drive the class back to the text, will ask other questions that challenge the class to reflect on the text and reflect on their lives, and will ask questions that challenge them to do something with what they have learned.
- As a teacher, ask the class: “What can help you be a better listener when the word is being preached? I think the class will come up with some good responses. You may want to keep these good listening skills in mind:
- look at the teacher/preacher
- work to concentrate and minimise distractions
- open your Bible and follow along
- take notes
- have a water bottle to keep hydrated.
Full teaching instructions free from Mission Bible Class:
Bible Lesson: Eutychus Falls from a Window
Scriptures quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, copyright ©1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission.
Excerpts from Mission Bible Class used by permission.
Music: Upbeat Positive Culture (Acoustic Corporate Travel Promo Christian Rock), Individual License, Stock Media provided by HumansWin, pond5.com
For questions or comments email: mary@missionbibleclass.org
