Acts 8 · Grade 4
The Word Spreads
Read and Think
Saul agreed with Stephen's death. That day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem. The believers were scattered through Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Saul dragged men and women off to prison. But those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
Philip proclaimed the Christ in Samaria. Many were healed, and there was great joy. Simon, who had amazed people with sorcery, believed and was baptized. When Peter and John laid hands on the believers and they received the Holy Spirit, Simon offered money for this power. Peter said, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!"
An angel sent Philip south toward Gaza. An official from Ethiopia, who served Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, was reading Isaiah in his chariot. Philip asked, "Do you understand what you are reading?" The man said he needed someone to explain it.
He was reading about one led as a sheep to the slaughter. He asked whom the prophet meant. Beginning from this Scripture, Philip preached to him about Jesus. At some water the man was baptized, and he went on his way rejoicing.
Show What You Know
Who were not scattered?
Why did Peter rebuke Simon?
Whom did the official from Ethiopia serve?
What did the passage in Isaiah describe?
Word Bank Fill-In
Use the word bank to fill in each blank.
- That day a persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem.
- The believers were scattered through Judea and , except the apostles.
- proclaimed the Christ in Samaria.
- Simon, who had amazed people with sorcery, believed and was .
- When Peter and John laid hands on the believers and they received the Holy , Simon offered money for this power.
Think About It
The believers were scattered, but they kept telling the word. How can God use a hard change in your life for good?
Philip began from the man's own question. How could you listen to someone's questions before you share about Jesus?
Memory Verse
“Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus.”
Acts 8:35 (WEB)
Copy It
Prayer
Dear God, thank You for the lesson of Philip and the Man from Ethiopia. Help me . Amen.
Take It Home
For families: talk about these together.
- How did the persecution help the word spread?
- What was wrong with Simon's offer?
Scripture: World English Bible, public domain, eBible.org. © 2026 The Daily Rooted. Free to print and copy for church and home use; not for resale. Original line art.