Use these craft ideas to teach about Paul and Silas in Acts 16. These midnight singing in jail craft Ideas will help you teach your children’s ministry, kids church, or Sunday School lesson. Gather your craft supplies, print our directions with picture, and watch the craft demonstration video as you prepare.
Singing, Chains, and an Earthquake Jailbreak! Craft Ideas for Paul and Silas
The story of Paul and Silas in jail is an encouraging reminder that God is always with us, and we never know how He might work in and through our lives! Paul and Silas rejoiced and sang, even in a hard circumstance, and their chains were broken as a result! We can make a joyful noise to the Lord and know He hears us, even if we don’t always feel joyful. These crafts remind children of the story and the importance of music. A 3-D scene uses paper and puppets to re-create the story. “Shaker Shackles” serve as fun noise-making tools that also feature chains to reflect on the tale from Acts 16.
Bible Verses or Craft Captions to Consider… (Acts 16:16-34)
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them… Acts 16:25
Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. -Acts 16:34
Even in chains… I can make a joyful noise!
Paul and Silas sang songs in the night… so can I!
Earthquake and jail break! Paul and Silas gave prayer and praise.
More Teaching Ideas on Paul and Silas in prison
- Watch the children’s sermon video and Bible crafts ideas for this lesson
- See the Paul and Silas lesson from Sunday School Works
- Compare our full Sunday School lesson on Acts 16:16-34
- See our Paul and Silas Children’s Sermon for an easy lesson plan
- Compare another Bible Object lesson on Paul and Silas in Jail
- Read scripture quotes and Bible verses about singing
Craft one: “Paul and Silas Jail Break”
You will need craft supplies:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Crayons or markers
- Popsicle sticks (any size)
- Stapler (optional)
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
Procedure: Craft Directions
- If using the popsicle sticks as puppets, decorate and add “human” features.
- Cut “jail cell doors” out of paper.
- Place verses, captions, and decorations on paper. Add popsicle sticks, if using.
- Attach jail cell “doors” over the featured puppets. Hang and enjoy!
It is a dark night. A storm rages outside, and the only light comes from the flickering candles that line the walls of the cell. Paul and Silas sit huddled together on the cold, hard floor, their wrists bound in chains. And yet, in spite of their circumstances, they sing. They sing hymns of praise to God, and their voices fill the small space with hope and joy. It is a moment of profound connection to the Divine, a moment of hope in the midst of darkness.
For Christians, the story of Paul and Silas singing in jail is an inspiration. It is a reminder that no matter how dark our circumstances may be, God is always with us. And it is a reminder that we can find hope and joy even in the midst of difficult times. If you are looking for a craft project that will help your kids understand this important story, there are several options available. You can have them make their own jail cell out of cardboard or construction paper, or you can create a collage that illustrates the story. You can also have them make their own hymnals out of paper and markers.
Craft Two: “Shaker Shackles”
You will need craft supplies:
- Construction Paper or cardstock
- Paper towel tubes
- Rubber bands
- Stickers and decorative supplies
- Scissors
- Dry beans, beads, or pasta noodles
- Markers or crayons
Procedure: Craft Directions
1. Decorate paper towel tubes (cut in pieces) with verses, captions, and stickers.
2. Fill tube pieces with beads, dried pasta, or rice.
3. Cover each end of the tubes with foil or paper and secure tightly with rubber bands and/or tape.
4. Cut strips of paper out of cardstock or construction paper. Option: include prayers or praises on the strips.
5. Staple the strips together as “chains.” Attach to the shaker tubes for the noisemaker element. Wear or shake the shackles to recount the story!
Paul and Silas were two of the most important leaders of the early Christian church. They traveled throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the gospel and establishing churches. In 60 AD, they were arrested and thrown into jail in the city of Philippi. There, they prayed and sang hymns, and an earthquake shook the prison, freeing them from their chains. The jailer was so impressed by their faith that he converted to Christianity, and Paul and Silas continued their work of preaching the gospel. Today, we remember Paul and Silas for their courage in the face of adversity, and we can learn from their example to trust in God even when things are tough.
Teaching about Bible stories can be a lot of fun for kids, and one way to make it even more enjoyable is to incorporate some crafts into the lesson. Kids often enjoy getting their hands dirty and working with their hands, so incorporating crafts into a Sunday school lesson on Paul and Silas can be a great way to help them engage with the material. There are all sorts of different crafts that you could do with this particular story. One option would be to have the kids make paper handcuffs, like the ones that Paul and Silas were dragged off in. This would be a simple craft that would help bring the story to life for them.