Paul and Barnabas Split for Kids: The Bible Story Explained Simply

Series: Pauls Adventures (Episode 02 of 10) | Scripture: Acts | Ages 7+

Paul and Barnabas Split is a Bible story from Acts in the New Testament. This retelling is designed for kids ages 5 and up, using simple language they can understand and lessons they will remember.

Watch the Full Story of Paul and Barnabas Split

Watch Paul and Barnabas Split in our 60-second video lesson. Your child can follow along and take a quiz after to check what they learned.

Watch "Paul and Barnabas Split" on Faithful Kids

Part of our Pauls Adventures series, 10 episodes covering adventure, perseverance, sharing faith, courage.

What Is the Story of Paul and Barnabas Split for Kids?

PAUL'S ADVENTURES — EPISODE 2: PAUL AND BARNABAS SPLIT Based on Acts 15:36-41 Series: Paul's Adventures | Episode 2 of 10 Target audience: Kids ages 7-15

Okay, this episode might surprise you. Because it's not about a miracle or a dramatic escape. It's about a fight. A real, heated argument — between two of the greatest missionaries who ever lived.

Paul and Barnabas had just finished their first incredible journey together. They'd faced sorcerers, angry mobs, and stoning. They were a legendary team. So naturally, Paul says, "Let's go back and visit every city where we preached. Let's see how the believers are doing."

Great idea. Barnabas is in. But then Barnabas says, "Let's bring John Mark with us."

This story comes from Acts and is part of the New Testament.

What Does the Story of Paul and Barnabas Split Teach Children?

The story of Paul and Barnabas Split teaches children important lessons about adventure, perseverance, sharing faith, courage:

• Worshiping God in hard times shows real faith
• God can work miracles even in the darkest situations
• Sharing your faith can change other people's lives forever

Key Bible Verse

"He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith." — Acts 11:24

Parent's Guide: Why This Story Matters

Paul's adventures read like an action movie: shipwrecks, prison breaks, riots, snakebites. Kids love this because it is exciting. But underneath the adventure is a lesson about perseverance. Paul never gave up, no matter what happened. When your child faces setbacks, frustration, or the temptation to quit something hard, Paul's story is the one to revisit. God does not promise an easy road, but He promises to be on the road with you.

Quiz: Test What Your Child Learned

After watching the video, see if your child can answer these questions:

Why did Paul refuse to bring John Mark on the second journey?

John Mark had started the first missionary journey with Paul and Barnabas but quit partway through and went home — and Paul didn't trust him to stick it out a second time.

What happened as a result of Paul and Barnabas's disagreement?

Instead of one team, the split created two — Barnabas took John Mark to Cyprus, and Paul took Silas to Syria. The mission actually doubled.

What did John Mark eventually accomplish later in life?

John Mark grew and matured — he wrote one of the four Gospels, the Gospel of Mark, and Paul eventually said he was "useful to me in my ministry."

Discussion Questions for Families

Use these questions at the dinner table or during bedtime:

1. What was your favorite part of the story of Paul and Barnabas Split?
2. What do you think God was teaching us through this story?
3. How can we be more like Paul in our own lives?
4. If you were in this story, what would you have done differently?
5. What does this story teach us about trusting God?

More Episodes in the Pauls Adventures Series

This story is episode 02 of 10 in the Pauls Adventures series:

• Pauls First Journey for Kids
• Paul and Silas in Prison for Kids
• Paul in Athens for Kids
• Paul in Corinth for Kids
• The Riot in Ephesus for Kids
• Pauls Farewell for Kids
• Shipwrecked for Kids
• Paul in Rome for Kids
• Pauls Legacy for Kids

400+ Bible Stories for Kids on Faithful Kids

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the story of Paul and Barnabas Split about for kids?

Paul and Barnabas Split is a story from Acts. PAUL'S ADVENTURES — EPISODE 2: PAUL AND BARNABAS SPLIT Based on Acts 15:36-41 Series: Paul's Adventures | Episode 2 of 10 Target audience: Kids ages 7-15

What age is the story of Paul and Barnabas Split appropriate for?

This retelling of Paul and Barnabas Split is designed for children Ages 7+. The language is simple and age-appropriate, and the video is 60 seconds long, perfect for young attention spans.

Where is Paul and Barnabas Split found in the Bible?

Paul and Barnabas Split is found in Acts in the New Testament. It is part of the Pauls Adventures series on Faithful Kids.

Is there a video of Paul and Barnabas Split for kids?

Yes. Faithful Kids has a 60-second video retelling of Paul and Barnabas Split designed for children, with narration, visuals, and a comprehension quiz. Watch it here.

How can I use Paul and Barnabas Split for Sunday School or homeschool?

Play the 60-second Faithful Kids video as an introduction, then use the discussion questions above for group conversation. The built-in quiz checks comprehension. Many Sunday school teachers and homeschool parents use Faithful Kids as weekly curriculum.

What does Paul and Barnabas Split teach kids?

The story of Paul and Barnabas Split teaches children about adventure, perseverance, sharing faith, courage. Worshiping God in hard times shows real faith.