Aim

To reflect on bullying which they may have suffered. To know that many Christians have suffered for their beliefs.

Lesson

Begin by revising what was taught in the previous half-term about the Apostle Peter. After the day of Pentecost, the Apostles and other followers of Jesus continued to teach the people of Jerusalem. Their teaching about Jesus landed them in trouble with the religious leaders, who persecuted them for their beliefs.

Explain the meaning of the word 'persecution'.

Inform children that bullying is a form of persecution.

Discuss bullying. Have any of them ever been bullied? Who did it? Why did they do it? How did it feel? How was the bullying stopped? Alternatively, have any of them ever been bullies?

Role play a number of different situations related to bullying. These might include:

• A bully takes another child's possessions and refuses to return it
• A bully tries to force another child to steal
• Name calling

What is the best response in these situations?

The persecution which the Apostles faced was probably much worse than most bullying. Peter and John were put in prison and beaten. But something even worse than this happened to a young follower called Stephen.

Share with children the story of Stephen.

Activity

Following discussion, groups of children could:

• read about Peter's Cross
• write down their opinions / experiences of bullying
• watch the television news to find out where in the world people are being persecuted
• find out about one other person who was killed for following Jesus