Bible crossword puzzle: Paul and his writings

Paul sitting at a table writing letters — "Saint Paul Writing His Epistles," by Valentin de Boulogne (1618), Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (Image Source)

More classic art masterpieces used as illustrations

Based on material in chapter 23 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, the textbook for Introduction to Biblical Literature

Challenge: Can you solve this printable puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?

ACROSS

4 -- The man whose death by stoning was witnessed by Saul, who would later be called Paul
8 -- Writings to which Paul often refers and which form a foundation for his letters
12 -- Apostle Paul's hometown
13 -- Material (including New Testament letters such as Romans, Galatians, and 1and 2 Corinthians) about the doctrine of salvation

DOWN

1 -- Name of the prevailing Mediterranean culture that heavily influenced Paul's letter-writing
2 -- Doctrinal material (including New Testament letters such as Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) about the person and work of Jesus Christ
3 -- A classroom teaching method common in the Greco-Roman world in which a teacher, anticipating a possible question or objection from students, states that objection or question and then gives a response.
5 -- The classification or type in which the letters to 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus fall
6 -- A literary work intentionally aimed at a broad readership
7 -- A well-known first-century Jewish teacher under whom Paul studied
9 -- The Jewish sect or religious group to which Paul belonged
10 -- The number of parts into which most of Paul's letters may be easily
11 -- The Apostle Paul's Hebrew Jewish name

This crossword puzzle was created for use in the course Introduction to Biblical Literature. The words and clues come from the textbook Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities, edited by Alex Varughese and published by what is now called The Foundry.

-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

Afterword: Who was the Apostle Paul?

The Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, is one of the most influential figures in Christianity. Born a Jew, he fervently opposed the early Christian movement. Then a dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus changed the course of his life. From then on, Paul was a passionate advocate for Jesus Christ. He traveled extensively throughout the Mediterranean region to spread the gospel. The letters he wrote to individuals and churches comprise a large portion of the New Testament. Believers cherish them for their theological depth and practical guidance. Paul's teachings on grace, faith, and the unity of believers continue to affect Christian theology and practice to this day. They cement his legacy as a towering figure in the history of Christianity.

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