Bible crossword puzzle: 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

Based on material in chapter 28 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, textbook for Introduction to Biblical Literature

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

crossword puzzle grid

ACROSS

3 -- Letter to an influential and wealthy person in the city of Colossae concerning a runaway slave who became a Christian after coming into contact with the Apostle Paul
5 -- A letter Paul composed shortly before his martyrdom during the reign of Nero. In this letter, Paul uses the metaphors of a faithful soldier, a dedicated athlete, and a hard-working farmer. He exhorts the recipient to remember, to hold on firmly, to guard the faith and never compromise with those who are opponents of the true faith
6 -- One of the strange beliefs against which Paul seems to be writing in First Timothy
7 -- What the letters to Timothy and Titus are often called since they deal with issues related to congregational life within the churches where these two men were serving as pastors or leaders

DOWN

1 -- A letter with a lengthy discussion of the duties of church leaders
2 -- A runaway slave on whose behalf Paul appeals to his owner to take him back and treat him as a "dear brother"
4 -- Letter which Paul writes to the leader of the church on the island of Crete. It gives instructions as to the qualifications of church leaders and spells out what is acceptable behavior for all age groups within the Body of Christ.

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 Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, now called The Foundry.

-- Howard Culbertson,

Shared Themes in Letters to Church Leaders

Paul's letters to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon share several common themes despite their different recipients and contexts. Those themes include:

Instruction in Leadership: In his letters to Timothy and Titus, Paul provides guidance on how to lead and supervise churches. He addresses issues such as appointing qualified leaders, dealing with false teachers, and maintaining order within the church.

Sound Doctrine: Paul zeroes in on the importance of sound doctrine and teaching in all his letters, including those to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. He exhorts these leaders to uphold the truth of the Gospel and to teach it faithfully to others.

Personal Encouragement and Exhortation: Paul often offers personal encouragement and exhortation to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. He commends their faithfulness and commitment to the Gospel. He also urges them to persevere in their ministry.

Practical Instructions for Christian Living: Alongside theological teachings, Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living in his letters. This includes guidance on relationships, ethical conduct, and how to live out one's faith in everyday life.

Emphasis on Grace and Salvation: Throughout his letters, Paul emphasizes the grace of God and the salvation available through Jesus Christ. He reminds his readers of the central message of Christianity and pushes them to live in light of God's grace.

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