Bible crossword puzzle: Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians
TL;DR
Based on Discovering the Bible, this crossword puzzle explores Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, three letters traditionally called Paul's "Prison Epistles." A photograph of the Celsus Library at Ephesus and classic artwork accompany the puzzle. A short summary highlights unity in Christ, salvation by grace through faith, Christian living, prayer, and Christ's role in creation and redemption.
The facade of the library building in ancient Ephesus |
Image Source
Crossword puzzle based on Chapter 26 of Discovering the Bible
Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?
Across
2 The pagan god whose worship was centered in Ephesus
5 A heresy prevalent in Colossae that Paul called a "hollow and deceptive philosophy"
7 A letter giving warnings concerning false teachers and their deceptive teachings;
in this letter, Paul declares that all things in creation are held together in Christ
9 The city whose church Paul urged to live in joyful unity, adopt the mindset of Christ, and find contentment under Christ's lordship
10 A term for the theological understanding of the nature and person of Jesus
Christ
Down
1 Because Paul was incarcerated when he wrote Ephesians, Philippians, and
Colossians, these three letters are known as ___________ epistles.
3 The letter in which Paul gives his most in-depth treatment of the Church and life within that community that God the Father has established
4 The book that contains the "kenosis hymn," a passage which speaks of Christ "emptying (kenosis) himself"
6 One of two people Paul urged to "agree with each other in the Lord"
8 A dealer in purple cloth who was the Apostle Paul's first convert in Philippi
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.
Common themes in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians
Themes found in the New Testament books of Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians include:
Unity in Christ: Paul stresses unity among believers, who are part of one body, the body of Christ.
The Supremacy of Christ: Paul exalts Jesus Christ as the central figure of our faith. He calls attention to Jesus' lordship, divinity, and authority over all things.
Salvation by Grace through Faith: Throughout these three letters, Paul reminds readers that salvation is a gift from God. It is received through faith in Jesus Christ and is not a result of human effort or works of the law.
Christian Conduct and Ethics: Paul provides practical instructions for Christian living. These include guidance on how believers should behave toward one another and toward non-believers. He also draws attention to the virtues of love, humility, and obedience to Christ.
Spiritual Warfare: Paul discusses the spiritual battle that believers face. He calls on them to stand firm against the forces of evil.
Prayer and Thanksgiving: Paul frequently mentions prayer and thanksgiving as necessary components of the Christian life.
Christ's Role in Creation and Redemption: Paul makes clear Christ's role not only in creation but also in the reconciliation of all things to God.
While each letter speaks to specific issues within the churches to which they were written, these themes connect them.
