Bible crossword puzzle 23: Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude
TL;DR:
This crossword puzzle reinforces key themes from five New Testament books commonly studied with the General Epistles. Based on Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, the puzzle highlights these books’ shared emphases on faith expressed through works, perseverance through trials, holy living, and vigilance against false teaching and apostasy.
The Apostle Jude, an oil painting by Anthony van Dyck, c. 1620
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Based on material in chapters 29 and 30 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese, textbook for Introduction to Biblical Literature
Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even if you do not have the book by Varughese?
ACROSS
1 -- A book written by a brother of Jesus that emphasizes good deeds as an essential expression of the Christian life; genuine faith is manifested in works
6 -- According to Hebrews, this is what Jesus Christ is, as well as being the High Priest who presides over it
7 -- A brief New Testament book that deals with a situation of apostasy and then concludes with a beautiful doxology
9 -- The author of two New Testament letters containing warnings about heresies and false teachers. His first letter calls believers to holy living because the God who called them is holy. Like Paul's second letter to Timothy, this author's second letter resembles a farewell address written in anticipation of death.
DOWN
2 -- The abandonment of one's former religious beliefs
3 -- A way in which the Bible (including 2 Peter) refers to the Second Coming of
Christ
4 -- The Bible book in which faith is defined and Jesus is presented as the heavenly High Priest and Mediator of the new covenant. Christianity is shown to be superior to the ancient traditions of Judaism
5 -- A designation for those New Testament letters that were written for an audience larger than just one particular church or person
8 -- The chapter in Hebrews that contains several examples of Old Testament people with faith (the "Faith Hall of Fame")
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 Publishing.
While each of these five New Testament books—Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, and Jude—has its own unique focus and style, they share several themes:
Faith and works: These books call attention to the importance of both faith and works in the Christian life. While faith is foundational for salvation, it should be demonstrated through good works and righteous living.
Perseverance and endurance: The authors call on believers to endure trials and persevere in their faith despite challenges and persecution. They
remind readers of the rewards that come from remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
Holiness and righteousness: There is a consistent
call to holy living and moral purity in these letters. Believers
are urged to abstain from sin and to live in a manner that reflects the character of God.
False teaching and apostasy: The authors warn against false teachings and the dangers of falling away from the faith. They exhort believers to be wise and to hold fast to the truth of the gospel.
The Second Coming of Christ: The return of Jesus Christ appears in several of these books. Believers are urged to live expectantly and to be prepared for judgment.
The sovereignty of God: God's sovereignty and control over all things are made clear. In the midst of trials and suffering, believers are reminded to trust in God's providence and to submit to His will.
The power of prayer: These books emphasize prayer as a means of seeking God's guidance, strength, and intervention.
Some themes are more prominent in certain books than in others. Collectively, however, these five New Testament writings deepen our understanding of faith, endurance, and godly living.
