- 1. The Epistle to Philemon is a brief yet profoundly impactful letter found in the New Testament, attributed to the Apostle Paul during his imprisonment, likely in Ephesus around 60-62 AD. This personal correspondence is addressed to Philemon, a wealthy Christian and a leader in the Colossian church, regarding his runaway slave Onesimus, who had come to Paul seeking assistance and spiritual guidance. In the letter, Paul appeals to Philemon to receive Onesimus back not merely as a returning servant but as a beloved brother in Christ, highlighting themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the transformative power of faith. Paul’s request is both a call to kindness and a profound statement against the societal norms of slavery, as he emphasizes that all believers, regardless of status, share equality in the body of Christ. The Epistle serves as an eloquent exploration of Christian love, the dignity of every individual, and the ethical implications of living out one's faith in community, making it a rich subject of theological reflection and ethical discourse throughout Christian history.
Who is the author of the Epistle to Philemon?
A) John
B) Peter
C) Paul
D) James
A) A Jewish Pharisee
B) A runaway slave
C) A Christian leader
D) A Roman soldier
- 3. What does Paul appeal for regarding Onesimus?
A) To sell him
B) To ignore him
C) To receive him back
D) To punish him
- 4. What does Paul call Philemon in the letter?
A) Brother in Christ
B) Fellow minister
C) Beloved friend
D) My servant
- 5. Paul expresses confidence in what regarding Philemon?
A) His obedience
B) His anger
C) His doubt
D) His rebellion
- 6. What does Paul encourage Philemon to do for Onesimus?
A) Forget him
B) Condemn him
C) Reject him
D) Welcome him
- 7. What familial term does Paul use for Philemon?
A) Teacher
B) Brother
C) Son
D) Father
- 8. What does Paul say about the church meeting in Philemon's house?
A) It is not important
B) It is a place of fellowship
C) It is a place of conflict
D) It is empty
- 9. How many verses are in the Epistle to Philemon?
A) 21
B) 30
C) 15
D) 25
- 10. What can be inferred about Philemon's character?
A) He is harsh and unforgiving
B) He is indifferent
C) He is a thief
D) He is generous and forgiving
- 11. In the context of the letter, how does Paul describe his own position?
A) As a freelance missionary
B) As a wealthy man
C) As a prisoner for Christ
D) As a leader of the church
- 12. What instruction does Paul give regarding Onesimus's status upon return?
A) To be cast out
B) No longer a slave but a beloved brother
C) To remain a slave
D) To be punished severely
- 13. What broader message can we derive from the Epistle to Philemon?
A) The rejection of all social norms
B) The glorification of authority
C) The demand for strict obedience to the law
D) The call for mutual love and forgiveness
- 14. Which major city is Philemon associated with?
A) Corinth
B) Rome
C) Colossae
D) Ephesus
- 15. In which part of the New Testament can the Epistle to Philemon be found?
A) Acts of the Apostles
B) Pauline Epistles
C) Gospels
D) Apocalypse
- 16. What type of literature is the Epistle to Philemon categorized as?
A) Letter
B) Poem
C) Sermon
D) Essay
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