The Book of Philemon — Hard Bible Trivia Flashcards

#1

In Philemon, Paul describes himself as a prisoner. For what specific reason was Paul imprisoned at the time he wrote this letter?

📖 Philemon 1:1, 1:9

#2

What was Onesimus's status before Paul encountered him, and what does his name mean?

📖 Philemon 1:10-11, 1:20

#3

How many times does Paul use the word 'love' or related words in the Book of Philemon?

📖 Philemon 1:1-25

#4

Paul mentions several people in Philemon who send greetings alongside him. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as sending greetings in the letter?

📖 Philemon 1:23-24

#5

Paul addresses Philemon with several titles in the opening of his letter. Which of these titles does Paul specifically use for Philemon in Philemon 1:1?

📖 Philemon 1:1

#6

Paul references a previous interaction with Philemon regarding refreshment or comfort. What does Paul specifically say Philemon's heart has done for the saints?

📖 Philemon 1:7

#7

In Philemon, Paul uses a subtle but significant technique to appeal to Philemon regarding Onesimus. Rather than directly commanding Philemon, what does Paul say he is doing instead?

📖 Philemon 1:8-9

#8

What does Paul promise to do if Onesimus has caused Philemon any financial loss or damage?

📖 Philemon 1:18-19

#2

A runaway slave; his name means 'profitable' or 'useful'

Onesimus was a slave who had run away from his master Philemon, and his Greek name (ὀνήσιμος) means 'profitable' or 'useful'—a name Paul cleverly plays on in verse 20 (Philemon 1:10-11, 1:20).

Philemon 1:10-11, 1:20

#1

For preaching the gospel and spreading Christianity throughout the Roman Empire

Paul was imprisoned for his missionary work and preaching of the gospel (Philemon 1:9), not for any specific legal violation but for his Christian witness.

Philemon 1:1, 1:9

#4

Silas

Silas is not mentioned in Philemon's greeting list. Paul names Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke as those sending greetings (Philemon 1:23-24).

Philemon 1:23-24

#3

Six times

The concept of love appears six times in Philemon, reflecting the letter's emphasis on Christian love and reconciliation (Philemon 1:5, 1:7, 1:9, 1:16, 1:17, 1:21).

Philemon 1:1-25

#6

Been refreshed by the love and faith of the saints

Paul tells Philemon, 'Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people' (Philemon 1:7).

Philemon 1:7

#5

Beloved brother and fellow worker

In Philemon 1:1, Paul addresses Philemon as 'beloved brother and fellow worker,' emphasizing their relationship as Christian brothers and co-laborers in ministry.

Philemon 1:1

#8

He will personally repay the debt and charge it to his own account

Paul writes, 'If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back' (Philemon 1:18-19).

Philemon 1:18-19

#7

Appealing on the basis of love, though he could demand it as an apostle

Paul explicitly states he is appealing to Philemon on the basis of love, though as Christ's prisoner and apostle he could be bold enough to order what is proper (Philemon 1:8-9).

Philemon 1:8-9

#9

Paul makes a subtle wordplay regarding Onesimus's usefulness. What specific transformation does Paul claim has occurred in Onesimus?

📖 Philemon 1:11

#10

How many verses does the Book of Philemon contain in total?

📖 Philemon 1:1-25

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#10

25 verses

The Book of Philemon contains exactly 25 verses, making it the shortest epistle and one of the shortest books in the New Testament.

Philemon 1:1-25

#9

He was formerly useless to Philemon, but now he is useful both to Philemon and to Paul

Paul writes, 'Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me' (Philemon 1:11), playing on Onesimus's name which means 'useful' or 'profitable.'

Philemon 1:11

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