Epistle to Philemon

High school (ages 12+)
History & Culture

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/epistle-to-philemon

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Who wrote Epistle to Philemon?Generally regarded as an undisputed work of Paul the Apostle
2. What is the location of writing?Likely written from prison in Rome, circa 60-62 CE
3. What is the recipient's status?Philemon was a wealthy Christian, possibly a bishop, in Colossae
4. Who was Philemon?Philemon was a Christian man who owned a slave named Onesimus. He lived in a town called Colossae and was a friend of Paul.
5. Why did Paul write this letter?Paul wanted Philemon to forgive Onesimus and welcome him as a brother in faith, not just as a slave. He asked Philemon to act out of love and shared faith.

Prison Letter: A letter written by an apostle while imprisoned, often reflecting on faith and community.
Slavery in the Roman Empire: A widespread social and economic system where individuals were owned as property.
Christian Ethics: Moral principles and values derived from the teachings of Jesus Christ and the New Testament.
Persuasion: The act of convincing someone to believe or do something, often through reasoned argument or appeal.