Word Search

Paul and Onesimus Word Search for Kids (Easy, Medium and Hard)

Free printable Paul and Onesimus word search in three levels, from 6 big words across and down to 16 words in every direction. Answer keys included.

Preschool–Grade 5 · Medium

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Free to print and copy for your church, classroom, VBS and home. Please don't resell or re-post our files; link to the page instead.

Ages: Preschool (3–5), Early Elementary (K–2), Upper Elementary (3–5)
Difficulty: Medium
Time: 10 minutes
Scripture: Philemon 1:1–25
Bible story: Paul and Onesimus

Use this word search after you teach Paul and Onesimus (Philemon 1:1–25).

The story: Paul, "a prisoner of Jesus Christ," wrote a letter to Philemon, a dearly beloved fellowlabourer with a church in his house. He besought him for "my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds," who "in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me." Paul sent Onesimus again and asked Philemon to receive him "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved," and said, "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account... I will repay it."

Talk about it: Big idea: Welcome each other as family, Jesus changes lives, Help make things right. Which word from the puzzle reminds you most of the story?

Three levels: easy (ages 4–6) has 6 big words that go only across and down; medium (grades K–2) has 10 words that also go diagonally; hard (grades 3–5) has 16 words that go every direction, even backwards. Each downloads with or without an answer key.

The Bible story

Paul, "a prisoner of Jesus Christ," wrote a letter to Philemon, a dearly beloved fellowlabourer with a church in his house. He besought him for "my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds," who "in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me." Paul sent Onesimus again and asked Philemon to receive him "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved," and said, "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account... I will repay it." Read the whole story in Philemon 1:1–25 (KJV).

Memory verse: "Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?" (Philemon 1:16, KJV). It is printed on every level.

Words to find

Easy (ages 4–6, 6 words): Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, Brother, Receive and Repay.
Medium (grades K–2, 10 words): Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, Prisoner, Brother, Beloved, Receive, Profitable, Repay and Bonds.
Hard (grades 3–5, 16 words): Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, Prisoner, Brother, Beloved, Receive, Profitable, Repay, Bonds, Timothy, Church, Grace, Servant, Partner and Account.

The words come from the story in Philemon 1:1–25 (KJV). Before kids start, read the words aloud together and ask where each one is in the story.

Answer keys

Each level downloads two ways: the puzzle on its own, or with a second page that shows the answer (every word circled in red). Print the key for helpers, or let kids check their own work.

More for Paul and Onesimus: Paul and Onesimus Sunday school lesson, crossword and maze.

Frequently asked questions

What ages are these Paul and Onesimus word searches for?

The easy one (6 big words, across and down) is for ages 4–6, the medium one (10 words, with diagonals) for kindergarten to 2nd grade, and the hard one (16 words in every direction, even backwards) for 3rd to 5th grade.

Is there an answer key?

Yes. Every level downloads with or without its answer key, which circles each word in red.

Are these word searches free?

Yes. Print as many as you need for your church, school or home. Please don't resell them.

What words are in the Paul and Onesimus word search?

The easy level has Paul, Onesimus, Philemon, Brother, Receive and Repay. The medium and hard levels add more words from Philemon 1:1–25 (KJV); the full lists are on this page.