1. There are two creation accounts: Genesis 1:1-2:4a and Genesis 2:4b-25 (and actually continuing onward through the first ten chapters or so of Genesis.) Each focuses on a different aspect of creation. Do you see any differences specifically in the account of how human beings came to be?

2. Why do we humans have to work, according to Genesis 3? What does Genesis 3 explain about the nature of human existence?

3. What does the first account say, if anything, about the necessity for human labor?

4. What place does work have in the Christian life here? (Does it fit with any of the ancient Greek attitudes described by Hardy?) Note that Paul and the Thessalonians here expected Jesus to return within their lifetimes and sweep them of to heaven (4:13-18).

5. What attitude towards work is evident here? Do you detect any difference between this text and the previous one? If so, how would you explain the difference?

6. The household was the primary social unit in Paul’s day. Biblical scholars call this passage a "Haustafel", or a set of exhortations explaining the duties of each household member. What vocation does each have?

Any evidence here of the distinction between the active and the contemplative life?

7. Can you guess what Onesimus did? What does Paul want Philemon to do?

8. Onesimus apparently has had a change of heart and should now be seen as a "beloved brother" (16). Does this imply that Philemon should emancipate him from his status as a slave? What does it mean?

9. What Christian vocation do slave have? Does it include earthly freedom? How are they to regard their (presumably involuntary) labor?