Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon with Philemon from the Bible

Have you ever played the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon"? In this game, players connect any actor to Kevin Bacon through their film roles in six steps or less. Now, let’s try to connect Philemon from the Bible to Kevin Bacon.

Step 1: Philemon to Paul
Philemon was a wealthy Christian who lived in Colossae. He was a friend and disciple of Paul, who wrote a letter to him that is now part of the New Testament.

Step 2: Paul to Peter
Paul was a prominent figure in early Christianity and wrote many letters to different churches. One of the apostles that he worked with was Peter, who was also a close friend of Jesus.

Step 3: Peter to Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot was one of the twelve apostles chosen by Jesus but later betrayed him for thirty pieces of silver. Peter was the one who cut off the ear of one of the men who came to arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Step 4: Judas Iscariot to Pontius Pilate
Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion. Judas Iscariot, as we know, betrayed Jesus to the authorities, leading to his trial and eventual execution.

Step 5: Pontius Pilate to Herod Antipas
Herod Antipas was the ruler of Galilee during the time of Jesus. He was involved in Jesus’ trial because Jesus was from Galilee, which was under Herod’s jurisdiction.

Step 6: Herod Antipas to Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon played the role of Sebastian Shaw in the film "X-Men: First Class." Sebastian Shaw was a villain who worked with the character Emma Frost, who was played by January Jones. January Jones also played the role of Herodias in the television series "The Bible," which depicts the life of Jesus and his followers.

So, we have connected Philemon to Kevin Bacon in six steps! Here are some interesting facts about the people mentioned:

• Philemon was known for his hospitality and generosity towards other Christians.
• Peter was a fisherman before becoming a disciple of Jesus and was the one who denied Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
• Judas Iscariot’s name became synonymous with betrayal and is often used as a cautionary tale.
• Pontius Pilate was known for his cruelty and was eventually recalled to Rome for his excessive use of force against the Jews.
• Herod Antipas was responsible for the beheading of John the Baptist, who had spoken out against Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife.
• Kevin Bacon is an actor known for his roles in films like "Footloose," "Apollo 13," and "Mystic River." He has also been the subject of the game "Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon," which measures how closely actors are connected to him through their film roles.

In conclusion, Philemon was a faithful Christian who demonstrated love and hospitality to others, as seen in his relationship with Paul. This verse from the letter to Philemon sums up his character: "I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus" (Philemon 1:4-5).