Introduction to The Pauline Epistles

Of the 66 books of the Bible, tradition says that the Apostle Paul wrote 13 of them. If true, that would mean Paul wrote approximately 20% of the books in the Bible! There is dispute amongst scholars, however, as to how many of the books attributed to Paul were actually written by him.

Summaries for the Pauline Epistles - Letters written by (or attributed to) the Apostle Paul
Book Traditional Authorship Common Scholarly View Date Written Key Verse
Romans Paul Paul C. 57-58 C.E. Rom 1:17 "The righteous will live by faith."
1 Corinthians Paul Paul C. 56-57 C.E. 1 Cor 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
2 Corinthians Paul Paul C. 57 C.E. 2 Cor 5:17 "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation."
Galatians Paul Paul C. 54-55 C.E. Gal 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ..."
Ephesians Paul Unknown Author C. 90-100. C.E. Eph 2:8 "For by grace you have been saved through faith."
Philippians Paul Paul C. 56 C.E. or 61-62 C.E. Phil 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
1 Thessalonians Paul Paul C. 50-51 C.E. 1 Thess 4:17 "Then we who are alive... will be caught up together with them in the clouds..."
2 Thessalonians Paul Unknown Author C. 80-100 C.E. 2 Thess 3:3 "But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you."
1 Timothy Paul Unknown Author 90-110 C.E. 1 Tim 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;"
2 Timothy Paul Unknown Author 90-110 C.E. 2 Tim 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
Titus Paul Unknown Author C. 90-110 C.E. Titus 2:11 "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people."
Philemon Paul Paul C. 55 or 61-63 C.E. Philem 1:15 "For perhaps he was for this reason separated from you for a while, that you would have him back forever."
Book 45: Romans
Paul's theological masterpiece, Romans delves deep into topics like sin, justification, sanctification, and the transformative power of the Gospel. It is a comprehensive explanation of Christian doctrine and the life of faith. (Read Romans now)
Book 46: 1 Corinthians
Addressing issues in the Corinthian church, Paul tackles topics like divisions, morality, and spiritual gifts. The famous chapter on love (Chapter 13) emphasizes love's supreme importance in the Christian life. (Read 1 Corinthians now)
Book 47: 2 Corinthians
A personal letter where Paul defends his apostolic authority and offers insights into his hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Themes of reconciliation and the power of Christ in weakness are central. (Read 2 Corinthians now)
Book 48: Galatians
The Book of Galatians, a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian communities in Galatia, is a passionate and emphatic message emphasizing the importance of faith in Jesus Christ over the observance of the Jewish Law for salvation. In this letter, Paul addresses the challenge posed by certain individuals who were insisting that Gentile Christians must follow Jewish customs, including circumcision. He asserts his apostolic authority, recounts his personal journey to faith, and argues fervently that justification comes by faith, not by works of the Law. Throughout the letter, Paul encourages the Galatians to live by the Spirit, exhibiting the fruits of love, joy, peace, and other virtues, as opposed to being enslaved by the Law or engaging in behaviors reflective of their former lives. Galatians stands as a pivotal text in Christian theology, highlighting themes of grace, freedom, and the transformative power of faith in Christ. (Read Galatians now)
Book 49: Ephesians
A profound exploration of the church's identity and mission, Ephesians delves into the believer's position in Christ, the importance of unity, and the armor of God. (Read Ephesians now)
Book 50: Philippians
Penned from prison, this letter radiates joy in Christ. Paul encourages the Philippian believers to have the mind of Christ and rejoice regardless of circumstances. (Read Philippians now)
Book 51: Colossians
Traditionally attributed to Paul but regarded by many scholars as written by a later author, the Epistle to the Colossians addresses a Christian community in Colossae. It focuses on the supremacy of Christ over all principalities and powers and emphasizes the completeness of believers in Christ, countering local heresies that combined elements of paganism and Jewish traditions with Christianity. (Read Colossians now)
Book 52: 1 Thessalonians
One of Paul's earliest letters, it comforts and encourages the Thessalonian believers, addressing concerns about the Second Coming of Christ. (Read 1 Thessalonians now)
Book 53: 2 Thessalonians
Further elaborates on Christ's return, correcting misunderstandings and urging steadfastness in the face of persecution. (Read 2 Thessalonians now)
Book 54: 1 Timothy
Considered by the majority of scholars to be a pseudonymous work, 1 Timothy is a pastoral epistle. It offers guidance on church organization and conduct, addressing doctrinal issues, worship practices, and leadership roles, including qualifications for bishops and deacons. (Read 1 Timothy now)
Book 55: 2 Timothy
Written by an unknown author at the end of the 1st century, 2 Timothy is framed as a personal letter offering guidance and encouragement to a young leader, Timothy. It emphasizes perseverance in faith and sound teaching in the face of false doctrines and hardships. (Read 2 Timothy now)
Book 56: Titus
An unknown author identifying himself as Paul advises Titus on church leadership and Christian living, emphasizing good works as evidence of genuine faith. (Read Titus now)
Book 57: Philemon
Paul’s personal letter to Philemon, a slave owner, urging him to welcome back his runaway slave Onesimus as a brother in Christ. (Read Philemon now)

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