Paul's Epistles (Letters)
Paul's Epistles (Letters) in the New Testament The Apostle Paul wrote 13 letters that are universally accepted as part of the New Testament canon. These are traditionally grouped as the Pauline Epistles.
The 13 Accepted Pauline Epistles (in canonical order):|
Order
|
Epistle
|
Also Known As
|
Approximate Date
|
Key Themes / Audience
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Romans
|
Epistle to the Romans
|
~57 AD
|
Salvation, faith, righteousness for Jews & Gentiles
|
|
2
|
1 Corinthians
|
First Epistle to the Corinthians
|
~53–54 AD
|
Church problems, love, resurrection
|
|
3
|
2 Corinthians
|
Second Epistle to the Corinthians
|
~55–56 AD
|
Defense of apostleship, reconciliation
|
|
4
|
Galatians
|
Epistle to the Galatians
|
~48–55 AD
|
Justification by faith, freedom from the law
|
|
5
|
Ephesians
|
Epistle to the Ephesians
|
~60–62 AD
|
Unity of the church, spiritual armor
|
|
6
|
Philippians
|
Epistle to the Philippians
|
~60–62 AD
|
Joy, humility, unity
|
|
7
|
Colossians
|
Epistle to the Colossians
|
~60–62 AD
|
Supremacy of Christ, warnings against false teaching
|
|
8
|
1 Thessalonians
|
First Epistle to the Thessalonians
|
~50–51 AD
|
Second coming of Christ, holy living
|
|
9
|
2 Thessalonians
|
Second Epistle to the Thessalonians
|
~50–51 AD
|
End times, idleness
|
|
10
|
1 Timothy
|
First Epistle to Timothy
|
~62–64 AD
|
Church leadership & order (Pastoral)
|
|
11
|
2 Timothy
|
Second Epistle to Timothy
|
~66–67 AD
|
Endurance, final instructions (Pastoral)
|
|
12
|
Titus
|
Epistle to Titus
|
~62–64 AD
|
Church organization on Crete (Pastoral)
|
|
13
|
Philemon
|
Epistle to Philemon
|
~60–62 AD
|
Forgiveness, slavery (personal letter)
|
- Pastoral Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus are often grouped together because they focus on church leadership and pastoral care.
- Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were likely written while Paul was in prison.
- Hebrews: This letter is not included in the list above. In the past it was sometimes attributed to Paul (making 14 letters), but most modern scholars do not believe Paul wrote it. It is anonymous.