Letters of Paul

At a glance

History, context & interpretation

The text and its story

Letters to young churches across the Mediterranean on faith, grace, resurrection and community life. 1 Thessalonians (c. 50 CE) is likely the oldest book of the New Testament.

Traditional attribution

Thirteen letters by the Apostle Paul.

Historical scholarship

Seven are undisputed (Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon); others may be by followers.

Context and curiosity

1 Corinthians 13 ('Love is patient, love is kind') is one of the most-read texts at weddings.

Chronology and transmission

This text belongs to Christianity (Roman Empire). The catalogue gives its approximate dating as c. 50–60 CE and original language or script as Koine Greek. The dated manuscript witnesses and traditional claims may not refer to the same historical event.

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Sources and further reading

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pauline_epistles

Historical descriptions are educational summaries. Religious traditions, scholarly interpretations and unverified claims are distinguished where possible; imagery may be illustrative rather than an artifact photograph.