Authorship: (Assumed)Pliny the Younger (circa 100-103 AD)The True Authorship of the New Testament, by Abelard Reuchlin 1986 [source] |
Year Written: (Assumed)50-60 AD |
Manuscript: (Earliest Available)175-225 AD - Fragment - Papyrus(14,15,46) |
Scripture Type:Letters - PaulAn epistle (or letter) is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter. Pauls Epistles (or letters) are the 13 New Testament books which have the name Paul as the first word, hence claiming authorship by Paul. As some of the earliest Christian documents, they provide an insight into the beliefs and controversies of early Christianity and as part of the canon of the New Testament they are foundational texts for both Christian theology and ethics. |
Further Reading:earlychristianwritings.com/text/1corinthians.htmlearlychristianwritings.com/1corinthians.html www.openbible.info/geo/preview/1cor google.com/search |
CHURCH FATHERAncient and generally influential Christian theologians, eminent teachers and great bishops |
1. Clement of Rome (97 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Clement of Rome(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
2. Ignatius of Antioch (110 AD) |
3. Barnabas (130 AD) |
4. Hermas (140 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Hermas(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
5. Papias of Hierapolis (140 AD) |
6. Polycarp (150 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Polycarp(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
7. Didache (150 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Didache(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
8. Diognetus (150 AD) |
9. Justin Martyr (155 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Justin Martyr(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
10. Irenaeous (202 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Irenaeous(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
11. Clement of Alexandria (215 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Clement of Alexandria(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
12. Tertullian (220 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Tertullian(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
13. Origen (254 AD)1 Corinthians was Approved (75%) by Origen(Citation; approving quotation; alluded to; acceptable with changes) |
14. Eusebius of Caesarea (340 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Eusebius of Caesarea(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
15. Athanasius of Alexandria (367 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Athanasius of Alexandria(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
16. Cyril of Jerusalem (386 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Cyril of Jerusalem(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
17. Augustine of Hippo (400 AD)1 Corinthians was Fully Accepted (100%) by Augustine of Hippo(Fully accepted; true scripture; quoted approvingly) |
Textual Criticism
EVIDENCE: Was Paul the Author?Today, it is assumed Paul is the author. However, it is known that Paul extensively used Scribes ('Amanuensis') to write his letters. Paul dictated his thoughts and the Scribe wrote the letter as they saw fit. Therefore, all, if not the majority of Paul's Epistles (letters) in the New Testament Bible are authored by unknown Scribes.EVIDENCE: Paul had a troubling 'Thorn'In his Corinthians letter, Paul speaks of a 'Thorn In My Flesh' troubling him. Bible scholars have 4 theories on the 'thorn':
2 Mental Illness - The 'thorn' is a mental illness (i.e. brain disorder, hallucination, schizophrenia, depression etc.) 3 Spiritual Problem - The 'thorn' is a spiritual or moral problem (i.e. demon, evil-spirit, devil possession etc.) 4 Ministerial Opposition - The 'thorn' is the Jewish persecution, opposition and resistance to Paul's ministry. This is considered a weak theory because if Paul was referring to a opposing person or movement, he would have referred to such individuals by name. EVIDENCE: Paul had Eye-Sight ProblemsIt is known that Paul used Scribes ('Amanuensis') to write his letters as he suffered from poor eye-sight and was unable to write. According to early sources, Paul was 'a short, bony, little Jew with constant running eyes from his eye problems, squinting with a very large angular nose'.See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand [Paul's eyesight was defective and he needed help to write]
As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
Paul replied, Brothers, I did not know [due to bad eye-sight] that he was the high priest; for it is written: 'Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.'
EVIDENCE: Church was aware of Paul's Eye-Sight problemIn Galatians, Paul confirms the Galatian Church was aware of his eye-sight problem. So much so, they would have 'plucked out their own eyes and given them to him' were it possible.Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
EVIDENCE: Paul used Scribes to write his Epistles (Letters)Paul composed his letters in accordance with the writing conventions of his time. Scribes were essential as the skills required for writing with primitive pens and paper made writing legibly a challenge.Tertius was one Roman Scribe ('Amanuensis') who wrote on behalf of Paul. Tertius wrote Paul's Epistles (letters), either from notes, ideas or direct from Paul's mouth. At the end of the Epistle (letter), Paul would conclude with personal greetings in his own writing. [John Gill's commentary] Timothy is present as Paul and Tertius write Romans. Did Timothy have any influence over the final text? If so, what was that influence? Was any text in Romans written by Timothy? I, Tertius, the one writing this letter for Paul, send my greetings, too, as one of the Lord's followers
Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.
Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
EVIDENCE: Bible Scholars who consider Paul's Letter 1CORINTHIANS forged and interpolated'Interpolation' is where a Word, Verse, Passage or even entire Chapter was added to Paul's Letter, often many years after Paul had written, disseminated it or died. Bible Scholars who hold the view that Paul's Letter is interpolated include:
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1 Corinthians | Chapter: 9 | Verses: 27Chapter:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 |
1 Corinthians | Chapter: 9 | Verses: 27Chapter:1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 |