Paul - 50% of his Writings are Inauthentic Forgeries

Paul is one of the most important figures in the development of early Christianity.

In his letters ('Epistles'), we get an insight into the struggles and convictions Paul and the early Jewish-Christian movement faced. It can be seen how Paul mythologizes Jesus for a Greek and Roman audience.

Paul failed to write much about the actual historical Jesus, probably because he never met him in person. For Paul, the primary message was that of Jesus' death and resurrection, and how to live 'in Christ' the saviour.

Paul was one voice amongst many

Bart Ehrman: My sense is that despite the centrality that Paul has to the New Testament today, he did not have that kind of importance in his day. He was one voice amongst many. The other voices, in places, drowned his out. And in yet other places, probably his voice was not heard at all, for example, in Matthew's Jewish-Christian community.

In the majority of Paul's letters (Romans, 1/2 Corinthians, Galatians and Philippians – five of the seven), Paul attacks those who disagree with him. Those others are in every case Christians. And they are Christians with different views not only from Paul but from one another. Bart Ehrman Blog

F.F. Bruce: I think Paul would roll over in his grave if he knew we were turning his letters into Torah [Revealed Scripture]. F. F. Bruce Quotes

Of the 14 books attributed to Apostle Paul, seven are undisputed: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Philemon, Galatians, Philippians and 1 Thessalonians.

The remaining seven: 2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, Colossians, Titus, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Hebrews are believed by most modern Bible scholars to be forgeries; written in Paul's name long after his death.

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1 THESSALONIANS 1 CORINTHIANS 2 CORINTHIANS GALATIANS ROMANS PHILIPPIANS PHILEMON
1 TIMOTHY 2 TIMOTHY 2 THESSALONIANS HEBREWS EPHESIANS COLOSSIANS TITUS

Galatians Letter

Paul writes an 'angry' letter to Galatia to correct their misunderstanding of salvation and Jewish law.

W Epistle_to_the_Galatians

Galatians is possibly the first letter Paul wrote
Paul greeted the Galatia churches
Someone had told the people of Galatia they had to observe Jewish laws and customs ('legalism')
Were Gentile believers in Jesus required to circumcise and follow Jewish law to be accepted by God?
Paul was full of anger and attacks the Christians who disagree with him, with scathing wit and white-hot anger
Paul reminded the Galatians they were redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ, and not by following Jewish law
Belief in Jesus Christ had set the people 'free from the yoke' of Jewish law. No longer does anyone have to burden themselves with any Jewish custom
Paul requested the Galatians be cautious of false teachers
Paul encouraged the people of Galatia to let the Holy Spirit guide them

	Galatians
DATE	49 AD (Early period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Early Christian communities and churches in Roman province of Galatia in southern Anatolia (Asia Minor)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	2230 words (or 0.016 % of entire New Testament)

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1 Thessalonians Letter

Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonica church, urges them to continue loving God, despite facing persecutions for their faith.

W First_Epistle_to_the_Thessalonians

Some consider this Paul's first letter and oldest writing in the New Testament
Paul wrote this letter to the Greek Thessalonia church shortly after it was built
Paul greeted the members of the church with words of appreciation for their unwavering faith and good example
Paul addressed the growing concern that Christ had not returned
Paul is adamant that Christ will come again and the dead will be raised
Paul encouraged them to continue living a life pleasing to God, love one another and to work hard
In the end of the letter, Paul gave practical encouragement to the church

	1 Thessalonians
DATE	51 AD (Early period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Church in the Greek city of Thessalonica (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	1481 words (or 0.011 % of entire New Testament)

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2 Thessalonians Letter

Paul advises the Thessalonica church to stand firm on their faith as Jesus Christ would return in the near future.

W Second_Epistle_to_the_Thessalonians

Paul wrote of his love and admiration for the Thessalonica church and its members
Paul showed understanding of hardship the church suffered
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to trust in God to deliver them from persecution
Paul asked the church to question anyone who claimed to know the time of Jesus' second coming
He reassured the Thessalonians that Christ would return, but no one including himself, knew when, where or how
Paul urged the church to continue working hard, and not waste time in idle activities
Paul ends the letter with a request for prayers

	2 Thessalonians
DATE	51 AD (Early period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	Church in the Greek city of Thessalonica (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P92 (300 AD)
WORDS	823 words (or 0.006 % of entire New Testament)

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1 Corinthians Letter

Paul admonished the Corinth church he founded. He felt compelled to explain Christian doctrinal matters in detail.

W First_Epistle_to_the_Corinthians

Paul addressed various subjects from church matters to personal issues

CHURCH MATTERS

To reconcile disputes within the church
Spiritual pride
Consumption of food previously sacrificed to idols
Instructions on orderly public worship
How to conduct the Lord's supper
Tongues and prophecies
Resurrection of Christ, those who died, and the body

PERSONAL ISSUES

Conflicts between members (fighting, division, competition)
Instructions to refrain from lawsuits against other Christians
The true meaning of community, love, and authentic spiritual maturity
To refrain from sexual sins
Marriage matters
Spiritual gifts
Understand that love was the greatest

	1 Corinthians
DATE	56 AD (Major period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Christian community and church in city of Corinth (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	6830 words (or 0.049 % of entire New Testament)

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2 Corinthians Letter

Paul writes another letter to the Corinth church. He reminds them of the need for forgiveness and reconciliation.

W Second_Epistle_to_the_Corinthians

Relations between Paul and the people at Corinth had deteriorated
Paul sought to address the hurt and frustration people of faith have when conflicts cannot seem to be resolved.
Paul reminded the people of Corinth that God is the source of all comfort. To rely on Him during moments of weakness
Paul encouraged the people to live harmoniously and to "greet one another with Christian love"
Paul wrote of the generosity of the Macedonian churches' towards the Christians in Jerusalem
Paul requested the Corinthians to match the Macedonians, by being equally as generous and giving
Paul's opponents (other Christians) believe they have attained salvation. Paul attacks them harshly and with brilliant sarcasm.
Paul cautioned the Corinthians against following false prophets
Paul defended his authority as apostle of Christ. He wrote of the personal trials he faced as apostle of Christ

	2 Corinthians
DATE	57 AD (Major period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Christian community and church in city of Corinth (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	4477 words (or 0.032 % of entire New Testament)

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Romans Letter

Paul writes to the community in Rome and explains that salvation is available through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

W Epistle_to_the_Romans

Paul's letter to the Romans his longest, most organized writing. It is his 'most important theological legacy'
Paul wrote this letter before he visited the Rome
Paul was in Corinth when he wrote this letter. It is likely he was staying in the house of Gaius, and the letter was transcribed by Tertius, his amanuensis
Paul was planning to sail to Rome and meet with the new converts
Paul put much effort into writing this letter explaining God's relationship with man
According to Paul, sin became redundant after Jesus Christ was crucified, as this was the ultimate sacrifice, and meant we are no longer bound by Jewish laws. As sinners we all deserved to be punished for violating God's laws.
God had provided a way for a man to be redeemed from the 'yoke of the law'. Salvation from sins was through the death of Jesus Christ and the gospel of Jesus Christ
God's salvation was available to everyone, Israelites and Gentiles alike
Paul attacked those who disagree with him, i.e. other Christians
Paul ended his letter with encouragement for Rome to live righteously, and he promised to visit Rome very soon

	Romans
DATE	57 AD (Major period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Churches in the Roman provinces of Galatia, Macedonia, Achaia and Asia (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	7111 words (or 0.052 % of entire New Testament)

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Ephesians Letter

Paul writes a letter to the Ephesus church from inside prison in Rome. In Ephesians, he explains the doctrines of grace, peace and salvation.

W Epistle_to_the_Ephesians

Ephesians was written for members of the Ephesus church, and surrounding churches in Asia Minor
The main theme of Ephesians was "the Church, which is the Body of Christ"
Paul urged the Ephesus church to walk in a manner worthy of Jesus Christ
Paul dispatched mulitple letters: Ephesians, Colossians and Philemon through his co-worker Tychicus at the same time
In Ephesians, Paul wrote of doctrinal issues and practical matters
Paul outlined God's plan to redeem his creation through Jesus Christ. Anyone who believed in Jesus were made alive in him
Paul taught the believers how to live as 'children of light'
Paul gave practical advice on how people should behave towards their marital spouses, children, employers and fellow Christians

	Ephesians
DATE	61 AD (Prison period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	A circular letter intended for many churches in city of Ephesus (Asia Minor)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	2422 words (or 0.018 % of entire New Testament)

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Philippians Letter

Paul writes to the Philippi church from inside prison. He urges them to adopt a Christ-like attitude.

W Epistle_to_the_Philippians

Paul wrote to the church in the Greek city of Philippi, whilst imprisoned in Rome
Despite his difficult circumstances, Paul started with thanksgiving, prayer and expressing confidence in Christ
Paul praised Timothy and Epaphroditus
Paul repeated his earlier teachings against adopting Jewish laws and customs ('legalism')
Paul attacked those who disagreed with him, i.e. other Christians
Paul wrote words of encouragement to the Philippi church
Paul praised the Philippi church members for the financial gifts he received in his hour of need

	Philippians
DATE	61 AD (Prison period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Churches in city of Philippi (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	1629 words (or 0.012 % of entire New Testament)

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Colossians Letter

Paul writes to the Colossae church reminding them of their status in Christ.

W Epistle_to_the_Colossians

Paul opened the letter to the Colossians with thanksgiving and prayer
Paul addressed the gradual mix of pagan teachings and philosophies with Christian beliefs
Paul wrote against the observing of any Jewish laws and customs ('legalism')
Christ died to set us free of such Jewish laws
Paul ended his letter with a reminder on how to live properly and how to deal with other people

	Colossians
DATE	61 AD (Prison period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	Churches in city of Colossae (Asia Minor)
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	1582 words (or 0.011 % of entire New Testament)

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Philemon Letter

Onesimus, a runaway servant who converted to Christianity was sent back to his master, Philemon.

W Epistle_to_Philemon

Philemon had a slave who escaped from him. The slave converted to Christianity. Paul sent the slave back to his master, Philemon with this letter
Paul encouraged Philemon to welcome the runaway slave as a brother, not a slave
Philemon was a member of the church in Colosse.
Paul felt he may have influence the slaves master, Philemon, who was a member of the church in Colosse
Paul sent Onesimus back to his master with a letter asking him to forgive his servant, take him back, and consider him as a brother in Christ

	Philemon
DATE	61 AD (Prison period)
FROM	Paul (Authentic)
TO	Individual friend, Philemon
MANUSCRIPT	P87 (250 AD)
WORDS	335 words (or 0.002 % of entire New Testament)

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Titus Letter

Paul left his assistant, Titus in Crete, Greece to build the church. Paul writes to Titus with instructions on how to lead a counter-cultural Church.

W Epistle_to_Titus

Titus, the recipient of this letter, was one of Paul's assistants
Titus was entrusted to lead a church in the island of Crete
Paul wrote to Titus with instructions on how to properly lead a church and reminded him to promote the right teachings
Paul encouraged Titus to remind the members of the church to submit to the authorities
Paul urged Titus to refrain from quarrelling or slandering other members

	Titus
DATE	64 AD (Pastoral period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	Individual pastor, Titus (Europe)
MANUSCRIPT	P32 Egypt (100-300 AD)
WORDS	659 words (or 0.005 % of entire New Testament)

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1 Timothy Letter

Paul gives Timothy, a young leader in the Ephesus church, advice on godliness and sound teaching.

W First_Epistle_to_Timothy

Paul writes to Timothy, a young leader in the church in Ephesus
Paul's letter was written before his final imprisonment in Rome
Paul acknowledged the pressures Timothy, as a young church leader endured
Paul's letter was full of instructions on church matters, such as responsibility to converts, church leaders and worship
Paul repeatedly cautioned Timothy against false teachers

	1 Timothy
DATE	64 AD (Pastoral period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	Individual pastor, Timothy (Asia Minor)
MANUSCRIPT	P32 Egypt (100-300 AD)
WORDS	1591 words (or 0.012 % of entire New Testament)

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2 Timothy Letter

Paul's death is drawing near, and he instructs Timothy to carry on his gospel work.

W Second_Epistle_to_Timothy

Paul's second letter to Timothy contained a sense of urgency
Paul is suffering in prison, and perhaps knew his demise (death) was near
Paul informed Timothy he did not hold grudges against his friends who had now abandoned him
Paul desperately urged Timothy to come as quickly as he could. He gave the impression he was alone

	2 Timothy
DATE	67 AD (Pastoral period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Disputed authenticity; forgery)
TO	Individual pastor, Timothy (Asia Minor)
MANUSCRIPT	P32 Egypt (100-300 AD)
WORDS	1238 words (or 0.009 % of entire New Testament)

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Hebrews Letter

Hebrews was written for the Jewish-Christians who lived in Jerusalem

W Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Paul is not believed to have written this letter
Hebrews is considered more polished and eloquent than any other book in New Testament
The overall theme is on the person of Christ and his role as mediator between God and humanity
Christians were reverting back to Judaism to escape persecution
The letter urged Christians to persevere in the face of persecutions

	Hebrews
DATE	69 AD (4953 period)
FROM	~~Paul~~ (Unknown author; anonymous sermon; not authentic)
TO	Jewish-Christians who lived in Jerusalem
MANUSCRIPT	P46 (175-225 AD)
WORDS	words (or 0 % of entire New Testament)

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CREDIT
https://overviewbible.com
https://www.blueletterbible.org/study/paul/timeline.cfm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Authorship_of_the_Pauline_epistles
https://ehrmanblog.org/pauls-importance-in-early-christianity-for-members/
Word count data: https://accordingtochrist.com/bible-data-viz/
List of scholars who hold to Paul's letters were interpolated, corrupted and forgeries
https://vridar.org/2014/09/08/list-of-scholars-believing-pauls-letters-were-interpolated

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