Disputed and Undisputed Pauline Epistles

Study Notes

Disputed NT Writings

7 letters considered undisputed; 6 letters disputed with varying scholarly opinion on authorship.

Undisputed Pauline Epistles

Include Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon.
Scholars widely agree on Paul's authorship of these letters.

Disputed Pauline Epistles

Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus are cited as disputed letters.

Hebrews and Pauline Authorship

Hebrews is excluded from the list of Pauline Epistles as it does not self-identify as written by Paul.

Pastoral Epistles

Comprise 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, often labeled as disputed in authorship.

Most Disputed Pauline NT Epistles

The Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus) are recognized as the most contested for Pauline authorship.

Pseudonymous Works

Refers to texts falsely attributed to Paul, potentially written by other authors for respect towards Paul’s authority.

Questioning Authorship of Paul's Epistles

Evidence of other letters attributed to Paul (e.g., 3 Corinthians, Epistle to the Laodiceans) that don't survive.
Paul's remarks indicate circulating letters that weren't authored by him (2 Thess. 2:2; 3:17).

Reasons for Disputing Authorship of 6 Letters

Terminology: Unique phrases like "in the heavenly places" and variations on "faith."
Style: Notable longer sentences in Ephesians and Colossians compared to Paul's usual style.
Theological Differences: Varied teachings on marriage and church foundations.
Assumptions: Differences in church structure could indicate variances in authorship, based on region.

Authorship Dispute Characteristics

Disputed letters don't face uniform challenges; individual factors apply to different letters.

Pseudepigraphy Defined

Practice of ascribing works to an author who did not compose them, notable in Jewish and Greco-Roman texts.
Early Christians often rejected this if discovered.

Types of Authorship

Literal Authorship: Direct writing by the author.
Dictation: Author directs another to write.
Co-writing: Collaboration with another writer.
Delegated Authorship: Colleague composes with Paul’s core ideas.
Pseudepigraphy: A disciple imitates Paul's teachings.

Uncertain Authorship Types in Pauline Epistles

Delegated authorship and pseudepigraphy are the uncertain types present in some letters, as Paul claims literal authorship, dictation, and co-writing.

Letters Without Scribe/Co-Writer Claims

Ephesians, 1 & 2 Timothy, and Titus do not explicitly mention a scribe or co-writer.

Co-written Letters

Include 1 & 2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, and Philemon.

Predominant Authorship in Pauline Epistles

Majority of letters display features of co-writing or utilization of a scribe.

Importance of Authorship

Questions of authorship impact historical perspectives on Paul and early Christianity.
Regardless of authorship, these letters hold scriptural significance.
Caution against extreme viewpoints: must balance between critical acceptance and rejection of scholarship.

Description

Explore the differences between the undisputed and disputed Pauline Epistles in the New Testament. This quiz covers authorship debates, the seven acknowledged letters, and the contentious nature of the Pastoral Epistles. Test your knowledge on these important biblical writings!