Notes on New Testament Letters and Paul's Life

New Testament Letters Overview

• Letters of Paul:

  • Romans

  • 1-2 Corinthians

  • Galatians

  • Ephesians

  • Philippians

  • Colossians

  • 1-2 Thessalonians

  • 1-2 Timothy

  • Titus

  • Philemon

• Other Letters:

  • Letter to the Hebrews: Not written by Paul.

  • General/Catholic Epistles:

  • James

  • 1-2 Peter

  • 1-3 John

  • Jude

Epistolary Literature of the New Testament

• Definition:

  • Letters: Private communications addressing specific individuals or groups regarding particular matters.

  • Epistles: Written to a wider audience, addressing public issues affecting multiple communities.

• Form:

  • Letters: Generally short, following a simple fourfold structure.

  • Epistles: Longer, complex structures resembling essays or treatises.

• Purpose:

  • Letters: Address specific situations or concerns.

  • Epistles: Discuss general principles affecting broad communities, often relating to doctrines or ethical guidelines.

Divisions of Paul’s Letters

• Authentic Pauline Writings (7 letters):

  • Thessalonians

  • Galatians

  • Philippians

  • 1 & 2 Corinthians

  • Romans

  • Philemon

• Pseudo-Pauline Literature (6 letters):

  • 2 Thessalonians

  • Colossians

  • Ephesians

  • 1 & 2 Timothy

  • Titus

Biography of Paul

• Introduction:

  • Paul’s writings are focused on Jesus Christ rather than his personal life.

  • Chronology of events in his life is not universally agreed upon.

Chronology:

• 5-46: Preparation

  • 5-10: Birth in Tarsus of Cilicia

  • 36: Conversion experience

  • 36-39: Time in Arabia

  • 40: Visit to Jerusalem, faced opposition

  • 40-44: Ministry in Tarsus, potentially among Gentiles

  • 45: Joined Barnabas in Antioch

  • 46: Possible visit to Jerusalem with financial aid

• 46-49: First Missionary Journey

  • 49: Attend the Council of Jerusalem

• 49-52: Second Missionary Journey

  • 51: Write 1 & 2 Thessalonians

  • 52-54: Return to Antioch

• 54-58: Third Missionary Journey

  • 54: Write Galatians

  • 56: Write Philippians

  • 57: Write 1 & 2 Corinthians, visit Corinth again; write Romans before returning to Jerusalem

• 58-61: Capture

  • 58-60: Imprisonment in Caesarea Maritima; journey to Rome

  • 61-63: House arrest in Rome; write Colossians, Philemon, possibly Philippians

• 63-67: Later Years

  • 65: Write 1 Timothy, Titus

  • 67: Write 2 Timothy; face persecution under Nero; execution and burial in Rome

The Greco-Roman World of Paul and Early Christianity

• Historical Context:

  • Hellenism: Spread of Greek culture following Alexander the Great’s campaigns, influencing the Mediterranean world significantly.

  • Rome absorbed numerous Hellenistic kingdoms over centuries, culminating in dominance over the Mediterranean.

Language and Culture:

• Greek: Used for cultural, artistic, and intellectual discourse.

• Latin: Language of governance, law, commerce, and military activities.

Key Themes in Paul's Letters

Romans:

• Essence of Paul’s thought, key to understanding other letters. Written circa 57/58 from Corinth.

  • Key Themes: Righteousness, justification.

  • Relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan, emphasized unity in Christ.

  • Importance of faith and obedience.

Letters to the Thessalonians:

• Earliest Christian documents, first written 50/51 AD, second written shortly thereafter from Corinth.

  • Purpose: Renew fellowship with the Thessalonian believers.

Letters to the Corinthians:

• Two letters written to address various issues within the Corinthian church, including misunderstandings and false teachings.

• Significant teachings include the institution of the Eucharist in 1 Corinthians.

Letter to the Galatians:

• Likely written in 54-55 AD from Ephesus.

  • Occasion: Reaction against Judaizing, emphasizing freedom from the Law for Gentile converts.

  • Addresses the conflict over circumcision and compliance with Jewish law among Gentiles.