Paul's letters are the oldest documents in the New Testament — written before the gospels, some within about twenty years of the crucifixion. Scholars broadly accept seven as undisputedly his: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians and Philemon. Six others (Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy and Titus) are disputed — attributed to Paul but questioned on grounds of style and setting.
- Seven undisputed letters: Romans, 1–2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, Philemon.
- Six disputed: Ephesians, Colossians, 2 Thessalonians, 1–2 Timothy, Titus.
- 1 Thessalonians (c. AD 50) is likely the earliest surviving Christian writing.
What the evidence showsHere is a named, datable, first-century author whose undisputed letters are among the best-attested writings to survive from antiquity — a firm anchor for the earliest history of the church.
Where it stopsThe authorship of the disputed letters is a real and continuing scholarly argument. And even the undisputed letters were dictated to a secretary — Tertius signs Romans (16:22) — so 'wrote' often means 'dictated.'
Sources & further reading