How Many Letters Did Paul Write?
Quick Summary
Traditionally, the Apostle Paul is credited with writing 13 letters found in the New Testament. These epistles, addressed to churches and individuals, form a vital part of early Christian theology and practice. While most scholars affirm Paul's authorship of at least 7 of the 13, the rest are sometimes considered disputed or written by followers in his name. Regardless of exact authorship, all 13 letters are regarded as inspired scripture by most Christian traditions.
Introduction: A Prolific Voice in the New Testament
Paul wasn’t one of the original twelve disciples, but after his dramatic encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, he became one of Christianity’s most passionate apostles. His letters—or epistles—have shaped Christian belief, ethics, and theology for nearly two thousand years. They cover everything from church disputes to cosmic reconciliation in Christ.
So, how many letters did Paul actually write? What do we mean by “Pauline authorship,” and why does it matter for readers of the Bible today?
The 13 Letters Attributed to Paul
Here’s the traditional list of Pauline epistles in the order they appear in most New Testaments:
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Colossians
1 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
Philemon
These letters are written to churches (like Rome and Corinth) and individuals (like Timothy and Philemon). They address theology, pastoral care, ethics, suffering, church structure, and the nature of grace and salvation.
“Paul's letters remain our earliest window into the life and thought of the early Christian movement.” — Ehrman, The New Testament, p. 283
Undisputed vs. Disputed Letters
New Testament scholars generally divide Paul’s letters into two categories:
Undisputed Letters (almost universally accepted as written by Paul):
Romans
1 Corinthians
2 Corinthians
Galatians
Philippians
1 Thessalonians
Philemon
These letters are consistent in vocabulary, tone, theology, and style. They reflect Paul’s personal experience, missionary journeys, and relationships with specific churches.
Disputed or Deutero-Pauline Letters:
Ephesians
Colossians
2 Thessalonians
Some scholars suggest these were written by Paul’s disciples or admirers, possibly after his death, reflecting a growing and structured church.
Pastoral Epistles (most disputed):
1 Timothy
2 Timothy
Titus
These letters focus heavily on church leadership, qualifications for elders and deacons, and personal instruction to Timothy and Titus. Some scholars argue they reflect a church context later than Paul's lifetime.
Authorship and Ancient Practices
In the ancient world, it was common for scribes or followers to write in the name of a teacher—what we call pseudepigraphy. This wasn’t always seen as deceptive. Rather, it was a way of continuing a respected voice. Still, some early church leaders resisted certain texts if Pauline authorship was in doubt.
Regardless of scholarly debates, these 13 letters were accepted into the New Testament canon and have been considered authoritative by the church since at least the 4th century.
Did Paul Write Any Other Letters?
Paul may have written additional letters that have been lost to history. In 1 Corinthians 5:9, he references a previous letter to the Corinthians:
“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons” (1 Corinthians 5:9, NRSV).
This implies the existence of a letter before what we now call 1 Corinthians. Similarly, Colossians 4:16 refers to a “letter from Laodicea” that is no longer extant.
How the Letters Were Grouped and Preserved
Paul’s letters were likely circulated among churches, read aloud in worship, and copied by hand. Over time, they were collected into a body of work and grouped by length, not chronology. Romans appears first simply because it’s the longest.
Early Christians preserved these letters for their pastoral wisdom, theological insight, and deep encouragement. The fact that churches clung to these writings speaks volumes.
Meaning for Today: Listening to Paul Anew
Whether you read Romans or Philemon, you're hearing from someone who wrestled with faith, grace, and community. Paul wasn’t writing abstract theology—he was offering counsel, correction, and Christ-centered hope to real people.
His letters model how to love a complicated church
They remind us that grace must shape both belief and behavior
They keep Christ at the center, not just as Savior but as Lord
Whether written by Paul’s own hand or by those formed in his teaching, these letters remain full of challenge and comfort.
FAQ
How many letters did Paul write?
Traditionally, Paul is credited with 13 letters in the New Testament.
Did Paul write all of them?
Seven are widely accepted as authentically Pauline; six are disputed by some scholars but remain canonical.
Are there lost letters of Paul?
Yes, 1 Corinthians 5:9 and Colossians 4:16 suggest that other letters once existed but have not survived.
Why does Pauline authorship matter?
Understanding who wrote a letter helps us interpret its context, theology, and authority.
