How many books of the Bible did Paul write?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Paul wrote thirteen books of the Bible, often referred to as epistles. These include Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. His letters, inspired by the Holy Spirit, were accepted by the early church as divinely guided teachings. Paul's writings, which aimed to instruct and encourage early Christian communities, continue to be significant for believers today.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• The books of the Bible that Paul wrote are in the New Testament.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• After the apostle Paul, also known as Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9:11), was saved, he immediately began preaching about Jesus (Acts 9:20–21). His conversion story is miraculous and recorded in several places in the New Testament (Acts 9:1–19; 22:3–16; 26:12–18; and 1 Corinthians 15:8–9). Paul began a traveling ministry, planting numerous churches in the name of Christ. When he was not present with the churches, he still cared for them by writing letters of encouragement and teaching. He was like a father to those churches, correcting them and showing them the right way to follow Christ and love one another (1 Corinthians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 2:11–12).
• This is a chronological list of the letters that Paul wrote in the New Testament:
• Galatians (AD 47)
• 1 and 2 Thessalonians (AD 59—51)
• 1 and 2 Corinthians and Romans (AD 52—56)
• Ephesians, Philemon, Colossians, and Philippians (AD 60—62, Paul wrote these during his first Roman imprisonment)
• 1 Timothy and Titus (AD 62)
• 2 Timothy (AD 63—64, during Paul's second Roman imprisonment)

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Paul always gave credit to the Holy Spirit for the inspiration behind his writing. The early church, and the apostles, accepted these letters as words from God, and Jesus Himself also told Paul that he was to be an avenue for God's teachings to reach His people (2 Peter 1:20–21; 3:15–16; Acts 26:16–18). Paul's words are still relevant today because they were given by the Holy Spirit. Paul's words had a huge impact on the early churches, and continue to have an impact on readers to this day.

UNDERSTAND

• Paul, after his miraculous conversion, began preaching and planting numerous churches.
• Paul wrote letters to guide and encourage these churches when he wasn't with them.
• Paul’s canonical letters, written from AD 47 to AD 64, include Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon..

REFLECT

• Why do you think Paul's letters were so influential in the early church, and how do they continue to impact modern Christianity?
• How have Paul's letters impacted your personal faith and understanding of Christian teachings?
• Which of the teachings from Paul's letters are significant to your daily life and interactions with others?

ENGAGE

• Paul wrote thirteen letters to churches that are included in the New Testament. Some scholars believe the number is actually fourteen because there is some debate regarding the true author of Hebrews.
• How does Paul's conversion story inspire or challenge us in our perspective on transformation and redemption?
• How do Paul's teachings about church leadership and community remain relevant for contemporary church practices?