Paul’s Letters

Paul traveled over 10,000 miles on three different missionary journeys. He established Christian churches across Asia and into Europe. He often sent letters to these congregations instructing and encouraging them. Thirteen of these letters made their way into the New Testament. When did he write them and in what order? 

It is widely considered that four of his letters were written from prison:

• To the church at Ephesus
• To the church at Philippi
• To the church at Colossae
• To Philemon

And the order we find them in the New Testament is most likely not chronological:

1. Galatians, 48 AD
2. I Thessalonians, 49-50 AD
3. II Thessalonians, 50-51 AD
4. I Corinthians, 52-54 AD
5. II Corinthians, 55-56 AD
6. Romans, 55-57 AD
7. Ephesians, 61-62 AD
8. Philippians, 57-62
9. Colossians, 61-62 AD
10. Philemon, 61 AD
11. I Timothy, 62-63 AD
12. Titus, 62-64 AD
13. II Timothy, 65 AD

Because Paul was raised and educated in the Jewish tradition, he sought to reach out to fellow Jews in order to show them that Jesus was, indeed, the Messiah. Many of his letters present the plan of salvation as a free gift and not a result of actions. 

He taught Christian theology. He pointed out immorality. He addressed conflict within congregations. He encouraged reconciliation, grace and spiritual maturity. He emphasized brotherly love, caring for the less fortunate and standing firm in faith. 

I find it amazing that Paul did so much in such a short period of time without the use of modern technology and transportation. We really don’t have any good excuses. We should do the same. 

LORD, It is with humility that we acknowledge our shortcomings with regard to evangelizing, teaching and encouraging the people around us. Show us an opportunity today to speak up for you. Give us the courage to do it.