The Apostle Paul is credited as the author of 13 books of the New Testament. These letters make up a significant portion of the New Testament and contain critical doctrine, instruction, and encouragement for the early churches. Here is a breakdown of the 13 books Paul wrote:
The 13 Letters of Paul
Romans
The book of Romans was likely written by Paul in A.D. 57. This epistle was addressed to the church in Rome and is the longest and most theological of Paul’s letters. Key themes include the righteousness of God, salvation by grace through faith, and the unity of believers in Christ. Some key verses include:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
“For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
1 Corinthians
1 Corinthians was written by Paul in A.D. 55 and deals with divisions in the church at Corinth. Paul addresses issues like factions, sexual immorality, marital relations, food sacrificed to idols, propriety in worship, and the resurrection. Key themes are church discipline and order in corporate worship. Notable verses include:
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19)
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5)
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
2 Corinthians
Paul’s second preserved letter to the Corinthian church was written in A.D. 55-56. This letter focuses on Paul’s apostleship and ministry, encouragements to complete the collection for the church in Jerusalem, and Paul’s defense of his authority as an apostle. Key themes include the commendation of sacrificial giving, the assurance of Christ’s comfort in affliction, and a warning against false teachers. Verses include:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Galatians
Galatians was likely written between A.D. 49-55. This epistle was addressed to the churches in Galatia and defends salvation by faith alone. Paul wrote to correct the false teaching that Christians must observe the Mosaic Law to be saved. Themes include liberty in Christ, the fruits of the Spirit, and walking by the Spirit. Noteworthy verses include:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1)
Ephesians
Ephesians was written by Paul around A.D. 60-61 during his first imprisonment in Rome. Paul wrote this circular letter to encourage faithfulness and unity in the church. Key themes include the supremacy of Christ, the work of the Trinity, unity in the body of Christ, proper conduct in the Christian household, and spiritual warfare. Well-known verses include:
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5)
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
Philippians
Written around A.D. 60-61 during Paul’s imprisonment, Philippians thanks the Philippian church for their partnership and support of Paul’s ministry. Major themes include joy in Christ, humility, and unity. Well-known verses include:
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
Colossians
Colossians was penned by Paul around A.D. 60-61 to combat heretical teaching and encourage the Colossians to remain grounded in Christ. Paul presents Christ as superior and all-sufficient. Notable themes include the preeminence of Christ over creation, false philosophies, and legalism. Key verses include:
“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1)
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)
1 Thessalonians
Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was likely written around A.D. 50-51. This epistle encourages the new believers in their trials and instructs them on godly living. Paul reminds them of the joy of their salvation and Christ’s return. Key verses include:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
“For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
2 Thessalonians
2 Thessalonians followed shortly after 1 Thessalonians, likely around A.D. 51-52. Paul continues to encourage the Thessalonians in persecution while also correcting misunderstandings about the end times. He warns against idleness and reminds them to imitate Christ. Noteworthy verses include:
“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.” (2 Thessalonians 3:16)
“So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.” (2 Thessalonians 2:15)
1 Timothy
1 Timothy was written by Paul around A.D. 62-64 and contains instruction and encouragement to Timothy, Paul’s young associate in ministry. This epistle discusses proper conduct in the church, qualifications for leaders, and false teachers. Key themes include sound doctrine and divine truths.
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
“If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
2 Timothy
Paul’s last preserved epistle was 2 Timothy, written shortly before his martyrdom around A.D. 66-67. This intensely personal letter to Timothy exhorts endurance in persecution and faithfulness to Paul’s teaching. It contains Paul’s final recorded words and has themes of courage in ministry, sound doctrine, and perseverance. Key verses include:
“For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer deserves his wages.’” (2 Timothy 2:6)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)
Titus
Paul wrote his epistle to Titus around A.D. 62-64, instructing him to appoint elders on the island of Crete. This short letter emphasizes good works, sound doctrine, and proper Christian conduct. Key themes include faithfulness in teaching, practical Christian living, and qualities of spiritual leaders. Notable verses include:
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work.” (Titus 3:1)
“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” (Titus 3:8)
“Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)
Philemon
Paul’s short, personal letter to Philemon was written around A.D. 60-62 regarding Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave. This book explores themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul makes a case for Onesimus’s freedom while stressing voluntary submission within the institution of slavery. Key takeaways include:
– Paul valued the institution of slavery but hinted at a better way in Christ.
– Believers should forgive as they have been forgiven.
– Our position in Christ changes human relationships.
Notable verses include:
“I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment.” (Philemon 1:10)
“Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say.” (Philemon 1:21)
“So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.” (Philemon 1:17)
Conclusion
In summary, Paul wrote 13 books of the New Testament. These epistles provide foundational theology and instruction critical to the Christian faith. From detailed theological explorations like Romans to personal letters philemon and Timothy, Paul’s writings cover significant topics including salvation, doctrine, Christian living, church leadership, and the end times. While not exhaustive, this overview provides a concise summary of the books contributed by Paul, the most prolific New Testament author.
