2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
When the apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy the only Scripture that existed was the Old Testament. His epistles, the Gospels, the other epistles and Revelation were assembled into the New Testament at a much later date. Some say around 300 AD. What is interesting is the order Paul’s epistles were assembled into the New Testament. Below is the list as they appear in the New Testament, with the approximate date they were written. They appear to follow the order of scripture that he wrote to Timothy.
56 Romans doctrine 6
55 1 Corinthians reproof 4
56 2 Corinthians reproof 5
49 Galatians correction 1
60 Ephesians instruction in righteousness 9
60 Philippians instruction in righteousness 10
61 Colossians instruction in righteousness 12
51 1 Thessalonians instruction in righteousness 2
52 2 Thessalonians instruction in righteousness 3
56 1 Timothy personal 7
57 Titus personal 8
60 Philemon personal 11
63 2 Timothy personal 13
66 Hebrews written for Jewish believers before the destruction of the Temple
As one studies the writings of the Apostle Paul it would appear this is the order they should read for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
Note: Remember Dates are best estimates, not all agree…
⇛ return to Apostles ⇛