Author: Jim

The letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians were written by Paul during his third missionary journey, which encompassed the years 52-57 A.D. There is sufficient biographical information in both the letters to the Corinthians and in the book of Acts to allow these letters to be dated very accurately. The sequence of events is described below:

Paul visits Corinth for the first time and establishes a church there (Acts 18:1-17). Among his converts were Sosthenes, who is listed as a co-author of 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1 … and Sosthenes our brother,).

Paul travels to Ephesus, where he stays for three years. It is here that he writes his first letter to the Corinthians, however, this letter is not our canonical First Corinthians, it is called “the previous letter” (1 Corinthians 5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:). We will call this letter “Corinthians A.”

Paul receives news from various sources about trouble at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1 Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me:…  1 Corinthians 16:17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.). In response he writes the letter we know as 1 Corinthians. This is written from Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.)

Paul apparently visits Corinth for a second time, although we have no record of this visit. We know it occurred because Paul writes 2 Corinthians 12:14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you; and that he intends to visit for a third time 2 Corinthians 13:1-2 This is the third time I am coming to you.

Things seem to have worsened in the aftermath of the visit, leading Paul to write the “severe letter”. Paul mentions this letter in 2 Corinthians 2:4 and 2 Corinthians 7:8.

Paul was worried about the severe letter and overall situation. He hurried to meet Titus, who was returning with a response (2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:5, 7:13). Paul was encouraged by the news from Titus, and wrote another letter, the letter of 2 Corinthians. Some scholars believe the other letters of Paul may have been added into our canonical 2 Corinthians. For example the “severe letter” may have been added, now forming 2 Corinthians 10-13, and another portion may have been tucked into 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 seems to say that Passover season is imminent. The time frame for both letters then is quite narrow, with 1 Corinthians being written just before Passover in 55 AD. and 2 Corinthians being written in 56 AD.

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There is scholarly consensus that the letters of 1 and 2 Corinthians were written by Paul during his third missionary journey, which encompassed the years
52-57 AD. There is sufficient biographical information in both the letters to the Corinthians and in the book of Acts to allow these letters to be dated very accurately.

While there is little doubt among scholars that Paul is the author, there is discussion over whether the letter was originally one letter or composed from two or more of Paul’s letters. Although the New Testament contains only two letters to the Corinthian church, the evidence from the letters themselves is that he wrote at least four and the church replied at least once.

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 seems to say that Passover season is imminent. The time frame for both letters then is quite narrow, with 1 Corinthians being written just before Passover in 55 AD and 2 Corinthians being written in 56 AD.

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There is scholarly consensus that Paul writes the book of Romans near the end of his third missionary journey (56-57 A.D.), probably in 57 A.D.

Paul writes this letter from the home of Gaius (Romans 16:23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you.), who apparently lived in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;). Paul has been working on his project for collecting an offering for the Christians in Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-28). Collecting of this offering is mentioned in several New Testament letters, and Paul’s return to Jerusalem will eventually lead to his arrest there. Paul will eventually get to Rome as a prisoner, but this letter is written before he ever had the opportunity to visit there (Romans 1:13 “…that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you…”).

Although the Apostle had never been to Rome when he wrote the letter to the Romans, he had clearly expressed his desire to travel there in the near future (Acts 19:21 “…to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”  Romans 1:10–11 “…Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;”). 

Theme – The whole Gospel of God   Romans 1:16-17 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The Hand book on Faith – Gospel of God – The Whole world Guilty
   Doctrines of: Salvation, Law, Grace, Jews, Gentiles, Christianity.
             (Romans Road  3:10,23  5:8,  6:23,  10:9,  8:24)

Note: Romans 16:1-2 Phoebe delivered this letter to the Roman Church

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There is no hint in 1 Timothy that Paul is in prison. In other letters, where Paul is in prison, he says so or alludes to it multiple times, so this fact alone tends to date 1 Timothy prior to Paul’s imprisonment in Caesarea in 57 A.D. Paul says he urged Timothy to stay at Ephesus while he went to Macedonia (1 Timothy 1:3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia…). These are events from Paul’s third missionary journey (Acts 20:1 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.). This provides the reason for the letter, instructing Timothy in how to manage the church in Paul’s absence. Timothy is still quite young (1 Timothy 4:11-15 …Let no man despise thy youth…). Timothy would have needed this letter toward the beginning of his time in Ephesus, not years later, so it is best to assume that Paul wrote it very shortly after his departure. Since Paul spent three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31 …remember, that by the space of three years…) and his departure was toward the end of his third missionary journey, the best date for 1 Timothy would be around 56 or early 57 A.D.

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Titus was written by Paul, but there is limited biographical information in the book that can be used to discern its date. Titus was a gentile companion of Paul even before his first missionary journey, (Galatians 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:). Paul is not in prison, (Titus 3:12 When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.) when this letter is written, and he is planning to spend the winter in Nicopolis (Greece). Paul is already acquainted with Apollos (Titus 3:13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that nothing be wanting unto them.), and he has left Titus in Crete (Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete…) to lead the church there.

Since most of these details center around Greece or Greek contacts, the most likely date for this letter would be toward the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, after he had spent considerable time in Greece. His plan to spend the winter in Nicopolis would fit well with Paul’s plan to return to Jerusalem from Greece in the spring. Therefore, the most likely date for letter to Titus would be in the fall of 57 A.D., in the year before Paul’s return to Jerusalem and arrest.

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There is no doubt that Paul is the author of the Letter to the Philippians. Paul writes this letter from prison (Philippians 1:7 …inasmuch as both in my bonds… , Philippians 1:12-14 … So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places;…). Although Paul was imprisoned for short durations during his missionary journeys, this particular imprisonment is one that is of an extended duration, since the Philippians have heard of it, sending Epaphroditus to Paul, with Epaphroditus getting sick, nearly dying and now returning as the letter is being written. (Philippians 2:25-30 …Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants…).

Although some have argued that the letter was written from Caesarea during Paul’s two-year imprisonment there, the better evidence supports a writing from Rome. Paul says that his bonds are known (Philippians 1:13) “…in all the Palace…” (Greek – praetorio“, a word that implies a palace in Rome with Praetorian guards). Paul mentions further “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar’s household.), a phrase virtually requiring a Roman origin. Paul is therefore writing from a Roman prison, but he does not yet seem to anticipate his imminent death like he does in his second letter to Timothy. The most likely date for Philippians therefore falls in the range 61-62 AD., with Paul having been in prison in Rome for a least some time, but still not too near to the end of his life.

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The letter to the Ephesians is traditionally understood to have been written by Paul while he was in prison (Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord,… , Ephesians 6:20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds:…). Why would any challenge the identity of Paul as the author? So, before establishing a date for the letter, Let’s first address the question of authorship.

Unlike most other Pauline letters, Ephesian does not contain personal greetings to any individuals in Ephesus. This is surprising, since the book of Acts describes a close and intimate relationship between Paul and the church there. Ephesians 1:15 could be read to indicate that the author had heard about the faith of the Ephesians without personally experiencing it – something that would not be true of Paul. However, this is not the only way to understand the verse. Interestingly, the phrase, “at Ephesus” in 1:1 is not in all manuscripts of the book, and there are no other references in the book that clearly tie the book to the actual church of Ephesus.

Despite some objections, the overall evidence seems to weigh in favor of Pauline authorship. First of all, in Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God…, the author calls himself Paul. Although it was not uncommon in that day to falsely attribute a writing to a more famous person in a sort of reverse plagiarism, this doesn’t seem to be the case in Ephesians. The final closing has a promise to send Tychicus to Ephesus (Ephesians 6:21-22 But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:  Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.) with all the latest personal news about Paul. If this passage was not written by Paul, it would be a very subtle attempt at deception indeed. The theology of Ephesians is typical of Paul, with the emphasis on salvation by grace through faith and not works. The pattern of the book is also typical of Paul, with theology first and practical instructions afterward.

Ignatius of Antioch (37-107 A.D.) wrote to the Ephesians near the end of his life (Ignatius to Ephesians chapter 6) and said “And ye are, as Paul wrote to you, one body and one spirit, because ye have also been called in one hope of the faith. Since also there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. Such, then, are ye, having been taught by such instructors, Paul the Christ-bearer, and Timothy the most faithful.” Ignatius here is quoting from Ephesians 4:4-6, and attributing it to Paul and Timothy. Since the life of Ignatius significantly overlapped that of Paul, his early witness to Pauline authorship is compelling.

This then is a letter written by Paul while he is in prison. Paul had an emotional parting from the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:17-38, and this imprisonment should be understood as being after that, either in Caesarea (57-59 AD.) or Rome (60-62 AD.). It is not possible to definitively decide which location is correct, but the best guess may be based on the connection between Ephesians and Colossians. Tychicus (Colossians 4:7, Ephesians 6:21-22) is bringing news of the imprisoned Paul in each. Since Colossians was apparently carried along with Philemon and a now unknown letter to Laodicea, it seems likely that all these letters were carried by Tychicus together, as a package. Ephesus was about 100 miles from Colossi, and a traveler from Rome to Colossi might pass through Ephesus. Thus, we should date the letter to the Ephesians in 61 or 62 AD.

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The letters to the Colossians and Philemon should be considered together. Both letters are written from “Paul and Timothy” (Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus our brother,, Philemon 1Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon…). The returning runaway slave Onesimus, now a believer, is the central figure in Philemon. Paul is sending him back (Philemon 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him,…) in Philemon, and in Colossians he is also returning (Colossians 4:9-10 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They shall make known unto you all things which are done here.Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him😉. This seems to indicate that Colossians and Philemon were written and delivered together to the church in Colossi, along with a letter we no longer have to the Laodiceans (Colossians 4:16 cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.). Other characters appear in the same geographic location in both books: Archippus (Philemon 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:, Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus,… ) is greeted, while Luke (Philemon 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers., Colossians 4:14), Aristarchus (Philemon 24, Colossians 4:10), and Epaphras (Philemon 24, Colossians 4:12) are with Paul. Mark (Philemon 24) is also with Paul, but may come later to Colossi (Colossians 4:10).

Colossians is written while Paul is in prison (Colossians 4:10, Colossians 4:18). The bearer of the letters was apparently Tychicus (Colossians 4:7), and the collection of letters he was carrying probably included Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21-22 …Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:…). Mark has obviously now been reconciled with Paul, unlike the situation at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:26-31 …So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:). Demas (Philemon 24) is still with Paul, though later he will “forsake” him (2 Timothy 4:10 For Demas hath forsaken me…). The question as to the date of the letter thus comes down to which prison – Caesarea or Rome? It is impossible to be dogmatic, but the fact that Paul has few Jewish companions (Colossians 4:11 …These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God…) seems more likely in Rome than in Caesarea, which is in the land of Israel. Also, the work and gospel of Mark is connected to Rome, and since Mark is with Paul when this letter is written, a Roman origin seems more likely. This would place the letters of Colossians and Philemon at the same time, around 61-62 A.D.

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The Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Colossi. A prison letter, it warns believers false teachings:  Asceticism, self-denial, or voluntary suffering – belief that punishing self, you please God.

How can I know I am a true believer?
Colossians 1:4- Do you love the word of God? Do you love being with fellow believers? You have the Promise of Heaven.

The “mystery” of Colossians 1:25-27 is explained. It is the secret program that the ascended Lord Jesus Christ committed first to the Apostle Paul, and the same program He then revealed to all of mankind by the Holy Spirit through Paul’s letters, Romans through Hebrews.
The letters to the Colossians and Philemon should be considered together. The letters to the Colossians and Philemon should be considered together. Both letters are written from “Paul and Timothy”. Compare verses:

Colossians 1:1 …and Timotheus our brother, Philemon 1 … and Timothy our brother,…
Colossians 4:9-10 With Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. … if he come unto you, receive him. Philemon 12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him,…
Colossians 4:17 And say to Archippus,…  Philemon 2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:,
Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus…
Colossians 4:14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas, greet you.
Philemon 24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

Colossians is written while Paul is in prison (Colossians 4:10, 4:18). The bearer of the letters was apparently Tychicus (Colossians 4:7), and the collection of letters he was carrying probably included Ephesians (Ephesians 6:21-22). Mark has obviously now been reconciled with Paul, unlike the situation at the beginning of Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 15:26-31). Demas (Philemon 24) is still with Paul, though later he will “forsake” him (2 Timothy 4:10). The question as to the date of the letter thus comes down to which prison – Caeserea or Rome? It is impossible to be dogmatic, but the fact that Paul has few Jewish companions (Colossians 4:11) seems more likely in Rome than in Caesarea, which is in the land of Israel. Also, the work and gospel of Mark is connected to Rome, and since Mark is with Paul when this letter is written, a Roman origin seems more likely. This would place the letters of Colossians and Philemon at the same time, around 61-62 A.D.

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2 Timothy is written by Paul from Prison, in difficult circumstances
(2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.,
2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:, 2 Timothy 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ., 2 Timothy 1:17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
2 Timothy was definitely written after the other prison letters of Colossians and Ephesians. Luke and Demas are with Paul in Colossians 4:14, but in 2 Timothy 4:10-11, Demas “has forsaken” Paul and only Luke remains with him. Paul says in the past tense, 2 Timothy 4:12 that “Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus”, while in
Colossians 4:7 All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you…, Ephesians 6:21-22
But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.) Tychicus is being sent.

Paul’s outlook for his own life has darkened considerably from his earlier prison letters, and he doesn’t expect to live much longer (2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.). This may have been due to an unfavorable first legal hearing (2 Timothy 4:16 …At my first answer no man stood with me,…) occurring in between the earlier prison letters and this one. These circumstances can only have come about after the upbeat end of the account in the book of Acts. Therefore, we should consider 2 Timothy to be chronologically the next to last letter of Paul that appears in the Bible, written around 63 A.D.

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