Paul and his letters by Rev. Norman Langenbrunner

Paul’s letters are the earliest writings of the New Testament. Scholarly opinion differs about  specifics, but there is agreement that Paul did not write all the letters attributed to him. The style and vocabulary in some of the letters (1 and 2 Timothy for example), do not sound like Paul, and the church structure or organization described in them seems later than Paul. Writing in the name of an authority was a commonly accepted practice at the time. These letters are no less inspired and instructive, even if Paul did not write them. They do reflect Paul’s care for the Church and his concern that Christians avoid divisions and disputes. Paul is remembered most of all for being an apostle and preacher. It must not be overlooked, however, that he is also a letter writer extraordinaire. Through his epistles we discover the soul of the man and catch a glimpse, like no other, of a Christian in the making.