Critical scholars and the writings of Paul

 When having a conversation with some people, you'll find they often don't believe the bible. They may cite some vague inconsistency, supposed contradictions, or other manner of excuses to discredit our scriptures. But the fact is, when you ask them to elaborate, they often can't. However, that is changing. Because information is now readily available at your fingertips and easily googled. Even the uneducated can come up with plausible arguments. 

These people are often very biased for many different reasons. They generally seek out information from scholars, who are critical of the orthodox biblical narrative. The most popular today are Bart Ehrmann, Annie Besant, Thomas Pain, Jesus Seminar, and others. These scholars have terminal degrees, (Ph. D.s) and are considered experts in their field.  Why an atheist, agnostic, or practicing Jew would want an advanced degree in New Testament studies is beyond me. But they do, and they have them. In all honesty, they can be quite formidable.   

So the question remains. How can we effectively engage this opposition in a meaningful way? While many critics cast doubt on some, if not most books of the bible, they will accept others. They will attest to them as being authentic,  verifiable, and consider them to be historically accurate. Such are some of the writings of the Apostle Paul.

These are seven epistles of Paul that critical scholars agree are authentic;

  • Romans
  • 1 Corinthians 
  • 2 Corinthians 
  • Galatians
  • Philippians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • Philemon
But why these and not others?

1. Historical plausibility:

The Pauline epistles contain numerous references to specific people, places, and events that can be verified through historical research. This historical grounding lends credibility to the authenticity of the letters.

2. Coherence and internal consistency:

The Pauline letters demonstrate a remarkable degree of internal consistency in their theology and message, suggesting they originated from a single author. This consistency helps to distinguish them from forged or fictional writings.

3. Early attestation and transmission:

The Pauline epistles are quoted and referenced by early Christian writers within decades of their composition. This early attestation suggests the letters were widely circulated and accepted within the early church, making it less likely they were later forgeries.

4. Unique voice and perspective:

The Pauline letters exhibit a distinctive style and voice, reflecting Paul's personality, background, and experiences. This unique voice contributes to the authenticity of the letters and makes it difficult to attribute them to another author.

5. Theological contribution:

The Pauline epistles have played a pivotal role in shaping Christian theology. Their profound insights into grace, salvation, and the nature of God continue to be studied and debated today. This theological significance lends further weight to their authenticity.

While critical scholars may have their own interpretations and critiques of Paul's writings, they generally acknowledge their historical and theological importance. They recognize the letters as valuable sources of information about early Christian thought and practice, offering insights into the development of the Christian faith.

It's important to note that critical scholars do not necessarily accept everything in the Pauline epistles as literal or infallible. They may analyze and interpret the text in light of its historical context and genre, acknowledging potential inconsistencies or theological developments. However, they generally accept the writings as genuine works of Paul the Apostle, recognizing their historical and theological significance.

So, by using these seven epistles, we can create arguments that will be effective in articulating our traditional biblical views. More on that later.

Bro. Scott


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