Lesson 3: Who wrote the Books of the Bible?
NT: The Epistles
The books of Romans (written 56 AD or 57 AD), 1 & 2 Corinthians (written 55 AD and 56 AD, respectively), Galatians (written about 52 AD), Ephesians (written around 63 AD), Philippians (written between 59 AD and 61 AD), Colossians (possibly written 62 AD), 1 & 2 Thessalonians (both written in 50 AD), 1 & 2 Timothy (written between 62 AD and 67 AD), Titus (written around 63 AD), and Philemon (written between 56 AD and 62 AD) are all attributed to Paul. Paul was a latecomer to the faith. Originally known as Saul of Tarsus, he persecuted the early Christians, and was present at the death of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. He was converted to the faith by a vision he experienced while being on the road to Damascus to hunt down and kill more Christians. Following that conversion, he changed his name to Paul and became one of the best known and respected evangelists.
The books themselves deal with a variety of topics. Romans explores the nature of Christ’s working; 1 & 2 Corinthians address a variety of disagreements that were cropping up within the church itself, as well as an explanation of Paul’s claim to apostleship; Galatians emphasizes that it is grace that saves an errant humanity, not any works it might hope to accomplish; Ephesians stresses the need for unity with the church, while Philippians discusses the urgency of missions; Colossians explores the deity of Jesus, and 1 & 2 Thessalonians talk about Jesus’ second coming; 1 & 2 Timothy address the needs and the solution for the needs of the Ephesian church; Titus addresses the church in Crete and Philemon is Paul’s personal plea on behalf of a runaway slave he converted to Christianity.
The book of Hebrews has been attributed to Paul; however, unlike his other writings, there is nothing in this book that suggests his authorship. Others speculate that it may have been written by Luke, but dictated by Paul. I may have been written between 66 AD and 70 AD, before the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Its main idea is the person of Jesus as the mediator and founder of the new covenant between God and man.
The book of James is attributed to James, the oldest brother (sometimes thought to have been a cousin) of Jesus Christ. It is said to have been written around 62 AD, and deals decisively with the issues of moral behavior within the churches.
The books 1 & 2 Peter are attributed to Peter, the apostle, member of Jesus‘ inner circle. They may have been written between 64 AD and 68 AD. They are written to a church experiencing great and traumatic persecutions, and also give an outlook on the first false teachings that are beginning to circulate. Peter used to be a fisherman, who followed Jesus wholeheartedly until the latter was crucified. Peter is said to have lost his faith, but later regained it when he witnessed the risen Jesus, and was also reinstated by Him.
The books of 1 & 2 & 3 John were written between 85 AD and 90 AD. They are attributed to John, the apostle. They alternately deal with Christian love, a warning against false teachers, and the rejection of his helpers.
The book of Jude is attributed to Jude, also known as Thaddeus, one of the apostles, and possibly brother or cousin of Jesus. It was written around 65 AD and gives a clear warning against the adversaries of the Christian faith.
Congratulations! You have now finished the third lesson of Bible 101, and are familiar with the lives and times of the manuscript authors. Why not test your knowledge now by doing the Lesson 3 Knowledge Quiz?
