The Apostle (Saint) Paul is renowned for his letters (epistles) to many of the new Christian churches that were formed as a result of the advancement of the Christian faith. 

How many epistles did the Apostle Paul write?

Saint Paul wrote a total of 14 letters: to seven different churches (Rome, Corinth, Thessalonica, Ephesus, Philippi, Colossae, the churches in Galatia); to two individuals known personally to Paul (Timothy - x2 epistles - and Titus); and to one stranger (Philemon). Additionally, it is thought that Saint Paul wrote to the Hebrews*.

Put another way Paul wrote the following letters to churches:

Romans (written c.AD 55)

1 Corinthians (written c.AD 55)

2 Corinthians (written c.AD 55)

Galatians (written between AD 50-60)

Ephesians (written c.AD 62)

Philippians (written c.AD 61)

Colossians (written c.AD 62)

1 Thessalonians (written c.AD 51)

2 Thessalonians (written c.AD 51)

Another letter was written to:

[the] *Hebrews (written between c.AD 61-62)

Further letters were written to individuals known personally to Paul:

1 Timothy (written between c.AD 62-66)

2 Timothy (written between c.AD 62-62)

Titus (written c.AD 66)

And finally, one letter was written to a stranger:

Philemon (written c.AD 62)

The form and structure of the Apostle Paul’s Epistles

The form of Saint Paul’s epistles are a master class in letter writing, and they are fairly consistent with the pattern that was common in the ancient Greek world.  The following outline uses some of Paul’s letters to emphasise this:

They would begin with the name of the sender

[Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother.] 

Then they would address the recipient

[To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, to Apphia our sister,to Archipus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:]

Next Paul would write a compliment

[I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.]

From here Paul would write the substance of the letter

[The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.]

Then a summary

[Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.]

A closing greeting

[Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. All God’s people here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.]

And finally a signature

[I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.]

What different styles of writing did the Apostle Paul use in his epistles?

The Apostle Paul had three different kinds of letters that he would write in different situations: Letters to individuals; occasional letters; and general letters.

Saint Paul's Letters to Individuals

These letters in the bible are usually known by the name of the individual, and include: 1 Timothy; 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon.

Saint Paul's Occasional Letters

These letters in the bible usually address a particular situation or particular error in a church, and include: Romans; 1 Corinthians; 2 Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians.

Saint Paul's General Letters

These letters were for general circulation and did not deal with a particular problem. *Hebrews was the only general letter that Paul wrote.

*Many scholars and commentators suggest that Saint Paul did not actually write Hebrews. Rather it is thought to be written by Barnabas, or Stephen, or Silas, or Apollos. Some even speculate that it could be the pen-ship of Priscilla.