Basic Information about Letters Basic Information about Letters (Epistles) in the New Testament(Epistles) in the New Testament

How many of the 27 writings in the New How many of the 27 writings in the New Testament are Letters (or: Epistles, from the Testament are Letters (or: Epistles, from the Greek Greek word word ""epistolēepistolē")? ")? (Three; Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one) (Three; Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one)

Click for the next slide and the answer.Click for the next slide and the answer.

How many of the 27 writings in the New Testament are Letters How many of the 27 writings in the New Testament are Letters (or: Epistles, from the Greek word "(or: Epistles, from the Greek word "epistolēepistolē")? ")?

(Three; Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one)(Three; Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one)

Answer:Answer:

Twenty-oneTwenty-one How many of the 21 NT Letters are attributed to the Apostle Paul?How many of the 21 NT Letters are attributed to the Apostle Paul?

(Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one) (Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one)

How many of the 21 NT Letters are attributed How many of the 21 NT Letters are attributed to the Apostle Paul? to the Apostle Paul?

(Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one) (Seven; Eight; Thirteen; Twenty-one)

Answer:Answer:

ThirteenThirteen Seven of the Letters are called "catholic" or "general" letters, Seven of the Letters are called "catholic" or "general" letters,

because Bishop Athanasius (367 C.E.) said they were accepted in because Bishop Athanasius (367 C.E.) said they were accepted in the whole church. Who are the four people after whom these 7 the whole church. Who are the four people after whom these 7 letters are named?letters are named? (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; James; Peter; Jude) (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; James; Peter; Jude)

Seven of the Letters are called "catholic" or "general" letters, Seven of the Letters are called "catholic" or "general" letters, because Bishop Athanasius (367 C.E.) said they were because Bishop Athanasius (367 C.E.) said they were

accepted in the whole church. Who are the four people after accepted in the whole church. Who are the four people after whom these 7 letters are named? whom these 7 letters are named? (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; James; (Matthew; Mark; Luke; John; James;

Peter; Jude)Peter; Jude)Answer:Answer:

JohnJohn JamesJames PeterPeter JudeJude Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were in early lists of Jesus' twelve disciples (apostles)?Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were in early lists of Jesus' twelve disciples (apostles)?

(John; James; Peter; Jude) (John; James; Peter; Jude)

Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were in early lists of Jesus' twelve disciples (apostles)? in early lists of Jesus' twelve disciples (apostles)?

(John; James; Peter; Jude)(John; James; Peter; Jude)

Answer:Answer:

JohnJohn PeterPeter Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were

considered to be brothers of Jesus? considered to be brothers of Jesus? (John; James; Peter; Jude) (John; James; Peter; Jude)

Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were Which two names of authors of catholic epistles were considered to be brothers of Jesus? considered to be brothers of Jesus?

(John; James; Peter; Jude) (John; James; Peter; Jude)

Answer:Answer:

JamesJames JudeJude Whose name is in the title of three of the catholic epistles?Whose name is in the title of three of the catholic epistles?

(John; James; Peter; Jude) (John; James; Peter; Jude)

Whose name is in the title of three of the catholic epistles? Whose name is in the title of three of the catholic epistles? (John; James; Peter; Jude)(John; James; Peter; Jude)

Answer: Answer:

John (1 John; 2 John; 3 John)John (1 John; 2 John; 3 John) Whose name is in the title of two, but only two, of the Whose name is in the title of two, but only two, of the

catholic epistles? catholic epistles? (John; James; Peter; Jude) (John; James; Peter; Jude)

Whose name is in the title of two, but Whose name is in the title of two, but only two, of the catholic epistles? only two, of the catholic epistles? (John; James; Peter; (John; James; Peter;

Jude)Jude)

Answer: Answer:

Peter (1 Peter; 2 Peter)Peter (1 Peter; 2 Peter) When modern scholarship emerged with the Age of the When modern scholarship emerged with the Age of the

Enlightenment (18th century), scholars of the New Testament Enlightenment (18th century), scholars of the New Testament began to question (or "dispute") whether certain Letters began to question (or "dispute") whether certain Letters attributed to the apostle Paul actually were authored by Paul. attributed to the apostle Paul actually were authored by Paul. Seven (7) Letters are accepted ("undisputed" as Paul's letters by Seven (7) Letters are accepted ("undisputed" as Paul's letters by scholars). They are: scholars). They are:

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When modern scholarship emerged with the Age of the When modern scholarship emerged with the Age of the Enlightenment (18th century), scholars of the New Testament Enlightenment (18th century), scholars of the New Testament

began to question (or "dispute") whether certain Letters began to question (or "dispute") whether certain Letters attributed to the apostle Paul actually were authored by Paul. attributed to the apostle Paul actually were authored by Paul. Seven (7) Letters are accepted ("undisputed" as Paul's letters Seven (7) Letters are accepted ("undisputed" as Paul's letters

by scholars). They are:by scholars). They are:

1-2 Corinthians1-2 Corinthians GalatiansGalatians PhilippiansPhilippians RomansRomans 1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians PhilemonPhilemon Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul is to a person Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul is to a person

rather than a city or region? rather than a city or region? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)Thessalonians; Philemon)

Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul is to a Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul is to a person rather than a city or region? person rather than a city or region?

(1-2 Corinthians; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; Galatians; Philippians; Romans;

1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)Answer:Answer:

Philemon (the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus Philemon (the owner of a runaway slave named Onesimus [Philem 1:10])[Philem 1:10])

Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was addressed to churches in a region rather than a city? addressed to churches in a region rather than a city? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was addressed to churches in a region rather than a city? addressed to churches in a region rather than a city?

(1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Answer: Answer:

Galatians (Galatia, in eastern Asia Minor)Galatians (Galatia, in eastern Asia Minor) Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink.Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink.

http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Galatia.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Galatia.htm

Which of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were addressed to a Which of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were addressed to a church in Greece? church in Greece? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Which of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was Which of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was addressed to a church in Greece? addressed to a church in Greece?

(1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; Romans;

1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Answer:Answer:

1-2 Corinthians (to people in Corinth, a city more important than 1-2 Corinthians (to people in Corinth, a city more important than Athens during the 1st century C.E.)Athens during the 1st century C.E.)

Right click on the links below to open the hyperlink.Right click on the links below to open the hyperlink.http://www.bibleplaces.com/corinth.htmhttp://www.bibleplaces.com/corinth.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Corinth.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Corinth.htm

Which two (2) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were Which two (2) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were addressed to churches in Macedonia, north of Greece? addressed to churches in Macedonia, north of Greece? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Which two (2) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were Which two (2) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul were addressed to churches in Macedonia, north of Greece? addressed to churches in Macedonia, north of Greece?

(1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Answer:Answer: Philippians (to people in Philippi); 1 Thessalonians (to people Philippians (to people in Philippi); 1 Thessalonians (to people

in Thessalonica) in Thessalonica) Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink. Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink.

http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/philippi.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/philippi.htm http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htm http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/philippi.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/philippi.htm http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Thessalonica.hthttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Thessalonica.htmm

Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was addressed to a church in Italy? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; addressed to a church in Italy? (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon)

Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul Which one (1) of the 7 undisputed Letters of Paul was addressed to a church in Italy? was addressed to a church in Italy?

(1-2 Corinthians; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; Galatians; Philippians; Romans;

1 Thessalonians; Philemon)1 Thessalonians; Philemon)Answer:Answer:

Romans (to people in Rome)Romans (to people in Rome) Right click on links below to open a hyperlink. Right click on links below to open a hyperlink.

http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13 http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey4/Rome.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey4/Rome.htm

The authorship of six (6) Letters of Paul is "disputed." Which The authorship of six (6) Letters of Paul is "disputed." Which three (3) of the 6 disputed Letters were addressed to churches in three (3) of the 6 disputed Letters were addressed to churches in cities? cities? (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus) (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus)

The authorship of six (6) Letters of Paul is "disputed." The authorship of six (6) Letters of Paul is "disputed." Scholars call them “deutero-Pauline,” meaning “secondary-Scholars call them “deutero-Pauline,” meaning “secondary-

Pauline” rather than “primary-Pauline.” Which three (3) of the Pauline” rather than “primary-Pauline.” Which three (3) of the 6 deutero-Pauline letters were addressed to churches in 6 deutero-Pauline letters were addressed to churches in

cities? (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; cities? (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus) 1-2 Timothy; Titus)

Answer: Answer:

2 Thessalonians (Thessalonica); Colossians (Colossae); 2 Thessalonians (Thessalonica); Colossians (Colossae); Ephesians (Ephesus)Ephesians (Ephesus)

Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink.Right click on the links below to open a hyperlink.http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13http://scriptures.lds.org/biblemaps/13 http://www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htmhttp://www.bibleplaces.com/thessalonica.htmhttp://http://www.bibleplaces.com/colossae.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/colossae.htm http://www.bibleplaces.com/ephesus.htmhttp://www.bibleplaces.com/ephesus.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Ephesus.htmhttp://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Paul/journey2/Ephesus.htm

Which three (3) of the 6 deutero-Pauline letters are called Which three (3) of the 6 deutero-Pauline letters are called Pastoral Letters? (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; Pastoral Letters? (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus)1-2 Timothy; Titus)

Which three (3) of the 6 deutero-Pauline letters Which three (3) of the 6 deutero-Pauline letters are called Pastoral Letters? are called Pastoral Letters?

(2 (2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians;

1-2 Timothy; Titus)1-2 Timothy; Titus)

Answer: Answer:

1-2 Timothy; Titus (fellow-workers with Paul) 1-2 Timothy; Titus (fellow-workers with Paul) Which NT Letter was traditionally attributed to Paul, but was Which NT Letter was traditionally attributed to Paul, but was

recognized by Origen, Clement, and Tertullian (early Christian recognized by Origen, Clement, and Tertullian (early Christian writers) as different from Paul's writings? (to the Hebrews; writers) as different from Paul's writings? (to the Hebrews; to Smyrna; to Pergamum; to Thyatira; to Sardis; to Philadelphia; to Smyrna; to Pergamum; to Thyatira; to Sardis; to Philadelphia; to Laodicea)to Laodicea)

Which NT Letter was traditionally attributed to Paul, but Which NT Letter was traditionally attributed to Paul, but was recognized by Origen, Clement, and Tertullian (early was recognized by Origen, Clement, and Tertullian (early

Christian writers) as different from Paul's writings? Christian writers) as different from Paul's writings? (to the Hebrews; to Smyrna; to Pergamum; to Thyatira; (to the Hebrews; to Smyrna; to Pergamum; to Thyatira;

to Sardis; to Philadelphia; to Laodicea)to Sardis; to Philadelphia; to Laodicea)

Answer: Answer:

The Epistle to the HebrewsThe Epistle to the Hebrews There are seven (7) Letters in Revelation 2-3 addressed to the There are seven (7) Letters in Revelation 2-3 addressed to the

angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. What is the Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. What is the region in which these cities are located? region in which these cities are located? (Italy; Greece; Macedonia; Asia Minor) (Italy; Greece; Macedonia; Asia Minor)

There are seven (7) Letters in Revelation 2-3 addressed There are seven (7) Letters in Revelation 2-3 addressed to the angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna, to the angels of the churches of Ephesus, Smyrna,

Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. What is the region in which these cities are located? What is the region in which these cities are located? (Italy; Greece; (Italy; Greece;

Macedonia; Asia Minor)Macedonia; Asia Minor)

Western Asia Minor Western Asia Minor Click on the links below to open a hyperlink.Click on the links below to open a hyperlink.

http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/ephesus.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/ephesus.htm http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/smyrna.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/smyrna.htm http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/pergamum.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/pergamum.htm http://http://www.bibleplaces.com/sardis.htmwww.bibleplaces.com/sardis.htm http://www.bibleplaces.com/laodicea.htmhttp://www.bibleplaces.com/laodicea.htmhttp://www.ourfatherlutheran.net/biblehomelands/sevenchurchhttp://www.ourfatherlutheran.net/biblehomelands/sevenchurches/revelation.htmes/revelation.htm http://http://www.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Revelation/main.htmwww.luthersem.edu/ckoester/Revelation/main.htm

SummarySummary

In this lesson we have learned:In this lesson we have learned:

(1) Twenty-one (21) writings in the NT are letters.(1) Twenty-one (21) writings in the NT are letters.

(2) Seven (7) of the NT letters called "catholic epistles" (2) Seven (7) of the NT letters called "catholic epistles" are named after James and Jude, who were brothers are named after James and Jude, who were brothers of Jesus; and Peter (1-2 Peter) and John (1, 2, 3 John), of Jesus; and Peter (1-2 Peter) and John (1, 2, 3 John), who were listed among the twelve disciples of Jesus.who were listed among the twelve disciples of Jesus.

(3) Thirteen (13) letters in the NT are attributed to Paul (3) Thirteen (13) letters in the NT are attributed to Paul as author.as author.

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Summary (2)Summary (2)

(4) Seven (7) of the Pauline letters are accepted(4) Seven (7) of the Pauline letters are accepted("undisputed") by scholars as written by Paul ("undisputed") by scholars as written by Paul (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; (1-2 Corinthians; Galatians; Philippians; Romans; 1 Thessalonians; Philemon).1 Thessalonians; Philemon).

(5) One (1) of the undisputed Pauline letters was (5) One (1) of the undisputed Pauline letters was written to a person, rather than people in a city or written to a person, rather than people in a city or region (Philemon).region (Philemon).

(6) Many NT scholars consider six (6) of the(6) Many NT scholars consider six (6) of thePauline letters to be written by followers of Paul, Pauline letters to be written by followers of Paul, calling them “deutero-Pauline” (Paul's authorship of calling them “deutero-Pauline” (Paul's authorship of them is "disputed“): 2 Thessalonians; Colossians; them is "disputed“): 2 Thessalonians; Colossians; Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus.Ephesians; 1-2 Timothy; Titus.

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Summary (3)Summary (3)

(7) Three (3) of the deutero-Pauline letters are addressed to fellow-workers of Paul and are called Pastoral Letters (1-2 Timothy; Titus).

(8) The Epistle to the Hebrews was traditionallyattributed to Paul but was recognized by Origen,Clement, and Tertullian as different from Paul'sletters.

(9) There are seven (7) letters in Revelation 2-3addressed to the angels of churches in sevencities in western Asia Minor (Ephesus; Smyrna;Pergamum; Thyatira; Sardis; Philadelphia; andLaodicea).

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Congratulations!Congratulations!

Good Work!Good Work!

You have completed the Basic Lesson You have completed the Basic Lesson on Letters (Epistles) in the New on Letters (Epistles) in the New Testament. Good luck with your Testament. Good luck with your

additional work.additional work.