Introducing the New Testament
A Historical, Literary, and Theological Survey
10. New Testament Letters
Chapter Intro Video
Chapter Objectives
This chapter should enable the student to
understand the arrangement of letters in the New Testament and recognize common categories into which certain letters are frequently placed.
describe the process through which letters were composed and delivered in the New Testament world.
outline the typical structure of an ancient letter and identify characteristics of its constituent parts.
discuss the question of pseudepigraphy as it relates to New Testament letters with nuanced understanding of what scholars mean when they say that a letter is “authentic” or “pseudepigraphical.”
Chapter Summary
The New Testament contains twenty-one letters that have been arranged in a recognizable pattern. Scholars and church leaders also sometimes employ various labels for discussing particular groups or types of letters (Pastoral Letters, Captivity Epistles, Catholic Epistles, etc.).
In the ancient world, letters were typically written on papyrus. Many authors would employ an amanuensis or scribe for assistance in letter writing, and the extent of that person’s contribution to the process could vary. Most letters in the ancient world exhibit a clear format consisting of four parts: salutation, thanksgiving, main body, and closing.
Many scholars believe that some of the letters in the New Testament are pseudepigraphical, that is, ascribed to an author who did not literally write that letter (indeed, who may even have been dead). A spectrum of possibilities may be discerned, with several intermediate “levels of authenticity” in between literal authorship and outright forgery. Scholars disagree on the level of authenticity that ought to be accorded many of the New Testament letters.
Study Questions
List the thirteen New Testament letters that are attributed to Paul, then indicate whether each of these letters would be placed in any of the following categories: (1) undisputed letters of Paul; (2) deutero-Pauline letters; (3) Pastoral Letters; (4) Captivity Epistles; (5) Catholic Epistles. Which letters fit into more than one category?
What is an amanuensis and what role might such a person have played in the composition of New Testament letters? Why does such a role become significant in discussions of pseudepigraphy?
List the four main components of an ancient letter and provide a one-sentence description for each component.
List seven levels of authenticity that might be applied when questions of authorship are raised for New Testament letters and indicate what is meant by each of these.
What factors might influence a scholar in deciding that a letter is or is not pseudepigraphical? Cite three factors that might incline a scholar to favor authenticity and three that might incline a scholar to favor pseudepigraphy.
Gallery: Ancient Writing Materials
Video: Letter Writing in the New Testament World
Overview: The New Testament Letters
Assets
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Hyperlink 10.1. What’s the Difference between a “Letter” and an “Epistle”?Download
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Hyperlink 10.2. Pseudepigraphy as an Affront to Religious FaithDownload
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Hyperlink 10.3. Pseudepigraphy and the Problem of Personal ReferenceDownload
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Hyperlink 10.4. Bibliography: New Testament LettersDownload
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Box 10.1. Types of Letters and Their Different FunctionsDownload
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Box 10.2. Authorship and Pseudepigraphy: Levels of AuthenticityDownload