How many Bible books did Paul author?

Origins of Paul’s Writings

Paul’s letters, also referred to as “epistles,” were written within the first century AD and form a significant portion of the New Testament. These letters address theology, practical church life, and Christian conduct. Early church fathers referenced them frequently, underscoring their historical and doctrinal importance. Over time, these writings have been preserved in numerous Greek manuscripts, allowing careful comparison that supports their authenticity and consistency.

Undisputed Pauline Epistles

Scholars and Christian communities historically recognize thirteen letters as authentically authored by Paul. These include:

1. Romans – A comprehensive presentation of core doctrine, including justification by faith.

2. 1 Corinthians – Guidance on church order, unity, and moral concerns in Corinth.

3. 2 Corinthians – Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry and exhortation to generosity.

4. Galatians – Emphasis on freedom in Christ and the dangers of legalism.

5. Ephesians – Teaching on the believer’s identity and unity within the Church. Paul begins with:

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God…” (Ephesians 1:1).

6. Philippians – A letter of joy and encouragement in trials.

7. Colossians – Christ’s supremacy and the believer’s union with Him.

8. 1 Thessalonians – Encouragement in persecution and teaching about Christ’s return.

9. 2 Thessalonians – Further reflection on end-times and perseverance.

10. 1 Timothy – Pastoral instruction for orderly church leadership.

11. 2 Timothy – Paul’s final encouragement to stand firm in the faith.

12. Titus – Guidelines on sound doctrine and good works.

13. Philemon – A personal appeal on behalf of a slave named Onesimus.

These writings express a cohesive theology and exhibit a style indicating a single consistent author, strengthening the case for Pauline origin. The earliest manuscript evidence—some dating to within a few generations of Paul—supports these thirteen letters’ authenticity.

The Question of Hebrews

A point of ongoing discussion among theologians and historians is the authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews. While it is included in the New Testament canon, its author does not explicitly name himself. Paul’s authorship was accepted by many early Eastern Church fathers and remained a common view for centuries. Internal evidence, however, shows a stylistic divergence from Paul’s undisputed letters, and the author’s unique approach to Old Testament quotations sometimes distinguishes it from Paul’s typical methods.

Even with these stylistic differences, several historical witnesses and traditions maintain that Paul either wrote Hebrews or heavily influenced it. For instance, Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History, Book VI) mentions that Clement of Alexandria believed Paul was behind Hebrews, though later theologians, including some in the Western Church, expressed reservations.

Scriptural and Historical Evidence

1. Early Church Citations: Writers such as Polycarp (AD 69–155) and Ignatius (died c. AD 108) allude to Paul’s letters, showing their early circulation and acceptance.

2. Archaeological Discoveries: Papyri collections like Chester Beatty Papyri (P46) contain multiple Pauline letters, attesting to their widespread distribution and longstanding significance.

3. Manuscript Consistency: The consistency of Paul’s epistles across many manuscripts, including the famous Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus, provides tangible evidence of accurate transmission throughout history.

4. Doctrinal Harmony: Hebrews, while distinct in style, contains doctrinal views on the supremacy and priesthood of Christ that closely align with Paul’s Christ-focused theology in letters such as Romans or Philippians (cf. Romans 3:21–26, Philippians 2:6–11).

Conclusion: Summarizing Paul’s Authored Books

Counting Paul’s writings depends on whether one includes Hebrews as part of his authorship. Traditionally, thirteen letters are attributed to Paul. If Hebrews is included, the total becomes fourteen. For those who accept Pauline authorship of Hebrews, the position is supported by early witness and thematic alignment. For those who conclude differently, the epistle’s stylistic distinctions remain a persuasive factor.

Regardless of one’s view on Hebrews, these letters powerfully testify to the transformative message of Christ and the unity of Scripture. They demonstrate cohesion in proclaiming humanity’s need for redemption—fulfilled in the death and resurrection of the Messiah—as reflected in Paul’s own words, “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:3).

Thus, the strongest consensus affirms Paul as the author of thirteen New Testament books, with Hebrews as a revered, though debated, fourteenth possibility.