How many letters were sent to the Corinthians?

Historical Setting of Corinth

Corinth was a major city in the Roman province of Achaia, strategically located on the narrow isthmus connecting mainland Greece with the Peloponnese. Known for its vibrant commerce, religious pluralism, and cultural diversity, Corinth became a prime location for a fledgling community of believers. Archaeological finds, including inscriptions referencing city officials, align with New Testament passages (cf. Romans 16:23), corroborating the historical reality of a Christian presence there. This bustling atmosphere contributed to both the successes and challenges faced by the early church, setting the stage for Paul’s epistolary exchanges with the Corinthian congregation.

Canonical Letters to the Corinthians

Two letters to the Corinthians appear in the New Testament: 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. Though part of a broader exchange, these remain the only extant, divinely inspired, and universally recognized epistles in Scripture.

1. 1 Corinthians

Identified as a response to various reports and questions from the Corinthian believers (see 1 Corinthians 7:1: “Now for the matters you wrote about…”), this letter addresses unity, moral issues, and doctrinal concerns. It includes the famous passage on Christian love (1 Corinthians 13), clarifications on spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12–14), and seminal teaching on the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).

2. 2 Corinthians

Paul writes in a more personal tone, defending his authority and apostleship, while also offering comfort and encouragement. This letter provides insight into Paul’s sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23–28) and his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Sections of 2 Corinthians also allude to prior, more confrontational correspondence and the congregation’s subsequent reaction to Paul’s exhortations.

References to Additional Letters

Beyond the two canonical letters, there are indications in the biblical text that Paul wrote other letters to the Corinthians:

1. The “Previous Letter”

In 1 Corinthians 5:9, Paul states: “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.” This reference points to a possible earlier letter—predating what we now call 1 Corinthians—sometimes called the “previous” or “former” letter. It appears that this earlier writing addressed moral and disciplinary issues in the Corinthian congregation.

2. The “Severe Letter”

In 2 Corinthians 2:4, Paul alludes to another letter written “out of great distress and anguish of heart,” often referred to as the “severe letter.” Some scholars believe this letter was written after 1 Corinthians but before 2 Corinthians to deal with urgent behavioral problems in the church. While some propose that 2 Corinthians 10–13 may contain remnants of that severe letter, others maintain it was a distinct communication, now lost to history.

Scholarly Views on the Number of Corinthian Letters

Due to these textual references, many scholars conclude that Paul likely wrote four letters to the Corinthian believers:

1. A “previous letter” (mentioned in 1 Corinthians 5:9).

2. The canonical 1 Corinthians.

3. A “severe letter” (alluded to in 2 Corinthians 2:4).

4. The canonical 2 Corinthians.

Though only two letters survive in the New Testament canon, the internal evidence suggests a broader epistolary history. Early church fathers, such as Clement of Rome in his First Epistle to the Corinthians, cite Paul’s teachings to Corinth, offering indirect support for multiple letters being exchanged.

Preservation and Canonical Authority

While references to additional letters exist, only 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians remain as inspired Scripture. The fact that the early believers acknowledged these two as authoritative and inspired, while other possible letters were not preserved as part of the Scriptural record, reflects the providence guiding the formation of the New Testament canon.

Manuscript evidence also supports the reliability of these two canonical letters. Ancient papyri such as P46 (dating from around the late 2nd to 3rd century) contain extensive portions of Paul’s writings, including 1 and 2 Corinthians. The consistency of these manuscripts with later codices underscores the trustworthy preservation of the text. This forms part of a wider stream of archaeological and manuscript discoveries that continually reinforce the textual faithfulness and historicity of Scripture as a whole.

Answer to the Question

Strictly speaking, two letters to the Corinthians are preserved in the Holy Bible: 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. However, internal textual indications suggest at least four letters were sent in total—two of which did not become part of the final biblical canon. Among the letters mentioned in Scripture, only the ones known today as 1 and 2 Corinthians remain part of the inspired text.

Conclusion

Based on clues within 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians, the Corinthian church likely received multiple communications from Paul, reflecting the congregation’s ongoing struggles and his pastoral concern. Two canonical letters survive, but references to one “previous letter” and a “severe letter” suggest others existed that are no longer extant. Despite the partial loss of these writings, the two canonical letters provide a comprehensive and Spirit-inspired guide that continues to shape doctrine and life in communities of faith worldwide.