What is the story of Paul and Thecla about?

Background and Historical Setting

The narrative known as the “story of Paul and Thecla” is principally drawn from an extra-biblical text called The Acts of Paul and Thecla. This document is traditionally dated to the second century AD and thus emerged after the completion of the New Testament writings. Early Christian leaders, such as Tertullian (in De Baptismo 17), referenced this account and noted that the text was attributed to a presbyter who allegedly added it to the genuine Acts of Paul. For this reason, the account was ruled non-canonical, and the presbyter was reportedly disciplined. From a historical standpoint, The Acts of Paul and Thecla is categorized among the apocryphal (or non-inspired) early Christian writings.

Primary Storyline

According to this extra-biblical account, the young woman Thecla becomes captivated by the apostle Paul’s teaching in Iconium (in modern-day Turkey). She breaks off a betrothal, endures various trials (including a dramatic attempt at martyrdom where she is miraculously spared), and devotes herself to a life of Christian discipleship and ministry, often traveling with Paul. One of the most memorable elements is Thecla’s commitment to celibacy in response to Paul’s preaching on purity and devotion to God.

While this narrative became popular in certain communities, it was never accepted into the recognized New Testament canon; no segment of the canonical Scriptures (Matthew through Revelation) mentions Thecla, nor do any references appear in Paul’s own canonical letters.

Canonical Considerations

1. Lack of Official Recognition

The earliest lists of canonical books, such as the Muratorian Fragment (late second century) and Ecclesiastical History by Eusebius of Caesarea (fourth century), do not include The Acts of Paul and Thecla. The text remained outside any authoritative collection of Scripture.

2. Apostolic Authorship

Because the early Christians affirmed only those writings that were directly apostolic or had apostolic endorsement (cf. Luke 1:1–4, noting Luke’s reliance on apostolic eyewitnesses), a later text purporting to recount Paul’s exploits without verifiable apostolic authorship was regarded with caution.

3. Consistency with Biblical Doctrine

Although The Acts of Paul and Thecla contains themes of devotion and endurance in the face of persecution—aligning with the genuine apostle Paul's emphasis on perseverance (e.g., 2 Timothy 2:3)—the Church scrutinized all non-canonical texts for possible doctrinal deviations. Much of The Acts of Paul and Thecla was seen as legendary embellishment around Paul’s life, rather than demonstrable historical fact.

Thecla’s Portrayal and Doctrinal Reflection

1. Thecla’s Commitment

In the narrative, Thecla sets aside social and familial expectations to follow Paul’s teaching on purity and single-minded devotion to the Lord. While Scripture commands believers to pursue holiness (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3–5) and it respects the godly choice of singleness (1 Corinthians 7:32–35), nothing in the canonical text corroborates Thecla’s exact story or suggests she journeyed with Paul.

2. Miraculous Deliverance

The account provides vivid descriptions of Thecla being rescued from apparent martyrdom through supernatural means. While the canonical Book of Acts records many miracles (Acts 14:8–10, for instance, describes a healing in Lystra by Paul), the specifics of Thecla’s rescue do not appear in the biblical record, and the early Church did not incorporate the story into authoritative Scripture.

Early Church Reaction

1. Tertullian’s Critique

In De Baptismo 17, Tertullian notes that an elder authored The Acts of Paul and Thecla and that it was deemed spurious. Tertullian condemned using the text to justify women teaching or baptizing, reinforcing that the Church should rely on apostolic tradition confirmed by accepted Scripture.

2. Wider Circulation

Despite its non-canonical status, The Acts of Paul and Thecla circulated and found favor in certain regions where stories of heroic Christian women were highly valued. Its popularity reveals the early Christian community’s fascination with accounts of unwavering faith, even if they arose from sources outside recognized Scripture.

Archaeological and Historical Insights

1. Site Traditions

In some parts of Asia Minor, local traditions grew around places believed to be associated with Thecla, though archaeological evidence tends to show the establishment of veneration sites rather than primary artifacts confirming her story. By comparison, numerous early manuscripts and sites tied to Paul himself (Romans 16:3 inscription references in Corinth, or the Mamertine Prison tradition in Rome) have broader and more direct historical attestation.

2. Documentary Evidence

While many ancient documents confirm Paul’s travels (e.g., biblical records in Acts; extrabiblical references by Clement of Rome), Thecla’s tale remains confined largely to The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Hence, the textual evidence is minimal compared to recognized biblical history.

Comparisons with the Canonical Book of Acts

1. Paul’s Genuine Missionary Journeys

The Book of Acts details Paul’s travels: e.g., Acts 13:1–3 shows his sending with Barnabas; Acts 16:9–10 presents the “Macedonian call.” However, no passage alludes to Thecla. Paul’s established traveling companions included Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and others—yet Thecla is absent.

2. Focus on the Gospel

Within the canonical Book of Acts, Paul’s mission centers on preaching salvation alone through Christ (Acts 4:12). The Acts of Paul and Thecla does highlight Thecla’s receptivity to Paul’s preaching, hinting at transformational faith. Yet it extends the story into deeper territory (her vow of celibacy, miraculous rescues) that lacks confirmatory parallels in the recognized Scriptures.

Doctrinal and Practical Implications

1. Example of Devotion

Even in apocryphal form, Thecla’s single-minded pursuit of God can remind believers of the biblical principles of loving God wholeheartedly (Luke 10:27). Nevertheless, caution is necessary, as Christian teaching must rest on the firm foundation of inspired Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16).

2. Discernment and Canon

This narrative demonstrates the early Church’s discernment process in identifying canonical Scripture versus anecdotal or legendary material. The uniform witness of the New Testament stands verified by numerous manuscript attestations, consistent theology, and recognized apostolic lineage, while The Acts of Paul and Thecla falls outside these parameters.

3. Value in Studying Early Writings

Historically, examining The Acts of Paul and Thecla can illuminate how different communities in the second century AD perceived apostolic figures. Yet in conservative scholarship, it is treated as historically questionable literature—interesting for context but not for establishing doctrine or practice.

Conclusion

The story of Paul and Thecla portrays a fervent female disciple who, inspired by Paul’s preaching, endures trials and devotes herself to Christian service. While it holds some inspirational themes, the account is preserved solely in an apocryphal document and is not found in the New Testament itself.

Early Christian testimonies uniformly excluded it from Scripture, and some leaders, including Tertullian, explicitly refuted its canonical or historical authenticity. Consequently, The Acts of Paul and Thecla is best understood as a second-century narrative reflecting the devotional imagination of early Christians rather than a divinely inspired record.

Nevertheless, studying this text—along with other apocryphal works—can assist in recognizing how believers over the centuries wrestled with questions of faith, obedience, miracles, and the cost of discipleship. Ultimately, for authoritative truth, the Church continues to rely on the 66 books of the Bible alone, with its verified apostolic witness and unity of teaching. As it is written, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).