Scholars divide Paul's letters into three groups. What are these three categories, what books do they contain, and how does this categorization relate to the concept of forgery in antiquity? Which books are most relevant for understanding Paul himself?

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The Answer is Writings under a false name are called pseudepigrapha. There are a number of writings attributed to Paul that are certainly pseudepigraphic (e.g., 3 Corinthians and the correspondence of Seneca and Paul). It is likely, however, that the New Testament also contains pseudepigraphic writings. Scholars divide Paul's letters into three groups on the basis of authorship. First are the seven undisputed Pauline letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, 1 Thessalonians, and Philemon). All scholars agree that Paul wrote these letters. Second are the Deutero-Pauline letters (2 Thessalonians, Ephesians, and Colossians). Many scholars agree that Paul did not write these letters, although there is significant debate. Third are the Pastoral epistles (1-2 Timothy and Titus). With few exceptions, scholars agree that Paul did not write these epistles.

Scholars Divide Paul's Letters into Three Groups