By Felix N. Codilla III,

Despite his troubled past, the apostle Paul is one of the most productive men of God in the New Testament. He was not a follower of Christ and even killed early Christians, which only proves God’s mercy to those who despise Him and persecute His followers (1 Timothy 1:13).

After his conversion, Paul proved to be prolific and passionate in spreading the Gospel, traveling extensively to plant churches. He can be likened to today’s missionaries and was even persecuted himself. He ardently provided counsel and guidance to other followers. His fervor can only come from the Holy Spirit.

The New Testament consists mostly of Paul’s letters — 13 books to be exact. Scholars have debated whether he authored the Book of Hebrews as well. If so, that would be the 14th book he contributed to the Bible.

Galatians (A.D. 47–49)

Considered as his first epistle, Paul defended his apostolic authority from Jews.

1 and 2 Thessalonians (A.D. 50–51)

In the first epistle, Paul was elated by Timothy’s encouraging report about the church in Thessalonica. In the second letter, he rebuked followers who were doing nothing while waiting for Christ’s return.

1 and 2 Corinthians (A.D. 55)

Paul might have been staying in Ephesus when he wrote these epistles. The first letter covered mostly church discipline and the observance of Holy Communion, while in the second, he talked about the New Covenant.

Romans (A.D. 55–57)

Written about the same time as his letter to the Corinthians while residing in Corinth. In this book, Paul explained the connection between the Old and New Covenants.

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians (A.D. 60–62)

These epistles were written while Paul was under house arrest in Rome. He talked about family to the church in Ephesus, more particularly the relationship between husband and wife, and how parents and children should live with each other.

In Philippians, Paul talked to his favorite church and related how thankful he was despite his imprisonment.

Epaphras set up the church in Colossae which Paul didn’t have the chance to visit. He repeated his message to the Ephesians on family relationships.

Philemon (A.D. 60)

While being imprisoned in Rome, Paul was ministered to by a slave named Philemon. Here, Paul writes Philemon’s master and pleads for his freedom.

1 and 2 Timothy (A.D. 62–64)

Paul wrote to Timothy, a Gentile convert, during his second Roman imprisonment. He warned about false teachers in the first letter and the importance of trusting God’s Word in the second.

Titus (A.D. 64)

Written during Paul’s fourth missionary trip, he counseled his favorite protégé Timothy on how churches are to be organized and structured.

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