Were Paul's writings considered scripture by the early church?

Answer 1

When you say the early church, I understand this to mean the first century Christians.

The answer is Yes. Here is what Peter states about your question:

II Peter 3:15, . . . just as also

our beloved brother Paul wrote to you according to the wisdom given to him,

16as also in all his letters,

speaking in them about these things, in which are some things hard to understand,

which the ignorant and unstable twist, as also the other scriptures, to their own destruction (ASV)

Answer 2

Certainly. Right along with the Old Testament scriptures; Paul's epistles were read aloud when believers gathered for worship and prayer, and were considered both inspired and authoritative. That still doesn't mean 2 Timothy 3:16 says *only* Scripture ... just *all* Scripture. Big difference. Paul also preached himself hoarse for years in his travels; do you imagine that everything he said was written down? It was also said of Jesus, "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written." (John 21:25)

Answer 3

the bible as we have it was brought together by King James .By picking men to decide what books are in the bible it was hard to change the Holy Scriptures but had what they wanted of the New Testament. even the Gospel where changed to make people believe a lie. i am not saying it is all a lie just the parts to when time was involved. the Sabbath death , burial and Resurrection ..Paul did not consider his writings holy tho he wanted the churches to do that which is right....

Answer 4

Yes. Also, Peter strongly inferred that Paul's Epistles were Scripture at 1 Peter 3:16.

Answer 5

Absolutely NOT!

Paul wrote letters addressing specific issues with specific people (usually pagans).

A total lack of understanding of the Greek language has led people to think his letters are "scripture". Also, since the church has decided that the Torah is no longer useful, they need something to fill that void.

Answer 6

NO. Christ appointed PETER head of the church, and the teachings of Peter and Paul were in opposition in more than one instance...

Paul's teachings were much more amicable to institutionalization so were adopted by government and larger church bodies as the "correct interpretation" to further the concept of obedience to their authority and for the overall cohesiveness of the community.

Constantine (you know, the pagan emperor) used the Council of Nicaea to codify Paul's vision of the church to secure Rome under the rule of a single religion that would now have a more firm dictate to obey and support its government.

Further, Paul did not teach obedience to the old laws, while Peter DID. By adopting the teachings of Paul, the "annoying" Jewish laws within the community could be done away with, which was extremely profitable. The most obvious example is the charging of interest. Jewish law has extremely tight controls on the types and amounts of interest that can be charged, while, under Paul's teaching, these rules need not apply. Charging large amounts of interest creates income for the State, putting money back in Rome's coffers...

Answer 7

Absolutely . Even Peter acknowleges Paul's writings in II Peter.The whole schematic of the church is based on Paul ,read I Timothy and Titus.No one ever argued about the authenticity of Paul's writings.They are not sure if he wrote the letter to the Hebrews,but most people do.

Answer 8

I think the writings of Paul were treated as scripture by churches that held them as precious. Scripture is writings inspired by God which bear witness to Christ and the will of God. The Old Testament is full of that kind of thing. I also have noticed that what we often write is that as well.

I think that in the realization of this, it gives me an idea that God looks at the truth which is often written here on R&S is the same to God; acts of righteousness, bearing witness to His word, and faithfully bringing light to a dark, dark world.

Answer 9

As of the Council of Nicea, where it was decided to say Jesus was divine, Paul's writings were considered scripture. How much of the bible we have today was actually the words of anyone other than the church is unclear.

We do know for sure the bible is not the word of God.

Answer 10

My supposition would be that they treated them with respect and took them to heart as having the Spirit in them as they were received. Side note: It's important to realize in reading the letters that they had a context and were addressing specific, sometimes general, issues.