Jensens survey of the old testament adam 443
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letter.
Paul’s letters are not listed in the New
Testament in the chronological order of
their writing. Study Chart 61 carefully,
observing the progressions involved in the
ongoing additions to the New Testament
canon. For example, what progression do
you see in the main subjects of the three
groups?
A. THE NEW TESTAMENT LISTING OF
PAUL’S LETTERS
As noted in Chapter 1 (see Chart 2, p. 23),
the order in which Paul’s epistles are listed
in the New Testament canon is generally
topical, involving two main groups: epistles
addressed to local churches (Romans to 2
Thessalonians); and epistles addressed to
individuals (1 Timothy to Philemon). Within
each group the epistles are arranged in
descending order of length.13
1 . Letters to churches. These epistles teach
the proper order of the church and her
relationship to Christ the Head. They also
instruct the church regarding her position,
possessions, privileges, and duties.
CHART 61: PROGRESSIVE ADDITIONS OF
PAUL’S EPISTLES TO THE CANON OF THE
NEW TESTAMENT
Romans has naturally the rst place in
order, since it is the foundational epistle of
the doctrines of salvation. Romans shows the
material out of which God forms the church:
man lost in sin, hopeless, helpless. It also
shows how God by His mighty power
transforms this unpromising material into
living stones of which the church is built,
Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.
Here is the canonical order:
Romans
1 and 2 Corinthians
Galatians
Ephesians
Philippians
Colossians
1 and 2 Thessalonians 2.
2 . Letters to individuals. The message of
these epistles applies especially to individual
Christians, concerning Christian living and
service. This is the order:
1 and 2 Timothy
Titus
