22.14

Did Paul Write the Pastorals? Why Doubt It? (Box 22.3)

For these reasons, some scholars do not think that Paul wrote the Pastoral Letters:

• The language and style are not typical of Paul’s letters.
• Certain theological ideas are different from what Paul expresses elsewhere.
• The description of church government seems too developed for Paul’s lifetime.
• The teaching opposed in these letters is not something that Paul deals with elsewhere.
• The manner of dealing with false teaching is not characteristic of Paul.
• Historical circumstances presumed for the letters do not find support elsewhere.

All of these points, however, are disputed, and many scholars believe that Paul did write the Pastoral Letters.