In the ancient world, the practice of composing texts under the guise of a revered figure—a phenomenon known as pseudepigrapha—was a widespread literary and theological strategy. Among the most scrutinized examples are the New Testament epistles to Titus and 1 & 2 Timothy.

Contemporary biblical scholarship has reached a consensus that these letters, traditionally ascribed to the Apostle Paul, are pseudonymous compositions. Their theological emphases, stylistic divergences, and historical incongruities with Paul’s undisputed writings strongly suggest they were crafted by later followers, likely to invoke his authority amid evolving early Christian challenges.

Forgeries? – Colossians and Ephesians

Forgeries? – Timothy and Titus

Dr. Dale B. Martin (1954-2023) was Professor of Religious Studies at Yale University, specialising in New Testament and Christian Origins. Dr Martin holds a BA from Abilene Christian University, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a MA and a PhD from Yale University. Dr Martin grew up as a fundementalist Baptist, later in life he became a practicing episcopalian.