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 you see in the main subjects of the three groups? A THE NEW TESTAMENT LISTING OF PAUL’S LETTERS As noted in Chapter (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 Thessalonians); and epistles addressed to individuals (1 Timothy to Philemon) Within each group the epistles are arranged in descending order of length.13 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 and Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians and Thessalonians 2 Letters to individuals The message of these epistles applies especially to individual Christians, concerning Christian living and service This is the order: and Timothy Titus ...each group the epistles are arranged in descending order of length.13 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... 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