We spent most of the class looking at arguments for detecting pseudepigraphy, in particular whether some of Paul’s letters were written by another author.  Indicators of pseudepigraphy may be:

1.          Change of vocabulary (e.g. Ephesians uses 116 words not found in the “un-disputed” letters)

2.        Change in theology – e.g. {in Romans  Paul attacks the idea that the resurrection has already come – in Colossians he assumes that it has)

3.       Expressions change of meaning , e.g. Paul’s use of apparently Gnostic terminology in Colossians.

4.       Discrepancies with Acts – e.g. Timothy’s movements as recounted in I Timothy compare with Acts

5.       Anachronism – 1 Timothy seems to assume a fixed structure of bishops and deacons, which did not occur until later

6.       Change of style

All of these can be challenged. One counter argument is that the experts at the Council of Nicea, speaking the same language, and much closer in culture to the 1st century church, had no difficulty with labeling the letters of Paul as authentic.