THE EVIDENTIAL VALUE OF THE EARLY EPISTLES OF
ST. PAUL VIEWED AS HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS.
REV. PETER LORIMER, D.D.,
Professor of Theology in the English Presbyterian College, London.
The Epistles of St. Paul to the Thessalonians, Corinthians,
Galatians, and Romans, allowed by all eminent scholars
to be genuine. To be examined now simply as historical
documents (as we might examine the letters of Cicero, etc).
Their evidential value (i.) as to the outlines of the life of
Christ;
(ii.) As to the personal history of St. Paul, especially
with reference (a) to the independent origin of his
preaching-not derived from Greek and Oriental sources;
(b) to the relation between himself and St. Peter and the
other Apostles; (c) to his alleged mythological develop-
ment of the teaching of Christ.
(iii.) As to the supernatural element in the earliest propaga-
tion of Christianity. Important to observe that these
Epistles give the testimony both of St. Paul and of those
to whom he writes as to facts of which both he and they
were witnesses.
1. Testimony to the new character and life which had
sprung up under St. Paul's teaching.
2. Testimony to the supernatural origin of the Gospel, as
proved by its moral and religious influence.
3. Testimony to the Divine presence and power which ac-
companied St. Paul's preaching of the Gospel, as
manifested by his miracles, the "signs of an
Apostle."
4. Testimony to the same, as manifested by the "spiritual
gifts" of the Church.