The letters written by the apostle Paul constitute nearly one third of the New Testament. They were written long before any of the Gospels that we now have were in existence. Paul evidently knew something about the life of Jesus, although he never saw him in the flesh. Paul's information, so far as we can determine, must have been obtained from the oral traditions that were passed on to him by those who associated with Jesus. Paul reports very little concerning the teachings of Jesus, but his interpretation of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus has had a profound influence on Christian history.
The remaining portions of the New Testament, although concerned primarily with specific problems and situations, nevertheless reflect the generally accepted beliefs concerning Jesus that were current among Christians at that time. Written accounts of what Jesus did during the course of his life were not considered necessary by the earliest Christians, who believed that Jesus would return to earth in the very near future and establish the messianic kingdom. Until that time, the memories of his disciples and friends would be sufficient to preserve his deeds and his teachings. Not until after many of those who associated with him had died was the need for written records recognized. And not until some time after the New Testament texts were written were the manuscripts assembled in their present form and used along with the Old Testament Scriptures in the worship services of Christian churches. Their status as inspired writings that were authoritative for the establishment of doctrines came about in response to a whole series of situations that developed within the Christian movement.
