Paul's letters and Travel

Letter sort out:
*1 Corinthians 5:9 Paul refers to another letter - now called the "lost" or "previous" letter
**Paul wrote 1 Corinthians - dated as spring of AD 54 or 55
***2 Corinthians 2:4 & 7:8 - now called the "severe" letter; also lost probably summer AD 55
****2 Corinthians 1-9 unit may be a 4th letter by itself AD 55
****2 Corinthians 10-13 unit may be a 5th letter by itself AD 56

To start with Paul was in Corinth. He went to Ephesus, heard bad news about the church and sent the "previous" letter. When he heard of more troubles he sent 1 Corinthians. Two itineraries fell through, but he visited Corinth before heading to Macedonia. He returned to Ephesus and wrote the "severe" letter, and went on to Macedonia. There, he wrote both parts of 2 Corinthians before finally going to Corinth where he wrote Romans. The situation with Corinthian unrest caused Paul's changes in travel plans and his finally feeling free to go back. It is because of the contention and changes that scholars can date the letters, learn more about Paul, the person, and see the continuing need for every congregation in every age to concentrate on peace and unity.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006, pp. 169-271.