What does the consistent manuscript order of Paul's letters prove about his apostleship?
The consistent order of Paul’s letters in every available New Testament manuscript confirms that the Holy Spirit was definitively upon his apostleship and exercised total control over what he accomplished. While other New Testament books appear in varying orders, Paul’s letters remain uniform, demonstrating divine oversight of his apostolic ministry.
Les explains that Paul’s letters are not arranged chronologically—1 and 2 Thessalonians were written first, then probably Galatians, Romans, and perhaps Corinthians, with the prison epistles later. Yet the point he stresses is that the Holy Spirit was definitely on this man’s apostleship. In every single manuscript of the New Testament still available, Paul’s letters are always in the same order as our New Testament today. Other books may be in various order, but Paul’s letters are always exactly as we have them. This confirms that the Holy Spirit was in total control of what this man had accomplished.