The letters found in the Bible exhibit diverse structures and writing styles. Some of them demonstrate significant similarities, while others display notable differences. By applying various text analysis methods, it is possible to identify the degree of resemblance between the letters written by Paul and how these letters compare to non-biblical texts from the same period.
The Jaccard Similarity Index allows for measuring the degree of similarity based on the presence of specific elements within a text. The higher the index, the greater the resemblance between two texts. The analysis reveals that 1 Corinthians and Galatians share a relatively high degree of similarity, with a score of 0.579618. This similarity is unsurprising, given that both letters were written by Paul and address key aspects of early Christian teachings concerning the Mosaic Law and the role of faith in salvation. Conversely, some texts exhibit minimal similarity, such as Philodemus’ On Death and Epictetus’ Discourses, with a score as low as 0.019305. This low value indicates that these texts have almost no resemblance in terms of structure and word usage.
In addition to the Jaccard Similarity Index, Burrows’ Delta method is employed to measure resemblance based on writing style. This method assesses the extent of difference between word usage patterns in two texts. A lower Delta value signifies a closer similarity in writing style. The analysis again shows that 1 Corinthians and Galatians exhibit strong similarity, with a Delta score of 0.512. On the other hand, the greatest difference is observed between Epictetus’ Discourses and 1 Thessalonians, which have a Delta score of 1.303. This difference suggests that Epictetus’ Discourses, as a Stoic philosophical text, has a writing style markedly distinct from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonian church.
These findings affirm that Paul’s letters share strong similarities in both content and writing style. This consistency reflects the coherence of Paul’s theological thoughts and his method of conveying them to various congregations across the Mediterranean world in the first century. The repetition of similar phrases, recurring theological concepts, and consistent argumentative patterns highlight the continuity of his teachings. This provides evidence that, despite being addressed to different communities, these letters remain unified within a systematic and structured theological framework.
On the other hand, the differences between Paul’s letters and non-biblical texts from the same era illustrate how the context of writing influences linguistic style and textual content. Stoic philosophy, as found in the works of Epictetus, primarily focuses on personal ethics and self-discipline in facing life’s challenges. Meanwhile, Paul’s letters emphasize communal aspects, faith, and the relationship between humanity and God. These differences indicate that each text serves a distinct communicative purpose, ultimately shaping its structure and writing style.
The application of various text analysis methods in this study also provides insights into the extent to which textual similarities can be measured objectively. The Jaccard Similarity Index focuses on thematic and lexical similarities, whereas Burrows’ Delta emphasizes stylistic patterns. The combination of these two methods allows for a deeper understanding of the relationships between biblical texts and their comparisons to other writings from the same period.
In this examination, the consistent results obtained from different analytical methods suggest that Paul’s letters are closely related to one another. Their similarities not only reflect stylistic resemblance but also demonstrate the continuity in content and the messages intended for the readers. The structural clarity of these letters indicates that Paul employed a systematic approach in teaching Christian principles to various congregations.
From a historical perspective, the similarities between 1 Corinthians and Galatians can be linked to the contexts in which they were written. Both letters address similar issues, such as the relationship between the Mosaic Law and faith in Christ, as well as the challenges faced by early Christian communities in maintaining their beliefs amid external influences. This thematic closeness contributes to the high degree of similarity found in textual analysis. In contrast, 1 Thessalonians, which primarily focuses on the anticipation of Christ’s return, exhibits a somewhat different style compared to Paul’s other letters.
The differences between Paul’s letters and non-biblical texts also highlight how each author pursued different objectives in composing their works. Stoic philosophical writings, such as Epictetus’ Discourses, emphasize rationality, emotional control, and resilience in facing life’s hardships. Meanwhile, Paul’s letters do not solely discuss moral and ethical aspects but also provide profound theological perspectives on humanity’s relationship with God.
These findings have broad implications for comparative studies of ancient texts, particularly in understanding how religious and philosophical ideas were conveyed in various cultural contexts. The relatively uniform writing style of Paul’s letters suggests a systematic effort to spread early Christian teachings to different communities. In contrast, the more individualistic nature of philosophical texts illustrates a different approach in addressing their audiences.
The resemblance among Paul’s letters further demonstrates that the teachings he conveyed did not undergo drastic changes from one congregation to another. The consistency in style and content reinforces the idea that Paul possessed a solid theological foundation and sought to communicate it in a clear and comprehensible manner to his recipients. Conversely, the differences found in non-biblical texts indicate that the various schools of thought emerging at the time had distinct focuses, depending on the purpose of their writings.
In this study, the application of different text analysis methods has provided new insights into the relationships between biblical letters and how they compare to other texts from the same period. The similarities found within Paul’s letters strengthen the view that his teachings maintain a strong continuity, whereas the distinctions observed in philosophical texts illustrate that each work possesses its own unique context and purpose.
Conclusion
Paul’s letters exhibit a high degree of similarity in both content and writing style. Text analysis methods indicate that 1 Corinthians and Galatians share significant resemblance, while 1 Thessalonians demonstrates some stylistic variations. The comparisons between Paul’s letters and non-biblical texts reveal that each work reflects its author’s specific intent and context. The findings underscore the coherence of Paul’s theological message and highlight how different literary traditions shaped the religious and philosophical discourses of the ancient world.
References
Marschall, P., 2020. Punctuating Paul’s Letters in Light of the Ancient Theory of Côla and Periods: The Example of 2 Corinthians 10: 8-11. Biblical Interpretation, 28(1), pp.100-125.
Lookadoo, J., 2023. A Wisdom (Not) of This Age: Paul’s Education from His Letters to the Early Acts. Religions, 14(6), p.712.
Luce, A. and Robertson, P., 2025. Comparing and Assessing Statistical Distance Metrics within the Christian Apostle Paul’s Letters. Open Theology, 11(1), p.20240032.
Robertson, P., 2019. Visualizing Data in the Quantitative Comparison of Ancient Texts: a Study of Paul, Epictetus, and Philodemus. In Ancient Manuscripts in Digital Culture (pp. 154-186). Brill.
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