Alright, let's dive into this fascinating question about Paul's letters and their journey to becoming "orthodox." It's a complex topic, but I'll do my best to break it down.
First off, you're absolutely right about the diversity of early Christian communities. The landscape in those first couple of centuries after Jesus' death was incredibly varied - we're talking a real mosaic of beliefs and practices. It wasn't just a simple split between Jewish and non-Jewish followers; there were all sorts of flavors in between.
Now, regarding Paul's letters becoming authoritative, it's not quite as straightforward as flipping a switch. The process was gradual, and different communities accepted different letters at different times. Let's walk through this step-by-step:
Initial reception:
When Paul first wrote his letters, they were addressed to specific communities dealing with specific issues. They weren't immediately considered "scripture" in the way we think of it today.
Circulation and collection:
Over time, these letters began to circulate more widely. By the late 1st and early 2nd centuries, we start seeing collections of Paul's letters being shared among different Christian communities.
Growing influence:
As these letters spread, Paul's theological ideas began to gain traction. His concept of salvation through faith, for instance, resonated with many Gentile converts.
Marcion's canon:
Here's an interesting twist - around 140 CE, a guy named Marcion created the first known Christian canon, which included some of Paul's letters. While Marcion was eventually declared a heretic, his actions spurred other Christian leaders to think more seriously about which texts should be considered authoritative.
Widespread acceptance:
By the end of the 2nd century, most of Paul's letters were widely accepted in many Christian communities. The historian Tertullian, writing around 200 CE, refers to Paul's letters as if they're already well-established authorities.
Official canonization:
As you mentioned, the official canonization came later. The Council of Carthage in 397 CE is often cited as the first official listing of the New Testament canon, including Paul's letters.
Now, does this mean you need to completely revise your view on the diversity of early Christian communities? Not necessarily. While Paul's letters were influential early on, they didn't immediately stamp out all other variations of Christian belief. There was still plenty of diversity well into the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Even as Paul's letters gained acceptance, different communities interpreted them in different ways. So, in a sense, Paul's writings became a new source of diversity rather than a unifying force.
Psychologically it's fascinating to consider how Paul's letters resonated with early Christians. His emphasis on personal transformation and spiritual rebirth likely tapped into deep psychological needs, which might explain part of their appeal.
While Paul's letters did become influential relatively early, it was a gradual process, and it didn't necessarily negate the diversity of early Christian communities. It's more like they became one strong voice in an ongoing conversation, rather than immediately drowning out all other perspectives.