Bible Dictionary
Subscriptions
The subscriptions attached to Paul’s letters are not part of the original apostolic text. They were added later and sometimes contain inaccurate information about where or when the letters were written.
Definition
Subscriptions are notices attached to Paul’s epistles that identify matters such as destination, writer, or circumstances of composition. They are not part of the original apostolic text, and some are plainly inaccurate.
Biblical Usage
Subscriptions are associated with the transmission and labeling of Paul’s letters rather than with the letters’ original apostolic wording.
Historical Background
In their present form, the subscriptions are attributed to Euthalius, a bishop of the fifth century. Their later origin explains why some contain incorrect information.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The subscriptions to Paul’s epistles are no part of the original. In their present form they are ascribed to Euthalius, a bishop of the fifth century. Some of them are obviously incorrect.