Discernment of False Epistles

[Randy_Carson]

“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Here, Paul says that letters claiming his authorship were being circulated in the early Church.

How would believers in the first few centuries have discerned which were authentic and which were false - especially in light of the fact that these letters claimed Apostolic origin?

 

[Maranatha]

“Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come.” (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Here, Paul says that letters claiming his authorship were being circulated in the early Church.

How would believers in the first few centuries have discerned which were authentic and which were false - especially in light of the fact that these letters claimed Apostolic origin?

I would assume there was much confusion and disagreement. Imagine the threads if there was in Internet forum to discuss. Then, they would come together in counsel with the successor of the recognized leader presiding and determine which were authentic through examination of the evidence and consistency with the traditional verbal teachings handed down to the apostles.