The Correspondence of Paul and Seneca

The Correspondence of Paul and Seneca

[A collection of fourteen short letters exchanged between Seneca and Paul; their attribution is not genuine. A selection is given.]

[Seneca to Paul]

Seneca to Paul, greeting. I believe you were told, Paul, of the conversation we had yesterday with our Lucilius concerning the hidden things and other matters; for there were some present who share your views. We had withdrawn into the gardens of Sallust, and your followers who were there joined us. We longed for your presence; and I would have you know how greatly we were moved when we read your letter to the Galatians, and others. Would that the high words in them came from your own heart and not merely your lips. Farewell.

[Paul to Seneca]

Paul to Seneca, greeting. When I received your letter I gave thanks, for I judge you a man not unworthy, though you are a Gentile and hold so high a place. I would gladly have you share these things, yet I would not do it carelessly, lest I bring you into danger; for to write of such matters and to set them before the unworthy may give offense. But you are not as the foolish of this world; you seek what is good. Be careful in this. Farewell.

[Seneca to Paul]

Seneca to Paul, greeting. I have arranged your books and tried to bring some of them into better order, for in several places the matter is too great and lofty for the tongue in which it is set; not that the language fails the thought, but that the thought is too great for any tongue. I marvel at your mind, and I beg you take no offense that I, a man of letters, should say this. Farewell.

[The collection contains in all fourteen such letters, of this kind.]