Final answer:
The apostle Paul is credited with writing many letters in the New Testament. These letters were addressed to early Christian communities and were crucial in the spread and theological development of Christianity. Paul's epistles are a fundamental part of the New Testament and are distinct from the Gospels, which record Jesus's life.
Step-by-step explanation:
A number of New Testament texts are letters written by the apostle known as Paul. Originally named Saul, Paul was a Jewish leader who experienced a profound conversion to Christianity. He then became an important evangelist, spreading the teachings of Christianity throughout the Greco-Roman world.
The writings of Paul are significant as they reflect the dynamic nature of the emerging Christian faith, addressing theological issues and presenting the message that Jesus's death and resurrection were divine acts meant to redeem humanity from sin. The impact of Paul's epistles can be seen in the spread of Christianity and the shaping of its teachings, which differed in emphasis from the earlier Judaic traditions.