CORINTHIANS, THIRD EPISTLE TO THE (κορίνθιους, τρεῖς ἐπιστολὴ̀ πρὸ̀ς τούς; a pseudonymous epistle attributed to Paul, but in all probability a product of the 3rd cent. a.d.).

This epistle was purportedly a reply of Paul to Corinthian correspondence concerned with the appearance of false teachers in Corinth. This reply, supposedly written by Paul, condemned these false teachers. This letter was given temporary canonicity in the Eastern, or Syriac, church during the 4th cent. a.d. However, it was rejected by that section of the Church before the Peshitta Canon, the canonical Syr. NT, was formed in the 5th cent. a.d. It first appeared during the 3rd cent. a.d.