Why titles came later
The formal naming of works like “Gospel of Mark” or “Epistle to the Romans” developed as the canon was defined in the 4th century, especially after councils such as Nicaea (325 CE) and the work of church fathers like Eusebius. Before that, the same text could be called by different names in different regions, or simply referred to by its content.
In summary
Before standardized titles, early Christian texts were recognized by their content, audience, or language. This fluidity reflects the diversity of early Christian communities and the gradual process of canon formation, where many works were preserved, others lost, and only a few became the fixed “New Testament” we know today