What is an epistle?

Response

The term “epistle” originates from the Greek word “epistole,” which means “letter” or “message.” Epistles served as a primary form of written communication in ancient times, particularly during the era of the New Testament. As many of the books in the New Testament were initially crafted as letters to churches or individuals, they are known as the Epistles.

An epistle would typically be inscribed on a scroll. Frequently, it was dictated and then reviewed by the author before being dispatched by a trusted messenger. For instance, 1 Peter indicates that it was a letter from Peter transcribed by Silvanus, or Silas “By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.”, (1 Peter 5:12). Timothy played a role in the composition and delivery of several of the apostle Paul’s letters (Colossians 1:1;1 Thessalonians 1:1;Philemon 1:1), although Paul personally signed each one to confirm his authorship “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.”, (Galatians 6:11).

Epistles typically adhered to a recognizable structure. Most of Paul’s letters commence with an introduction that presents his name and any companions, specifies his audience, and offers a salutation. Following the introduction is the main body of the letter, with the epistles often concluding with a general benediction and personal messages to individuals within the recipient church.

The Epistles of the Bible are all located in the New Testament, encompassing 21 of the New Testament’s 27 books, ranging from Romans to Jude. Thirteen of these Epistles were composedBy the apostle Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Within this group of Pauline Epistles is a subgroup labeled the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) so-called because they were written during Paul’s two-year house arrest in Rome (Acts 28:30-31). The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were written to church leaders and include many teachings regarding practices within the early church.

Following these writings are eight General Epistles (sometimes called Catholic Epistles, since they were written to a “universal” audience) that include Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude. The author of Hebrews is unknown (though many have historically attributed the book to Paul or one of Paul’s associates). James was one of the earliest New Testament writings and was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus «After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. », (1 Corinthians 15:7). The apostle Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter. The apostle John (the same author of the Gospel of John and Revelation) wrote 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. The short Epistle of Jude was written by Jude, another half-brother of Jesus «Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: », (Jude 1:1).

All of the known authors of the Epistles are either an apostle (Paul, Peter, John) or a family member of Jesus (James, Jude). Each of these individuals had a unique calling from the Lord Jesus that included writing letters to others. These letters, inspired by the Holy Spirit, are preserved as part of the New Testament’s writings.

Writings today.