epistle

At a Glance

A written letter; in Bible study, usually one of the New Testament letters.

Key Points

• Usually refers to New Testament letters
• written to real people in real situations
• teaches doctrine and Christian living
• authoritative as Scripture when included in the canon.

Description

An epistle is a letter, and in biblical usage the term normally refers to the letters found in the New Testament. These writings were sent to churches, groups of believers, or individual Christians to teach sound doctrine, address problems, encourage faithfulness, and guide the life of the church. Each epistle arose from a real historical setting, yet the church has received these writings as Scripture, and they remain authoritative for Christian faith and practice. The New Testament epistles include the Pauline letters and the General Epistles, including Hebrews, James, 1 and 2 Peter, 1, 2, and 3 John, and Jude.

Biblical Context

The New Testament contains a large collection of epistles written to congregations and individuals. Some are situational responses to specific church needs; others are more general in scope. Together they apply the gospel to doctrine, worship, leadership, holiness, suffering, and perseverance.

Historical Context

Letter writing was a normal way to communicate across distance in the ancient world. The apostles used that form to speak into real churches and real controversies, often through trusted messengers who could deliver and explain the letter.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Jewish teachers also used written communication, but the New Testament epistles stand out because they are apostolic writings addressing the church in the light of Christ's death, resurrection, and lordship. They often reflect the world of synagogue, Greco-Roman cities, and early Christian gatherings.

Primary Key Texts

• Acts 15:23-29
• Colossians 4:16
• 1 Thessalonians 5:27
• 2 Peter 3:15-16

Secondary Key Texts

• Romans 16:22
• 1 Corinthians 1:1-2
• James 1:1
• 1 John 1:1-4

Original Language Note

The New Testament word translated "epistle" corresponds to the Greek epistolē, meaning "letter" or "written message."

Theological Significance

The epistles show how apostolic teaching was applied to the life of the church. They are essential for doctrine, ethics, ecclesiology, and practical discipleship, and they help interpret the Gospels and Old Testament in the light of Christ.

Philosophical Explanation

An epistle is a real communication rooted in history, yet it also has enduring significance because inspired Scripture addresses universal truths through particular situations. The form joins the concrete and the theological: a specific letter becomes a lasting word for the church.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not treat every epistle as a timeless rule without first understanding its original audience, occasion, and literary flow. At the same time, do not reduce epistles to merely occasional documents; when canonical, they carry abiding authority under Scripture.

Major Views

Readers sometimes distinguish between Pauline Epistles and General Epistles, or refer to some New Testament books as letters rather than epistles. Those labels are helpful but should not be pressed beyond their literary purpose.

Doctrinal Boundaries

Canonical New Testament epistles are Scripture and therefore authoritative. Noncanonical letters or later church writings may be historically valuable, but they are not equal to inspired Scripture.

Practical Significance

Epistles guide Christian belief and behavior, provide pastoral correction, and help churches apply the gospel to everyday life, suffering, unity, holiness, and leadership.

Related Entries

• Apostle
• Canon of Scripture
• New Testament
• Pauline Epistles
• General Epistles
• Letter

See Also

• Acts
• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• James
• 1 Peter
• 2 Peter
• 1 John