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What
Is an Epistle?
What
Are the Epistles in the Bible?
Dave Jenkins
The word epistle comes from the Greek word epistole, meaning letter or message.
Epistles were primarily written communications during the time of
the New Testament. For example, Paul, Peter, and John wrote epistles or letters
to churches or individuals (Timothy, Titus, Philemon).
Epistles Were Written on Scrolls
An epistle was a letter written on a scroll most often dictated by
an author to a scribe and then reviewed by the author before being delivered by
a trustworthy messenger.
1 Peter, for example, mentions Silvanus or Silas (1 Peter 5:12) as transcribing Peter’s letter.
Timothy, Paul’s close associate, was also involved in transcribing
and delivering Paul’s letters (Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Philemon 1:1).
Even so, Paul verifies in each letter he writes that he is the
author (Galatians 6:11).
Epistles Follow a Template
Epistles follow a fairly recognizable template. For example,
Paul’s letters begin with an introduction where he identifies himself to his
audience, mentions any known associations, and gives a greeting.
The introduction of an epistle is followed by the main body of the
letter and concludes with a blessing and a personal note to individuals within
the church he’s addressing.
Epistles Are Only Found in the New
Testament
Epistles in the Scriptures are only found in the New Testament,
which contains 21 such letters extending from Romans to Jude.
Thirteen of the Epistles are written by the Apostle Paul. These
are:
§
Romans
§
1 and 2 Corinthians
§
Galatians
§
Ephesians
§
Philippians
§
Colossians
§
1 and 2 Thessalonians
§
1 and 2 Timothy
§
Titus
§
Philemon
Within the Pauline epistles are a group of letters known as the
Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon).
These epistles 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 teaching focusing on worship services and church
order within the early church.
Following Paul’s Epistles are eight General Epistles, also known
as the Catholic Epistles, and are written to a universal audience.
These include the following:
§
Hebrews
§
James
§
1 and 2 Peter
§
1, 2, and 3 John
§
Jude
Epistle Authors in the New Testament
We do not know who the author of Hebrews is.
The epistle of James is one of the earliest New Testament books
and was written by James, the half-brother of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:7).
Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
John, the same author of the Gospel of John and Revelation, wrote
1-3 John.
Jude was written by Jude, another half-brother of Jesus (Jude 1:1).
The authors of the Epistles (Peter, Paul, or John) or a family
member of the Lord Jesus (James and Jude) were all inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), and the letters are preserved as part
of the New Testament’s writings today.
The Work through the Holy Spirit
God speaks through the Word of God. The Lord God sent His own
personal epistles in the person of the Lord Jesus to accomplish His finished
work through His death and resurrection (John 19:30).
After this, Jesus ascended to heaven, where He now is our High
Priest, Advocate, Intercessor, and soon returning Lord.
Jesus has given His people His love letter, which is His revealed
Word. The apostles sent letters to churches to instruct the people there.
Even so, a letter is not very personal, so the Lord Jesus sends
the Holy Spirit (John 15-17), who uses the Word in the life of
Christians to help them walk in the grace of God.
Tips on Studying the New Testament
Epistles
As you study, the Epistles don’t skip over the introduction, which
is so critical to understand the audience being addressed.
Additionally, notice the structure of Paul’s argument, for example
in Romans, he uses “therefore” (Romans 5:1; 8:1; 12:1) to highlight truths he’s already
discussed and builds upon.
These transition phrases help readers of the Epistles understand
the flow of the argument(s) of the book.
They also help Bible readers understand the purpose of the book,
and much more.
As you read the Epistles, ask the Lord through the Holy Spirit to
help you understand not only the meaning and application of the biblical text,
but also ask Him to help you grow in skill and wisdom to understand His
revealed Word, which tells you about His plan and ways for His glory.
Dave
Jenkins is
the Executive Director of Servants
of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine,
and the Host of the Equipping
You in Grace Podcast. He received his MAR and M.Div. through Liberty
Baptist Theological Seminary. You can follow him on Twitter at @davejjenkins, find him on Facebook
at Dave Jenkins SOG, Instagram, or read more of
his writing at Servants
of Grace. When Dave isn’t busy with ministry, he loves spending time with
his wife, Sarah, reading the latest from Christian publishers, the Reformers,
and the Puritans, playing golf, watching movies, sports, and spending time with
his family
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