An epistle is a letter written to a specific recipient or group of recipients. In the Bible, there are 21 epistles or letters written by Apostles to churches or individuals. These make up a significant portion of the New Testament.
The word “epistle” comes from the Greek word “epistolē” which means a written letter sent to someone. The epistles in the Bible provide teaching, encouragement, correction and guidance for Christians in various circumstances. They cover important theological topics and practical Christian living.
Types of Epistles in the Bible
There are two main types of epistles we find in Scripture:
Pauline Epistles
These are letters written by the Apostle Paul to churches or individuals. Paul wrote 13 epistles that are included in the New Testament:
- Romans
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Galatians
- Ephesians
- Philippians
- Colossians
- 1 Thessalonians
- 2 Thessalonians
- 1 Timothy
- 2 Timothy
- Titus
- Philemon
Paul’s letters make up the bulk of the New Testament epistles. They were written to churches Paul had planted or individuals he discipled like Timothy and Titus. His letters addressed important doctrinal issues like justification by faith, dealt with problems like sexual immorality in the Corinthian church, and taught on Christian living topics like spiritual gifts.
General Epistles
The General Epistles are letters written by other apostles besides Paul. There are 8 General Epistles:
- Hebrews
- James
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter
- 1 John
- 2 John
- 3 John
- Jude
The authorship of Hebrews is uncertain but traditionally has been attributed to Paul. The letters of James, Peter, John and Jude were written by Jesus’ disciples to broad audiences of Jewish and Gentile believers. They cover themes like living by faith, controlling the tongue, resisting false teaching, brotherly love and contending for the faith.
Major Themes in the Epistles
While each epistle had a specific purpose and audience, there are some overarching themes and topics we find throughout the New Testament letters:
The Person and Work of Christ
Many of the epistles highlight the deity of Christ, His incarnation, sinless life, atoning death and bodily resurrection. Romans, Philippians and Hebrews have extended sections on who Jesus is and what He accomplished.
Salvation by Grace
Paul’s letters in particular focus on justification by faith alone, not by works. Salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Key passages are Romans 3-5, Galatians 2-3, Ephesians 2:8-9.
Instructions for Christian Living
The epistles provide many practical instructions for how believers should live. This includes household codes (Eph 5:22–6:9; Col 3:18–4:1), qualifications for church leaders (1 Tim 3:1-13), and spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study.
Church Order and Leadership
Several epistles, particularly the Pastoral Epistles, give organizational structure and leadership qualifications for the church. Passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 provide the biblical model for church office.
Eschatology
The epistles contain references to Christ’s second coming and related events. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 describes the rapture of the church. 2 Thessalonians 2 covers the rise of the Antichrist. Other passages point to the return of Christ and the resurrection of believers.
False Teaching and Apostasy
Epistles like Galatians, Colossians, 1 John and Jude warn against false teachers spreading heresy in the church. Examples include the Judaizers, Gnostics, and Nicolaitans. The letters refute these errors with sound doctrine.
Christian Ethics and Conduct
Many practical instructions for how to live a godly life and interact with others are included. Passages like the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7), Romans 12, and James 1:19-27 cover topics like forgiveness, loving enemies, controlling the tongue, and caring for the poor.
The Purposes of the Epistles
The New Testament epistles were written for several key purposes:
To Teach and Exhort
The epistles often contain systematic teaching on theology and ethics. Paul’s letters in particular provide orderly explanations of doctrines like justification, sanctification, glorification, the afterlife, and so forth. The writers exhort believers to obey Christ’s commands.
To Correct Error and Warn Against False Teaching
As false teaching arose in the early church, the apostles addressed it through their letters. Paul confronted the legalists in Galatia, John rebutted the Gnostics, and Jude opposed the ungodly men in the church. The epistles serve as authoritative teaching to guide the church.
To Settle Disputes and Answer Questions
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians in response to oral reports and questions the church has sent him. He addresses issues like food sacrificed to idols, spiritual gifts, the Lord’s Supper, and the resurrection. Other epistles also respond to conflicts and concerns arising in the churches.
To Encourage and Strengthen Believers
Many of the letters aim to encourage Christians experiencing persecution, false teaching, or other trials. 1 Peter tells believers suffering to rejoice and stands fast. Ephesians urges readers to put on the armor of God. The epistles strengthen the faithful.
To Promote Christian Unity and Community
Ephesians 4 exhorts believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” 1 John instructs Christians to love one another. The epistles promoted unity amid diversity in the early, growing church.
To Express Pastoral Concern and Oversight
The Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus) reflect Paul’s pastoral care for the churches. He instructs Timothy and Titus to appoint qualified elders, oppose false doctrine, and set things in order. This expresses pastoral guidance.
Key Features of the Epistles
The New Testament epistles have distinctive literary features readers should be aware of:
Letters to Specific Churches or Individuals
The epistles were written to particular 1st century churches (like the Galatians or Thessalonians) or specific people (Timothy, Titus, Philemon). We read someone else’s mail in the epistles.
Opening Salutations and Greetings
Nearly all the epistles open with the sender identifying themselves, the recipients, and a greeting. For example, James 1:1 – “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.”
Occasional Documents
The epistles were written on specific occasions to address particular needs. They don’t cover everything about theology or ethics but respond to issues and questions arising in the early church.
Travel Plans
Paul often includes travel plans and updates in his epistles. He informs the Romans of his intent to visit (Rom 15:22-33) and coordinating with Timothy (1 Cor 4:17). This gives historical context.
Commendations and Personal Remarks
Personal commendations, like Paul’s praise of Timothy (Phil 2:19-24), and remarks, like sending greetings from friends (Rom 16:21-23), appear throughout the epistles, revealing the relationships involved.
Doctrinal Explanations and Practical Instructions
The epistles include deep theology but also apply doctrine to everyday life. For example, Romans 1-11 has dense doctrine while Romans 12-16 is highly practical for believers.
All Scripture is Inspired and Authoritative
Since the epistles are part of the Bible, they are “breathed out by God” (2 Tim 3:16) and carry divine authority for Christian belief and conduct.
How to Read, Study and Apply the Epistles
Here are some tips for effectively reading, interpreting and applying the New Testament epistles:
Pray for Understanding
Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His word and teach you as you read. Scripture interpretation relies on the Spirit’s guidance (1 Cor 2:14-16).
Read Entire Letters Through
Get the big picture by reading whole epistles through in one sitting first. Observe the overall tone, themes, purpose and structure.
Know the Historical Context
Study notes in a study Bible or commentary to understand the epistle’s cultural setting. Who was the author and audience? What occasion led to its writing?
Summarize with Key Themes
Go back and summarize the letter’s main ideas and themes. Identify key verses relating to these themes.
Define Confusing Words and Concepts
Look up words and theological concepts you don’t understand using Bible dictionaries and commentaries. Study background to get the meaning.
Identify Timeless vs. Timebound Applications
Some instructions are tied to first century culture while others apply across all generations. Discern which are which.
Consider Different Literary Styles
Note different genres in the epistles like theological treatises, travel plans, hymns, pastoral instructions. These impact interpretation.
Compare Scripture with Scripture
Let clearer passages of Scripture interpret more difficult ones. Compare epistles teachings to the Gospels and Old Testament.
Obey Biblical Commands
Go beyond studying the epistles to actually living out and obeying God’s word. Apply it tangibly in your spiritual life.
The epistles are fundamental to understand Christian theology and practice. We must read them carefully in light of their historical occasion and literary style to discern their teachings and apply them faithfully to our lives today. The Holy Spirit uses these letters to instruct, reprove and equip Christians for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).