What are the 21 Epistles in the Bible?
The Epistles of the Bible are the 21 books in the New Testament that constitute formal letters of instruction from elders to leaders and members of the new Christian church. Thirteen of the Epistles were written by the Apostle Paul, three by the Apostle John, two by the Apostle Peter, and one each by James and Jude. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews is unknown.
What does epistles mean in the Bible?
The word epistle means “letter,” and in New Testament studies it refers to letters written by the apostles to churches or individuals. Here are the epistles included in the New Testament: Romans is written by Paul to the church in Rome, systematically explaining the Gospel and its implications.
What are the names of the Epistles?
The placement of Hebrews among the Pauline epistles is less consistent in the manuscripts:
- between Romans and 1 Corinthians (i.e., in order by length without splitting the Epistles to the Corinthians): Papyrus 46 and minuscules 103, 455, 1961, 1964, 1977, 1994.
- between 2 Corinthians and Galatians: minuscules 1930, 1978, and 2248
- between Galatians and Ephesians: implied by the numbering in B. ...
What are the types of epistles?
On the whole, these epistles tend to deal with three general issues:
- Doctrine: what Christians should know
- Application: what Christians should do with doctrine
- Logistics: specific instructions, greetings, etc.
What is the meaning of epistles in the Bible?
Definition of epistle 1 capitalized. a : one of the letters adopted as books of the New Testament. b : a liturgical lection usually from one of the New Testament Epistles. 2a : letter especially : a formal or elegant letter. b : a composition in the form of a letter.
What are the 5 epistles?
The Epistles Of the 27 books in the New Testament, 21 are epistles, or letters, many of which were written by Paul. The names of the epistles attributed to him are Romans; I and II Corinthians; Galatians; Ephesians; Philippians; Colossians; I and II Thessalonians; I and II Timothy; Titus; and Philemon.
What is the difference between letters and epistles?
In contrast to modern letters, epistles usually named the author at the very beginning, followed by the recipient (for example, see Philippians 1:1). The scribe (or more correctly, the amanuensis) who wrote down the letter may be named at the end of the epistle (e.g., Romans 16:22).
What are the 7 epistles?
Seven letters (with consensus dates) considered genuine by most scholars:Galatians (c. 48 AD)First Thessalonians (c. 49–51)First Corinthians (c. 53–54)Second Corinthians (c. 55–56)Romans (c. 55–57)Philippians (c. 57–59 or c. ... Philemon (c. 57–59 or c.
What is an example of an epistle?
Ovid's Epistle: The tradition based on Ovid's epistle includes romanticism and other sentimental subjects. These epistles gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages. The best example of Ovid's epistle is the letter of Paul the Apostle that illustrates the spread of Christianity in the world.
Why did Paul write the epistles?
Paul's reason for writing was to strengthen and encourage the church in which he had so many friends and in which he had labored so diligently. In the epistle, he speaks of the nature and unity of the church, and the responsibilities of believers as followers of Christ.
Is James an epistle?
Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. The Epistle of James is a general epistle and one of the 21 epistles (didactic letters) in the New Testament. The author identifies himself as "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" who is writing to "the twelve tribes scattered abroad" (James 1:1).
Why are Matthew Mark Luke and John called the Gospels?
These books are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John because they were traditionally thought to have been written by Matthew, a disciple who was a tax collector; John, the "Beloved Disciple" mentioned in the Fourth Gospel; Mark, the secretary of the disciple Peter; and Luke, the traveling companion of Paul.
Who wrote the letters in the New Testament?
The General Epistles, also known as the Catholic Epistles, are the seven New Testament letters written by James, Peter, John, and Jude. These epistles, with the exceptions of 2 and 3 John, are addressed to a general audience of believers rather than to a specific church.
How many epistles Paul wrote?
Of the 27 books in the New Testament, 13 or 14 are traditionally attributed to Paul, though only 7 of these Pauline epistles are accepted as being entirely authentic and dictated by St. Paul himself.
How do you read epistles?
How to Study the EpistlesReconstruct the situation to which the author is speaking.Make notes of written clues. What you notice about the recipients. Author's attitude. Anything mentioned to the specific occasion of the letter. The epistle's natural, logical divisions.
How many general epistles are in the New Testament?
seven lettersThe General Epistles are a collection of seven letters that were intended to be circulated among all the early churches. They were not sent to any one specific church and, with the exception of 2 and 3 John, do not address individuals by name.
What is an epistle in the Bible?
Epistles were a primary form of written communication in the ancient world, especially during New Testament times. Since many of the New Testament books were originally written as letters to churches or individuals, they are referred to as the Epistles. An epistle would have been written on a scroll. Often, it was dictated and then reviewed by the ...
What are the Pastoral Epistles?
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, ...
Why are the prison epistles called prison epistles?
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 ...
How many books are in the New Testament?
They include 21 of the New Testament’s 27 books, extending from Romans to Jude. Thirteen of these Epistles were written by the apostle Paul: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
What is the introduction of Paul's letter?
Most of Paul’s letters begin with an introduction that identifies his name and those of any associates, mentions his audience, and gives a greeting. The introduction is followed by the main body of the letter, and the epistles often conclude with a general blessing and personal notes to individuals within the recipient church.
Who wrote the Epistle of Jude?
The short Epistle of Jude was written by Jude, another half-brother of Jesus ( 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.
Who wrote the Hebrews?
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 ( 1 Corinthians 15:7 ). The apostle Peter wrote 1 and 2 Peter.
What are the general epistles?
The General Epistles. Hebrews —The book of Hebrews, written by an unknown early Christian, builds a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ and Christianity. James —James's epistle has a well-deserved reputation for providing practical advice for Christians. 1 Peter—The book of 1 Peter offers hope to believers in times of suffering and persecution.
What is the purpose of the Epistles?
The Epistles are letters written to the fledgling churches and individual believers in the earliest days of Christianity. The Apostle Paul wrote the first 13 of these letters, each addressing a specific situation or problem. In terms of volume, Paul's writings constitute about one-fourth of the entire New Testament.
What is Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonians about?
1 Thessalonians —Paul's first letter to the church in Thessalonica encourages new believers to stand firm in the face of strong persecution. 2 Thessalonians—Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica was written to clear up confusion about end times and the second coming of Christ.
What is the New Testament?
The New Testament Epistles Are Letters to the Early Churches and Believers. Paul writing from prison. SuperStock / Getty Images. Mary Fairchild is a full-time Christian minister, writer, and editor of two Christian anthologies, including "Stories of Cavalry.". The Epistles are letters written to the fledgling churches and individual believers in ...
What does the book of Peter offer?
1 Peter—The book of 1 Peter offers hope to believers in times of suffering and persecution. 2 Peter— Peter 's second letter contains his final words to the church: a warning against false teachers and an encouragement to press on in faith and hope. 1 John —1 John contains some of the Bible's most beautiful descriptions of God and his unfailing love.
How many letters did Paul write in prison?
In terms of volume, Paul's writings constitute about one-fourth of the entire New Testament. Four of Paul's letters, the Prison Epistles, were composed while he was confined in prison. Three letters called the Pastoral Epistles were directed toward church leaders, Timothy and Titus, and discuss ministerial matters.
What does the Bible say about the third epistle?
3 John—The third epistle of John catalogs the qualities of four types of Christians we should and should not imitate.
What is the epistle of the New Testament?
The word epistle means “letter,” and in New Testament studies it refers to letters written by the apostles to churches or individuals. Here are the epistles included in the New Testament: Romans is written by Paul to the church in Rome, systematically explaining the Gospel and its implications. 1 Corinthians is Paul writing to ...
What is an epistle in the Bible?
What Are the Epistles in the Bible? What Is an Epistle? What Are the Epistles in the Bible? 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.
What is the difference between Ephesians and Philippians?
Ephesians is Paul writing to the church in Ephesus about the need for Christian unity and how to achieve it. Philippians is Paul writing to the church in Philippi about finding joy in Christ and the freedom that comes from that new life.
What does Paul write in 2 Corinthians?
2 Corinthians follows with Paul commending the Corinthian church for their repentance, but also responding to claims that he doesn’t care about them. Galatians is Paul writing to the church in Galatia, rebuking them for drifting into false teaching and reminding them grace removes the need for legalism.
What does Paul tell the church in Colossians about?
Colossians is Paul telling the church in Colossae to avoid pagan ideas about Jesus that downplay his divinity, along with instructions about living well. 1 Thessalonians is Paul commending the church in Thessalonica for their great faith and telling them how to continue on that path.
What is the structure of the epistles?
Overall, when you look at the epistles, you get the following structure: The epistles usually start with a personal greeting, often identifying the sender ( Romans 1:1) and the intended recipient (Corinthians 1:2). This may often include a sort of mini-blessing where the writer blesses the recipient ( Galatians 1:3-5 ).
What does Galatians 1:11 mean?
For example, Galatians 1:11 goes the greeting into Paul using his story to explain the Gospel is from a divine source and does away with legalism. This makes up the main section of the epistle, and will often mix admonitions to turn away from sinful things ( 1 John 2:15-17) with instructions about how to live ( Ephesians 5 ).
What is an epistle in the Bible?
What are the Epistles in the Bible? In the Greek, the word epistole means "letter" or "message," so an epistle is a letter or some type of written correspondence —most likely written on a scroll. Epistles were very common during the era that the New Testament was written. A lot of the books in the New Testament were written as letters ...
Why are the New Testament books called the Epistles?
A lot of the books in the New Testament were written as letters to specific churches or people, so that is why they are referred to as the Epistles. Epistles were generally dictated orally by the author to someone who would physically transcribe it. Then, the author would review it before having it sent to the intended audience.
What are the prison epistles?
The books of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon make up a subgroup called the Prison Epistles, which were written during Paul's house arrest in Rome ( Acts 28:30–31 ). A few epistles, known as the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus), were directly written to church leaders.
How many Epistles did Paul write?
The apostle Paul wrote thirteen of them, and they are known as the Pauline Epistles: Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
Who wrote the epistles after Jesus?
James and Jude were both half-brothers of Jesus and wrote the epistles names after them ( 1 Corinthians 15:7; Jude 1:1 ). The apostle Peter authored 1 and 2 Peter. The apostle John authored 1, 2, and 3 John (he also wrote the Gospel of John and Revelation).
Who wrote the general epistles?
The General Epistles include Hebrews; James; 1 and 2 Peter; 1, 2, and 3 John; and Jude. These eight epistles are also referred to as the Catholic Epistles because they were written to a "universal" audience rather than one specific church. It is unknown who wrote the book of Hebrews, but it is commonly credited to Paul or one of his colleagues.
Why did Paul sign his letters?
Paul signed his letters to verify their authenticity ( Galatians 6:11 ). It has been suspected that Paul may have had vision problems, which would have necessitated him getting Timothy's help to do the actual writing. The epistles within the Bible mirror each other in their formatting.
Why are the New Testament books called epistles?
Many of the books in the New Testament are called “Epistles” because they were special letters sent to a particular church group to answer some questions, give instructions or teachings to a group, or to settle some problem in the congregation. Even today we sometimes say, “I got a real epistle from . . ..”.
What does an epistle start with?
They usually start with the identity of the author or authors, the identity of the people the epistle is sent to, and a general greeting. Here is an example from 1 Corinthians: Authors: “Paul . . . and Sosthenes our brother”. Sent to: “To the church of God which is at Corinth . . .”.
What are some interesting facts about the Bible?
Interesting facts about epistles in the Bible 1 There are 21 books in the New Testament commonly called epistles. 2 Eleven of the New Testament epistles were written by the apostle Paul. 3 No one knows for sure who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. About forty different people have been suggested as authors. Most likely it is a sermon preached by Paul that someone, or he himself, later wrote out as an epistle. 4 The book of Revelation contains seven letters written to seven contemporary churches. The contents of these letters came directly from God through a vision to the apostle John. These seven “epistles” also have a prophetic application to a larger historic audience. 5 The first New Testament epistles written were most likely the ones we know as First and Second Thessalonians (around 51 A.D.). 6 Some people wrote “epistles” and signed Paul’s name to them. Paul mentions this in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. That is not right. Some people still do that today (or send a letter with no signature) because they don’t want anyone to know who really wrote it.
How many epistles are there in the Bible?
Interesting facts about epistles in the Bible. There are 21 books in the New Testament commonly called epistles. Eleven of the New Testament epistles were written by the apostle Paul. No one knows for sure who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews. About forty different people have been suggested as authors.
What is the difference between an epistle and a regular letter?
The difference from a regular letter is that the word epistle describes a kind of elegant or formal letter that is often directed or sent to a special person or a group of people.
When were the epistles written?
The first New Testament epistles written were most likely the ones we know as First and Second Thessalonians (around 51 A.D.). Some people wrote “epistles” and signed Paul’s name to them. Paul mentions this in 2 Thessalonians 2:2. That is not right.
Who wrote the general epistles?
There are others known as “General Epistles” written by other people. The apostle John wrote three of them. Third John is interesting. It is only 13 verses long and takes on a church leader who was mistreating visitors to the church — not an unknown problem even today!
What is an epistle in the Bible?
A written communication; a term inclusive of all forms of written correspondence, personal and official, in vogue from an early antiquity. As applied to the twenty-one letters, which constitute well-nigh one-half of the New Testament, the word "epistle" has come to have chiefly a technical and exclusive meaning.
What are the two classes of the Epistles?
As a whole the Epistles are classified as Pauline, and Catholic, i.e. general; the Pauline being divided into two classes: those written to churches and to individuals, the latter being known as Pastoral (1 and 2 Timothy, and Titus; some also including Philemon; see Lange on Romans, American edition, 16).
What does Paul refer to in Epistles of Commendation?
As a Christian apostle Paul refers to this common use of "epistles of commendation" ( 2 Corinthians 3:1; 1 Corinthians 16:3) and himself made happy use of the same ( Romans 16:1 ); he also mentions receiving letters, in turn, from the churches ( 1 Corinthians 7:1 ).
What is the oldest letter in the New Testament?
The latter is by many scholars regarded as probably the oldest letter in epistolary form in the New Testament, being in purport and substance a Pastoral Letter issued by the Apostolic Council of Jerusalem to the churches of Antioch, Syria and Cilicia.
What is the New Testament?
As letters are the most spontaneous and the freest form of writing, the New Testament Epistles are the very life-blood of Christianity. They present theology, doctrine, truth, appeal, in terms of life, and pulsate with a vitality that will be fresh and re-creative till the end of time.
What is the most felicitous and perfect example of official correspondence in the New Testament?
The most felicitous and perfect example official correspondence in the New Testament is Claudius Lysias' letter to Felix regarding Paul ( Acts 23:25-30 ). Equally complete in form is the letter, sent, evidently in duplicate, by the apostles and elders to their Gentilebrethren in the provinces of Asia ( Acts 15:23-29 ).
What is the importance of the letters of the Bible?
Their letters are too human, too personal, too vital to be formal treatises or arguments. They throb with passion for truth and love for souls. Their directness and affectionate intensity convert their authors into prophets of truth, preachers of grace, lovers of men and missionaries of the cross.
Where did the word "epistle" come from?
The word “epistle” is from the Greek word “epistolē” and is a derivative of “to send a message” (to “epi” send “sellein”) of which the roots are based in the Indo-European language so it shouldn’t surprise us that the letters sent from the Apostles are called “epistles,” in most translations. By the way, not all of the books ...
Who sent the epistles?
So now you know what an epistle is and which books were epistles, and that they were basically letters sent from the apostles (Peter, Paul, and John) or church leaders like Jude and James. These were sent to be read to specific cities or regions and sometimes letters sent (epistles) to specific cities or regions.
What does Ephesians 1:1b mean?
Ephesians 1:1b “To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus. ”. Philippians 1:1b “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons.”. Colossians 1:2a “To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.”. First Thessalonians 1:1 “To the church of the Thessalonians in God ...
What does the Bible say about being holy?
Romans 1:7 “To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people.”. First Corinthians 1:1:2 “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ-their Lord and ours.”.
Is the New Testament an epistle?
By the way, not all of the books of the Bible, including those in the New Testament, are epistles as we shall see. An epistle is a long, formal, didactic or teaching letter. For example, the gospels are not classified or called epistles or letters even though they were circulated among the churches but neither is the Book ...
The Pauline Epistles
- Romans—The book of Romans, the Apostle Paul's inspirational masterpiece, explains God's plan of salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians—Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to confront and correct the young church in Corinth as it was struggling with matters of disunity, immorality, and immaturity.
- 2 Corinthians—This epistle is a deeply personal letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, givin…
- Romans—The book of Romans, the Apostle Paul's inspirational masterpiece, explains God's plan of salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
- 1 Corinthians—Paul wrote 1 Corinthians to confront and correct the young church in Corinth as it was struggling with matters of disunity, immorality, and immaturity.
- 2 Corinthians—This epistle is a deeply personal letter from Paul to the church in Corinth, giving great transparency into Paul's heart.
- Galatians—The book of Galatians warns that we are not saved by obeying the Law but by faith in Jesus Christ, teaching us how to be free from the burden of the Law.
Paul's Prison Epistles
- Between 60 and 62 CE, the Apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome, one of several of his incarcerations recorded in the Bible. The four known letters in the Canon from that period include three to the churches at Ephesus, Colosse, and Philippi; and a personal letter to his friend Philemon. 1. Ephesians (Prison Epistle)—The book of Ephesians gives practical, encouraging ad…
Paul's Pastoral Epistles
- The pastoral epistles include three letters which were sent to Timothy, the first-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, and Titus, a Christian missionary and church leader based on the island of Crete. Second Timothy is the only one that scholars agree was likely written by Paul himself; the others may have been written after Paul died, between 80–100 CE. 1. 1 Timothy—The book of 1 …
The General Epistles
- Hebrews—The book of Hebrews, written by an unknown early Christian, builds a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ and Christianity.
- James—James's epistle has a well-deserved reputation for providing practical advice for Christians.
- 1 Peter—The book of 1 Peter offers hope to believers in times of suffering and persecution.
- Hebrews—The book of Hebrews, written by an unknown early Christian, builds a case for the superiority of Jesus Christ and Christianity.
- James—James's epistle has a well-deserved reputation for providing practical advice for Christians.
- 1 Peter—The book of 1 Peter offers hope to believers in times of suffering and persecution.
- 2 Peter—Peter's second letter contains his final words to the church: a warning against false teachers and an encouragement to press on in faith and hope.
What Books Are in The Epistles?
What Is The Template of The Epistles?
- The structure of each epistle varies a bit depending on whether it’s Paul writing it or someone else. Overall, when you look at the epistles, you get the following structure: The epistles usually start with a personal greeting, often identifying the sender (Romans 1:1) and the intended recipient (Corinthians 1:2). This may often include a sort of mini-blessing where the writer bless…
Who Are The Authors of The Epistles?
- Not all of the epistles mention who wrote them, and there’s at least some indication that some of them were a person dictating the letter to a secretary (which is traditionally believed to be how the Gospel of Mark was written). To keep things simple, here are who church tradition says wrote the various epistles, with some explanations about alternate authors and why in some cases the aut…
Why Are These Books So Important to The Christian Faith?
- While these aren’t the only letterswritten by Paul and the other apostles, they are the ones that have become part of the Scripture canon. From a content perspective, they provide an interesting look at what the first generation of Christians looked like. Many of the debates described in these epistles still continue today, under different labels. The epistles advising on how to run churche…