Letters
Summary
Written correspondence mentioned throughout Scripture, from royal decrees to apostolic epistles, reflecting the development of literacy and communication in the ancient world.
☩Old Testament Examples
Scripture records numerous instances of letter-writing. David wrote a letter to Joab sealing Uriah's fate (2 Samuel 11:14). The king of Syria sent a letter to the king of Israel concerning Naaman's leprosy (2 Kings 5:5-6). Sennacherib sent threatening letters to Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:14; Isaiah 37:9-14). Artaxerxes gave Nehemiah letters of safe conduct (Nehemiah 2:7-9), while Sanballat sent an open letter—a deliberate insult—to intimidate Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:5). Letters were typically sealed with the sender's seal (1 Kings 21:8) and conveyed by travelers, friends, or royal couriers (Jeremiah 29:3; 2 Chronicles 30:6; Esther 8:10).
☩New Testament Letters
The New Testament includes both references to letters and actual letters. Claudius Lysias wrote to Governor Felix regarding Paul (Acts 23:25-30). The apostles wrote a letter to the Gentile churches from the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:23-29). Most significantly, the apostolic letters—Paul's epistles, the General Epistles, and Revelation—became foundational documents of the Christian faith. Paul's letter to Philemon on behalf of Onesimus demonstrates personal correspondence used for intercession (Philemon 1). Paul also mentions 'letters of recommendation' that some carried (2 Corinthians 3:1).
☩Letters and Learning
The word 'letters' (Greek: grammata) in John 7:15 refers to learning or literature in general. The Jews wondered, 'How knoweth this man letters, having never learned?'—meaning formal education in the Scriptures and rabbinical commentaries. Similarly, Festus exclaimed to Paul, 'Much learning doth make thee mad' (Acts 26:24). The distinction Paul makes between 'the letter' and 'the spirit' (Romans 2:27, 29; 2 Corinthians 3:6) contrasts mere external observance of the law's words with its spiritual meaning and heart obedience through Christ.
Related Verses41 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.Richard Watson, "Letters," in A Biblical and Theological Dictionary (John Mason, 1831).
- 2.American Tract Society, "Letters," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Letters," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).