Epistles
“Letter, written message”
Summary
The twenty-one letters of the New Testament written by apostles to churches or individuals, expounding Christian doctrine and addressing practical matters of faith and conduct.
☩Nature and Purpose
The epistles are the twenty-one letters in the New Testament, from Romans to Jude. The Greek word 'epistole' simply means 'letter,' and each epistle should be read as a complete letter addressing particular situations. They divide into two groups: the Pauline epistles (thirteen or fourteen including Hebrews) and the Catholic or General epistles (James, Peter, John, Jude). Divine wisdom arranged that the doctrines of Christianity come through multiple apostles, displaying the richness of truth from various perspectives.
☩Figurative Use
Paul used the term figuratively when he told the Corinthians they were his 'epistle' written in his heart—living examples of his teaching that could be known and read by all. They were also Christ's epistle: the Spirit of the living God had written Christ upon the fleshy tablets of their hearts, just as God's finger had written the law on tablets of stone.
