The epistles are the 21 letters of the New Testament — written by apostles like Paul, Peter, John, and James to churches and individuals — teaching Christian doctrine and how to live. They make up most of the New Testament after the Gospels and Acts.
Letters to the early church
'Epistle' simply means letter. After the four Gospels and Acts come 21 letters addressing real churches and people with real questions — explaining the faith, correcting errors, and encouraging believers. Thirteen are attributed to Paul; the rest to other apostles and leaders.
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.
Doctrine and daily life
The epistles unpack the meaning of Christ's death and resurrection and show how to live it out — in the church, the home, and the world. They remain God's word to the church today, as living now as when first written.
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
When this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things.
Quick answers
- Who wrote the epistles?
- Paul wrote thirteen (Romans through Philemon); the rest are attributed to James, Peter, John, Jude, and the author of Hebrews. Together they form much of the New Testament.
- What's the difference between the Pauline and General epistles?
- The Pauline epistles are Paul's letters, usually named for their recipients. The General (or Catholic) epistles — James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, Jude — are named for their authors and written more broadly.
- Why are the epistles important?
- They explain the meaning of the gospel and teach the church how to believe and live. Much of core Christian doctrine — grace, faith, the church, Christian living — comes from the epistles.
