Epistle (letter) — Meaning in the Bible
A letter. Twenty-one New Testament books are letters, mostly from Paul, written to churches and individuals.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
What it means
Paul's letters open with the writer, the recipients and a greeting of grace and peace, then teach and encourage. Some were for whole churches, others for individuals like Timothy or Philemon. Romans 1:1–71 Timothy 1:1–2Philemon 1–3
Paul asked for letters to be read aloud and passed between churches. Peter mentions Paul's letters. Colossians 4:161 Thessalonians 5:272 Peter 3:15–16
Key passages
- Romans 1:1–7 — How a letter opens.
- Colossians 4:16 — Letters passed between churches.
- 2 Peter 3:15–16 — Peter on Paul's letters.