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Epistles

Epistles are letters written by apostles and early church leaders to instruct, encourage, and correct believers in their faith and practice. They form a significant portion of the New Testament and remain authoritative Scripture for the church today.

Overview

An epistle is a formal letter addressing specific churches or individuals with apostolic instruction. The epistles were written to provide authoritative guidance on doctrine, Christian living, and church practice. Many were circulated among multiple churches, emphasizing their universal significance for believers across time and geography.

Key Scriptures

The Jerusalem Council's letter demonstrates epistolary authority: "The apostles and the elders, your brothers, to the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings" (Acts 15:23, ESV). Paul emphasizes the importance of receiving apostolic letters: "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter" (2 Thessalonians 2:15, ESV). John's second epistle provides an intimate pastoral letter: "The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all who know the truth" (2 John 1:1, ESV).

Application

Study the epistles attentively as God's authoritative Word to understand Christian doctrine and how to apply biblical truth in your daily relationships and church community.

Scripture References 38
Acts 15:23 Acts 15:24 Acts 15:25 Acts 15:26 Acts 15:27 Acts 15:28 Acts 15:29 2 John 1:1 2 John 1:2 2 John 1:3 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:5 2 John 1:6 2 John 1:7 2 John 1:8 2 John 1:9 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:11 2 John 1:12 2 John 1:13 3 John 1:1 3 John 1:2 3 John 1:3 3 John 1:4 3 John 1:5 3 John 1:6 3 John 1:7 3 John 1:8 3 John 1:9 3 John 1:10 3 John 1:11 3 John 1:12 3 John 1:13 3 John 1:14 Luke 1:1 Luke 1:2 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4
Full Topical Reference List 38 total — Nave's Topical Bible

From the church at Jerusalem to the Gentiles

Acts 15:23 Acts 15:24 Acts 15:25 Acts 15:26 Acts 15:27 Acts 15:28 Acts 15:29

Of John

2 John 1:1 2 John 1:2 2 John 1:3 2 John 1:4 2 John 1:5 2 John 1:6 2 John 1:7 2 John 1:8 2 John 1:9 2 John 1:10 2 John 1:11 2 John 1:12 2 John 1:13 3 John 1:1 3 John 1:2 3 John 1:3 3 John 1:4 3 John 1:5 3 John 1:6 3 John 1:7 3 John 1:8 3 John 1:9 3 John 1:10 3 John 1:11 3 John 1:12 3 John 1:13 3 John 1:14

Of Luke to Theophilus

Luke 1:1 Luke 1:2 Luke 1:3 Luke 1:4
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