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    Epistle

    ἐπιστολή (epistolē)

    A formal letter — especially the apostolic letters in the New Testament.

    Greek
    Pronunciation: eh-pis-toh-LAY
    Quick Answer

    Epistolē means 'letter' or 'written message' and refers to the 21 letters in the New Testament written by apostles to churches and individuals, forming the bulk of Christian theology.

    "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." — 2 Peter 3:16 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    2 Peter 3:16

    “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.”
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    Colossians 4:16

    “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.”
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    2 Corinthians 3:3

    “Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.”
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    Etymology and Origin

    Epistolē comes from epistellō (to send a message). In the Greco-Roman world, letters were a primary means of communication across distances. The apostles adopted this familiar form to instruct, correct, and encourage churches they had founded or hoped to visit.

    Theological Significance

    The epistles contain the most systematic theological instruction in the Bible. Paul's letters develop doctrines of justification, sanctification, and eschatology. The general epistles (James, Peter, John, Jude) address practical faith, perseverance, and false teaching. Together, they show how the gospel transforms every area of life.

    Practical Application

    Reading the epistles as letters — written to real people facing real problems — makes them come alive. They were meant to be read aloud in community, discussed, and applied. Modern believers benefit from understanding the historical context behind each letter to grasp its full message.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many epistles are in the New Testament?

    There are 21 epistles in the New Testament: 13 attributed to Paul, plus Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude.

    What is the difference between an epistle and a letter?

    Technically, scholars distinguish between a personal letter (private correspondence) and an epistle (a more formal, literary composition intended for a wider audience). Most New Testament letters combine both elements.

    What is the Greek word for "Epistle" in the Bible?

    ἐπιστολή (epistolē), pronounced "eh-pis-toh-LAY." It means a formal letter — especially the apostolic letters in the new testament. It is the word behind "Epistle" in the New Testament, for example in 2 Peter 3:16.

    What does "Epistle" mean in the Bible?

    A formal letter — especially the apostolic letters in the New Testament. The underlying Greek word is ἐπιστολή (epistolē) ("eh-pis-toh-LAY"). Epistolē means 'letter' or 'written message' and refers to the 21 letters in the New Testament written by apostles to churches and individuals, forming the bulk of Christian theology.

    Related Words

    Canon
    Apostle
    Didache

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    Word Meaning

    Epistle (ἐπιστολή (epistolē))

    A formal letter — especially the apostolic letters in the New Testament.

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