The majority of the New Testament of the Bible is made up of epistles. “Epistle” is derived from the Greek word epistolé, which means “letter,” “message,” or “dispatch.”

 

Epistles are New Testament letters written by the apostles to congregations or individuals. Some, like the Epistle to the Ephesians, are addressed to churches in specific cities. All offer authoritative guidelines intended to assist other Christians in their Christian walk. They include topics such as how to be encouraged in times of adversity and how to live a pure, Christ-like life.

Here are the epistles included in the New Testament:

Romans: This was written by Paul to the church in Rome, systematically explaining the Gospel and its implications.

1 Corinthians: This letter was sent by Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth in order for them to repent of their numerous sins and for advice on how to navigate the particularly pagan society in which they lived.

2 Corinthians: Paul then commends the Corinthian church for their repentance while also reacting to accusations that he doesn’t care about them.

Galatians: This is Paul writing to the Galatian church, rebuking them for falling into false doctrine and reminding them that grace eliminates the necessity for legalism.

Ephesians: Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus about the need for Christian unity and how to achieve it.

Philippians: is Paul writing to the church in Philippi about finding joy in Christ and the freedom that comes from that new life?

Colossians: Paul advises the church at Colossae to reject pagan notions about Jesus that minimize his divinity, as well as directions on how to live healthily.

1 Thessalonians: Paul commending the church in Thessalonica for their great faith and telling them how to continue on that path.

2 Thessalonians follows up the previous letter with Paul encouraging the Thessalonian church to stand amidst persecution.

1 Timothy: is Paul writing to his disciple Timothy about how to avoid false teachings and operate a church well.

2 Timothy: is ostensibly written by Paul in his later years, now in jail and suffering, detailing all he’s achieved and warning Timothy about the end times.

Titus: is Paul writing to a disciple pastoring a church on Crete, advising him on how to pastor well.

Philemon: is Paul writing to a Christian called Philemon, informing him that he has met Philemon’s escaped slave Onesimus and requesting that Onesimus be treated like a brother when he returns.

Hebrews: reminds Christians who had initially practised Judaism why Christianity is a better covenant.

James: gives Jewish Christians “scattered abroad” practical principles on how to live for Christ.

1 Peter: tells Christians (living mostly in modern-day Turkey) to place their trust and hope in Christ, even amidst persecution.

2 Peter: tells Christians to watch out for scoffers and false prophets and affirms that Jesus will return soon.

1 John: reminds Christians that Jesus was both human and divine, citing the fact that the apostles saw and touched Jesus

2 John encourages “the chosen lady and her children” to practice Christian love and watch out for deceptive people.

3 John encourages a Christian named Gaius who was going through a church dispute.

Jude warns believers to watch out for false prophets.

The epistle is a unique type of communication in that it educates via the use of real-life circumstances and individuals. These letters are alive with Christian closeness, genuine people, and real circumstances, rather than a lengthy list of impersonal principles. These epistles are merely letters meant to train the early churches and their members. I recall reading a biography of a famous guy that was largely on letters he wrote to friends. So it is with the epistle of the Bible.

 

Determine Why the Epistle Was Written

Take a moment to think about your favourite epistle. Do you know what historical event prompted it to be written? If not, reading the letter while researching its historical context will provide you with a lot of knowledge. One of our responsibilities as interpreters is to evaluate the text in order to reproduce the setting. The Bible epistles are incidental records, which implies they were written in response to certain historical “occasions.”

1. The author: Who was he? What was his relation to the readers? Where and when did he write?

2. The readers: Who were they? What was their culture like? How did they come to know Christ? What was their spiritual condition? The hat was their physical circumstances? Why were they persecuted, poor, and so on?

3. The Occasion: Why was the letter written? Does the letter attack an error, answer a question, explain a doctrine, or correct a practice? Does the letter encourage or thank the believers? Does the author state a purpose or allude to specific events or persons that prompted his writing? When and where was the epistle written?

4. The Message: What was the central message or theme? How did the writer organize his message?

Besides studying the epistle itself, we can often learn about the readers from other sources. If the letter is written to just one person, we can trace his name through a concordance by doing a character study. If it is a Pauline epistle to a church, we can go to the book of Acts or other Pauline letters for clues about the special needs of the group, Of course, any church will tend to be affected by and reflective of its culture. A historical study of the city, region, or nation the readers belong to will provide the additional necessary information.

A basic question to consider is whether the communication is a personal letter (1 and 2Timothy, Titus, 2nd and 3rd John) or a general epistle (Ephesians). If the document is a public epistle, a second question to ask is, “Does the letter systematically present a teaching?” (Romans and Hebrews), or “Is it written to a specific occasion?” (Galatians and 1Thessalonians). In either case, an examination of the background of the original readers is fundamental to accurate interpretation.

Although this kind of “detective work” is important to perform when studying any book, the “occasional” nature of the epistles makes it a must for their interpretation.

11 Explain what is meant by the expression that the epistles are “occasional” in nature.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Determine the Structure of the Epistle

The epistles generally have an apparent structure: each has an opening greeting, a body, and a closing. An example of the opening can be found in the first one to three verses of any epistle except Hebrews. This greeting can be as simple as the name of the writer and recipients, or it can be enlarged to include thanksgiving to God for the readers and/or a prayer for them.

Generally, the more personal the letter the more developed this greeting. James’ understanding of the interpreter. In it are found clues to the purpose of the book and the spiritual condition of the readers. Paul generally begins his prayer with thanksgiving to God for the positive aspects of the readers “faith; then he petitions God to reinforce the readers in a specific area of need.

The body of the letter contains the core of the teaching and an application of that teaching. Some letters, such as Hebrews and James, interweave the teaching and application. Other epistles distinctively separate the doctrinal truth from the practical application. The bridge between these two is often an exhortation to apply the truth to practical living. Here are some examples:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:1)

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1).

One very common characteristic is to end the body of the letter with a list of short, often disjointed, exhortations, written in almost a proverbial form. These exhortations tell much about the spiritual needs of the readers and describe the historical situation in which the letter was written. Looking at this list, it is not hard to imagine some of the problems in Thessalonica.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, to warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1Thessalonians 5:12-14).

The closing is often made up of a list of greetings, final exhortations, and/or a final doxology. Paul usually mentions his future travelling plans in his letters as well. Again, the closing has value beyond its direct instruction. It can be examined for a greater understanding of the author, the readers and the occasion that called for it.

Determine The Structure Of The Epistle

The epistles generally have an apparent structure: each has an opening greeting, a body, and a closing. An example of the opening can be found in the first one to three verses of any epistle except Hebrews. This greeting can be as simple as the name of the writer and recipients, or it can be enlarged to include thanksgiving to God for the readers and/or a prayer for them.

Generally, the more personal the letter the more developed this greeting. James’ greeting to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations is summed up in one verse. Paul’s letter to the beloved Philippians church has a greeting eleven verses long, including a word of praise and a prayer for their spiritual progress.

When a prayer follows the opening greeting, this prayer is a rich source of understanding for the interpreter. In it are found clues to the purpose of the book and the spiritual condition of the readers. Paul generally begins his prayer with thanksgiving to God of the positive aspects of the reader’s faith; then he petitions God to reinforce the readers in a specific area of need.

The body of the letter contains the core of the teaching and an application of that teaching. Some letters, such as Hebrews and James, interweave the teaching and application. Other epistles distinctively separate the doctrinal truth from the practical application. The bridge between these two is often an exhortation to apply the truth to practical living. Here are some examples:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—which is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1).

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received (Ephesians 4:!).

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1).

One very common characteristic is to end the body of the letter with a list of short, often disjointed, exhortations, written in almost a proverbial form. These exhortations tell much about the spiritual needs of the readers and describe the historical situation in which the letter was written. Looking at this list, it is not hard to imagine some of the problems in Thessalonica.

Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, to warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1Thessalonians 5:12-14).

The closing is often made up of a list of greetings, final exhortations, and/or a final doxology. Paul often mentions his future travelling plans in his letters as well. Again, the closing has value beyond its direct instruction. It can be examined for a greater understanding of the author, the readers, and the occasion that called for it.

In the letter to the Colossians, for example, the closing tells us that Archippus the minister Paul addresses in Philemon 2, is part of the Colossian church (4:17). It also tells us that Onesimus is being sent to the church (4:9). This leads us to assume that Philemon is a member of the Colossian church which in fact, may have met in his home (see Philemon 2). Finally, we learn that Paul is writing from prison (4:18).

 

The three parts of an epistle and its subsections can be outlined like this:

I. OPENING GREETING

1. The writer identifies self and greets readers

2. The prayer and/or praise for the readers

II. BODY

3. The doctrine (teaching, correction)

4. The exhortation (practical application)

111. CLOSING

5. Travel plans final greetings blessing.

 

12 Circle the letter preceding each TRUE statement.

1. a. in a common Bible epistle the prayer for the readers comes at the very end of the letter
2. b. in most Bible epistles the exhortation follows immediately after the doctrinal teaching.
3. c. In Paul’s epistles his future travel plans are generally found in the “opening greeting” of the letter.
4. d. The prayer/praise portion of an epistle generally gives an overview of the contents of the letter.

Translate the Epistle into Principles

The epistles like letters today are not treatises on a given topic. (Only Romans and Hebrews come close to this.) Instead, the epistle is like a sermon, written directly to actual people to meet their personal needs. We learn from them indirectly as the instructions to the original readers are translated into principles for our own living.

In finding these principles we face two major challenges. First, as we mentioned, “epistles are one-sided conversations. Understanding them clearly depends on understanding the “occasion” that caused them to be written and knowing what the letter meant to the original readers.

Second, determining how the particulars cited in the letter parallel our own lives is an additional challenge.

These parallels come in two forms. First, the instructions given to the original reader relate to universal issues such as morals and faith and are directly applicable. The lists of sins and graces fall into this category (Romans 1:19-32, 1Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-23). When Paul speaks of avoiding fornication or reacting in kindness, these are directly applicable to us.

At other times the epistle gives us a “case study” which we are to see as “historically or culturally specific” applications of a principle rather than the principle itself. An example would be listening to another person give testimony of conversion. The details are very personal and do not parallel my own, but I can see many comparable truths that parallel my own life.

In the same way, when Paul speaks to the Colossians about the worship of angels or to the Corinthians about eating food offered to idols, neither problem may be directly relevant to me. There are, however, fundamental truths taught that do apply to me. The illustration of worshipping angels is an example of not praying through intercessors (alive or dead). Eating meat offered to idols teaches us the principles of avoiding potentially compromising situations and of the priority of my brother’s spiritual state over my own exercise of freedom.

Most of the time it is clear whether a detail is cultural or personal rather than universal. When Paul speaks of “slaves” being good workers, the parallel to modern employees are natural. Sometimes, however, these parallels are not clear. In fact, many of the church’s centuries-old conflicts revolve around the issue of whether an epistle teaches a principle directly or simply refers to a local problem that merely illustrates a deeper truth. Here are some examples:

1. Does Paul’s command for women to keep silent in the church relate to a local problem? If so, is it an example of a principle of propriety in worship? Or is it a rule condemning women from teaching the Bible?

2. Does Paul’s command for women to use a head covering require all women to wear a covering when they pray? Or is this a culturally limited example that teaches a submissive attitude?

3. Does Paul exhort all ministers to drink wine? Or is this an example of the need to maintain one’s health?

The answers to these questions and dozens like them do not require us to consider some texts as inspired and others not. Rather, it is to consider some as directly applicable to our lives and others as the source of a principle behind historical particulars. Here are some rules for distinguishing between the two as suggested by Gordon Fee.

1. When in doubt ask yourself if the issue is inherently moral or cultural. Sometimes the Bible itself identifies issues that are not inherently evil but in certain cultural settings are used by the devil for evil. Examples are the eating of meat offered to idols, and women going without a veil.

2 When in doubt ask yourself if the issue I treated in other parts of the Bible, or if this is an isolated case. If isolated it is probably a culturally related application from which a principle is drawn.

3. When in doubt ask yourself, “If the text is culturally conditioned, what is the deeper truth that lies behind this text?” Then ask yourself, “How do I apply the truth in my life?” (1982, 60-62).

To illustrate this we can reflect on 1Corinthians 7, which deals with specific questions raised by the church. The questions deal with marriage, divorce, and family life. Note some of the counsel Paul recommends.

It is good for a man not to marry (v.1).

Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to say unmarried, as I am (v.8).

Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife (v.27).

From now on those who have wives should live as if they had none: those who mourn as if they did not those who buy something as if it were not theirs to keep (vv.29-30).

As you can imagine, it would be dangerous for the person seeking marriage counselling to open the Bible at random and let his finger drop on one of the foregoing verses “as the Spirit directs. “I would classify these admonitions as “historical specifics” that “indirectly” teach a greater principle. Notice that they treat an issue that is not an inherently moral issue (marriage), and they “appear” to contradict passages that advocate marriage and passages that command a man to love his wife as he loves his own body and as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25-29).

I believe the key is verse 26 of 1Corinthians 7 which says: “Because of the present crisis.” Paul is referring to a crisis situation, not a normal condition. These texts cannot be interpreted as being against marriage and the family because this is not what they meant to the original readers. On the other hand, we do learn that there are times when we need to give up legitimate personal rights for the sake of others. A man cannot think only of his own wife, home, and needs when the church is in extreme need. Marriage may need to be delayed for a more opportune time.

13 In Paul’s day a woman of good repute “always” wore a veil in public, but she was allowed to take it off at home. Since the Corinthian church met in homes, this rule was tested. The question was whether it was disrespectful for a woman at a prayer meeting in her home not to have her head covered. Now read 1Corinthians 11:13 and explain what this passage teaches.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Circle the letter preceding the best answer to each question.

1 When someone refers to descriptive and prescriptive details in a Bible story, he means that some of the details are

• a) Not important enough to be used for doctrine but can be used for personal application.
• b) Meant only to report what happened while others give a direct command for faith or ethics.
• c) Not given by God but added by the will of the author, however, other parts of the story are considered divinely inspired.
• d) Meant to have one historical meaning while others have dual meanings.

2 When the New Testament writers interpreted the Old Testament, they

• a) Tended to find a spiritual meaning that was completely unrelated to the historical meaning.
• b) Clearly identified when a story was to be taken as literal history and when it should be seen as a teaching myth.
• c) Seldom referred to strange miracles like a man being swallowed by a fish or a donkey talking.
• d) Always recorded the miracle as actual fact and personalities as real people.

3 The theory that a doctrine should not be based solely on a solitary event in the Bible means that

• a) Events like the resurrection of Christ should not be the basis of a doctrine
• b) The interpreter must have the divine explanation of a historical event to evaluate its doctrinal significance properly.
• c) The historical element of the Bible can be ignored when forming doctrinal statements of faith.
• d) Some parts of the Bible are less important than others and some are not totally inspired.

4 God’s command for Joshua to exterminate all of the Canaanites should be seen as

• a) Descriptive
• b) Normative
• c) Prescriptive
• d) Restrictive

5 The three major movements in the plot of a typical Bible story are: the protagonist has a

• a) Crisis, he prays or acts, the victory comes
• b) Need, God meets that need, and praise is given to God
• c) Test, he fails or passes the test, a lesson is taught
• d) Problem, he faces the problem, overcomes it or is overcome by it

6 When someone refers to elements of an epistle as being historically specific, he means that they

• a) Are not authoritative for modern readers since they reflect the biases of the writer’s culture
• b) Represent history and culture so they have no relevance at all to modern believers
• c) Are based on unique details of history and are not a direct pattern for believers’ lives today.

TRUE-FALSE. Write T in the blank space preceding each TRUE statement. Write F if it is FALSE.

……..7 A Bible story may teach many truths incidentally but only one central truth is intended by the author.

……..8 Each Old Testament story has two meanings; the historical and the spiritual

…….9 it can be said that all the stories of the Bible somehow contribute to our understanding of the grand story of the Bible.

ALTERNATE CHOICE. Read the question carefully and write your answer in the space preceding each numbered item.

10-14 Each statement below describes an aspect of historical narrative in the Bible

Write and if the statement describes an advantage of using the historical narrative to teach the truth

Write d if the statement describes a disadvantage of using the historical narrative to teach the truth

…….10 A historical narrative can give readers a real-life example of the proper expression or abuse of a doctrine.

…….11 Stories teach indirectly and therefore the truths they convey are often not clear

…….12 Events in a historical narrative are often recorded without comment that either approve or disapprove of the actions of the hero or heroine.

…….13 A story can motivate the reader to personalize a truth far more effectively than a direct statement of that same truth.

…….14 The historical element in the historical narratives ground biblical teaching in history.

SHORT ANSWER. Briefly answer the following questions.

15 When we say that an epistle is an “occasional document, “we mean that

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

16 The story of Esther does not mention God’s name directly. Think through the story and suggest how God is involved even though His name is not mentioned.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

17 Suggest a five-part outline that is common to most New Testament epistles, especially those written by Paul.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

18, In 2Corinthians 12:13 Paul reminds the Corinthian church that he did not receive payment for his ministry among them. If someone were to take this example as a “command” that all ministers should do church work without remuneration, how would you answer him?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Answer to study questions

7, It teaches that God’s people should know the righteous acts of the Lord and that they have a God of action who cares for His own.

1, Statements c and d are true

8, a. Verse 9

B, Verse 10

C, Verse 11-12

2, b) the record of an event must be complemented

9, “On the first day of the week” signals a time change

3, Statements a and d are true

10, Statements a, b, d, and f are true

C. No stories of the Bible are given merely to teach moral lessons. All have a greater purpose of revealing God’s nature and plan.

E. Each Old Testament story has only one meaning although many truths can be learned from one passage. There is never a spiritual meaning different from the literal one.

4, b) a simple record “occasional” means that each was written to respond to a specific historical circumstance. For this reason, understanding this circumstance is foundational to understanding the letter.

5, I’ve said, “No,” Your response may differ slightly but should include the same ideas. Just because the Bible does not directly condemn an action does not mean it is a pattern for us. This example is not supported by direct teaching in Scripture. It is also interesting to note that the requirement for leaders in the New Testament church is monogamy (1Timothy 3:2 and Titus 1:6).

12, Statements b and d are true

6, a. 2Temporal

B, 2Temporal

C, 2 Temporal

D, 1 Eternal. (This one is debatable. It is not a universal command to be a preacher, but it does illustrate a universal command to exhort one another in God’s Word)

E, 1 Eternal.

13, In my mind, the issues are respected, not clothes. The veil in itself is amoral, having nothing to do with submission or modesty in most modern cultures.

I SHALL STOP HERE FOR NOW, TILL THE NEXT UPDATE.

IF YOU TRULY WANT TO LEARN HOW TO BUILD MONEY-MAKING WEBSITES TO MAKE YOU RECURRENT PASSIVE INCOME, I AM SURE YOU NEED TO HEED TO MY ADVICE.

If you’ve been running about and thinking about leaving the online world as I did before coming into contact with WEALTHY AFFILIATE during black Friday. you’re darn lucky too, but only if you take action by starting immediately. Wealthy Affiliate (WA) is the greatest online platform to get started generating money online for free, even if you have no prior expertise. Build your WEBSITES, Build your FUNNELS, Use JAAXY KEYWORD Tool for free and Build your business today with SEO content and you will be able to swim on money tomorrow, just like many others in WA.

you truly want to learn any make-money skill online, JOIN HERE FOR FREE, Wealthy Affiliate is the place to be with maximum training and support if you want to build a successful business online. JOIN HERE NOW FOR FREE, and take a walkthrough. Wealthy Affiliate is no “SCAM” and is the place to be with all kinds of training and support. I am having success in my business while training with WA.

Thanks for visiting this site and please don’t leave without commenting below. May your God bless you real Good as you join this legit business platform and avoid SCAMS. CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OUT MY BLOG.

GODSPOWER STRONG aka “GODSTRONG