Reading the Bible: The New Testament Epistles (Letters)

Introduction

This section of the Reading the Bible Series focuses on the Epistles of the New Testament. For those who are unfamiliar with the Bible or are just beginning their study of the Scriptures, a brief background introduction is necessary. The Bible is divided into two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament consists of 39 books documenting biblical history from “creation” to the ministry of the prophet Malachi, which was 400 years before Christ. The New Testament begins with the birth of Christ and ends with the book of Revelation, which consists of the end-times prophecy written by the Apostle John, and it is composed of 27 books written by 9 different authors, including the author of Hebrews whose identity remains uncertain. The Epistles comprise the largest group with 21 books, followed by the Gospels with 4 books, and then the 2 other books (Acts and Revelation), for a total of 27 books. These books testify to the good news of salvation through Christ and His teachings.

As you read through the New Testament, remember that the Bible is a complete unit which includes both the Old and New Testaments. The New Testament can be best understood as the second part of a two-part series which gives new revelation from God which was given by Christ, the Son of God. Understand the New Testament as the continuation and completion of the Old Testament, therefore read it in that context so that you understand it in the sense that it was written. As you read it, consider that it was written to the people of 1st century Israel, but the truths of the gospel as inspired by the Holy Spirit also apply to all persons and in all times.

The New Testament books are grouped into the categories of Gospels, Epistles, and the books of Acts and Revelation, which are separate categories. The Gospels document the birth, life, and earthly ministry of Christ. The book of Acts functions as a link between the period of the Gospels and the writing of the Epistles. The book of Acts is classified as historical narrative as it documents the events following the death of Christ and the establishment of the Church. The Epistles are the letters of Christ’s apostles and followers to the members of the newly formed Church which explain the meaning of the ministry of Christ and His teachings. For beginning students reading the New Testament, they can better understand the categories in the following manner–The Gospels tell the story of Christ, the book of Acts gives the account of the events following the death of Christ, the Epistles explain the meaning of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, and the book of Revelation is the conclusion which gives future prophecy for the end-times.

Epistles

Fundamentally, the Epistles are letters that were a written form of communication between the early Church leaders and the new churches. The Epistle differs from a personal letter because it was meant to be read in public, and was written for a group of people. The Epistles often contained personal greetings and notifications, but the majority of the content is intended for teaching and encouragement. The example shown above, (3John 1-6), demonstrates the personal aspect of an Epistle as John expresses his concern for the welfare of the letter recipient and for the rest of the brethren. Following the death of Christ, the early church began its development and growth. The responsibility for the leadership and instruction of the Church fell to the apostles and the Church leaders appointed by Christ. With this divine appointment, the Apostles and Church leaders possessed a special authority over the Church. They quickly began expanding the new-born Church through missionary journeys, and by the preaching of the Gospel. As new churches were established and leaders were selected to oversee them, there was a need to maintain communication with these churches to direct the proper teaching of doctrine in them–This need was met by the use of the Epistle. The Apostle Paul is the best example of how the Epistles were used to direct the growing church through his letters. They displayed his concern for the church, encouragement for the members, and instruction in proper doctrine as taught by Christ. For a better understanding, the below definition by the theologian Louis Berkhof is provided.

Epistles– the letters which the apostles, under the promptings of inspiration, wrote to churches and individuals, and which are included in the Canon of the New Testament Scriptures. Although they were primarily designed for rebuke, instruction, guidance, and encouragement of those to whom they were addressed, they yet are adapted to all churches and Christians through all time. They are especially rich in the statement of doctrine and the outline of duty.

Berkhof, L. (1915). New Testament Introduction

The primary purpose of the Epistles is to pass on the teachings that the apostles received from Jesus and to make sure that these truths were taught to all members of the Church and preserved for all future generations. These letters have been officially recognized by the Church as authoritative and divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit for the Church to obey and to teach. The Epistles have a dominant role in the New Testament, because they are rich in the theology of the faith. They include teachings on church operations, Christian conduct, and the doctrines that set the boundaries for what the Church believes. The Epistles of Paul are specifically focused on doctrines such as; salvation, justification, sanctification, and faith. The authors of the Epistles took the teachings that they were given by Jesus and presented them with greater explanation and direction. The teachings of Jesus were preserved in written form and gathered together in these authoritative texts for the education of the Church. These authoritative letters of the apostles including James, and Jude, (the brothers of Jesus), which ascended to the level of Scripture as determined by the Holy Spirit, were read and shared by the various churches throughout the regions of the early missionary era, “After this letter has been read at your gathering, have it read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea,” (Col. 4:16). They were gathered together, copied, and were considered as Scripture even before the time of the Church councils which later determined the official Canon of Scripture.

In addition to teaching proper doctrine, the Epistles gave instruction on applying the doctrines to the life of the believer. This is comparable to the work of a church pastor where his sermons teach the doctrines of the faith, and he then applies them to the lives of his congregation so that they can live rightly according to the Scriptures. The Epistles function as a guidebook for the shepherd of each flock for saving the lost and for directing their spiritual growth, “Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus,” (1Thes. 4:1-2).

Pauline, Pastoral, and General Epistles

The Epistles of the Bible are divided into two classes, the Pauline Epistles and the General Epistles. The letters of Paul comprise the largest class with thirteen. The General Epistles include the letters of James and Jude, (the brothers of Jesus), the Apostle John, the Apostle Peter, and Hebrews for a total of eight. The Pauline Epistles are further divided between the letters to the churches, and the letters to individuals, (Timothy, Titus, and Philemon). The letters to Timothy and Titus are referred to as the Pastoral Epistles because they provide instructions for the pastoral duties and operations of a church.

Pauline Epistles	General Epistles
Romans	James
1st & 2nd Corinthians	1st & 2nd Peter
Galatians	1st, 2nd, & 3rd John
Ephesians	Jude
Philippians	Hebrews
Colossians
1st & 2nd Thessalonians
1st & 2nd Timothy
Titus
Philemon

The Authors

• The Apostle Paul– The Apostle Paul was known as “Saul of Tarsus” before he was converted by Christ. He was a zealous Jew and Pharisee who was highly educated in the Torah and the traditions of Judaism. He persecuted the early Christian Church but later became one of its greatest contributors, writing a great amount of the New Testament. His letters and teaching established much of Christian doctrine that is considered essential truths of the faith.
• The Apostle Peter– Peter was one of earliest apostles chosen by Jesus to follow Him. He was considered as a leader among the group and served as their spokesperson. He proudly proclaimed his loyalty to Jesus but later denied Him during His arrest and trial. After His death, Peter was strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and he boldly preached Christ despite extreme persecution.
• The Apostle John– John was known as the “beloved apostle” because of his close relationship to Jesus. According to tradition, John was the only apostle who was not murdered for being a follower of Christ. He did however suffer persecution and was exiled on the island of Patmos where he wrote the prophetic book of Revelation.
• James, the brother of Jesus– James and Jude were the sons of Joseph and Mary, and the half-brothers of Jesus, “Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary, and His brothers, James and Joseph and Simon and Judas?” (Matt. 13:55). James became an apostle of Christ following His resurrection, and a leader in the Jerusalem church. He was also martyred because of his refusal to deny Christ.
• Jude, the brother of Jesus– Jude is the brother of James and also the half-brother of Jesus. James and Jude did not believe that their brother was the Messiah until Jesus appeared to James following His resurrection, (1Cor. 15:7).

The Churches

The Epistles of Paul were written to certain churches to direct them with proper doctrine as they experienced issues and controversies as they grew in maturity. Paul sent his letters to these churches through trusted couriers such as Timothy, Epaphroditus, and Sylvanus. It is through the exchange of these letters that Paul was made aware of conditions within each church. Paul’s letters to these seven churches comprise ten of his Epistles as some churches received more than one letter, such as Corinth and Thessalonica. The churches and their issues which were addressed by Paul are presented below.

• Rome– Rome, the capital of the great Roman Empire was filled with government officials and soldiers who were often hostile to Christianity. The church there had to be on constant guard against persecution from the government. There were divisions in the church between Jewish and Gentile believers due to the separate communities operating independently of each other. False teachers were also causing disruptions.
• Corinth– The city of Corinth was a pagan society known for its sexual depravity and corruption. The converts to Christianity from this city continued in their immoral and corrupts ways after conversion which the church there had to correct. This was displayed in a case of incest occurring in the church which was ignored by church leaders instead of being condemned. Differing factions in the church favored one leader over the others instead of uniting and following only Christ.
• Ephesus– The church of Ephesus experienced serious problems with legalism caused by false teachers which forced Paul to send Timothy there to correct the problem. The city of Ephesus was a major center of cult worship which included sorcery and magic which created conflict with the church which opposed them. There were also serious sin issues among the church members concerning greed, anger, and immorality which Paul addresses in his letter to the church.
• Galatia– Some of the Jewish-Christian teachers there who were called the Judaizers were teaching doctrines that opposed the teachings of Paul. They were attempting to impose the requirements of the Mosaic Law upon the Gentile converts which the Church did not require and which Paul taught against. These teachings created conflicts within the church.
• Thessalonica– This church had been neglected with the proper teaching of the faith which caused many disputes and confusion. Pagan influences in the city were the source of sexual immorality which affected the church. The church also suffered the attempts of the Jewish enemies of Paul who attacked his reputation and accused him of greed and improper behavior.
• Philippi– The church of Philippi struggled with poverty and the infiltration of false teachers who were teaching legalism. These were the same Judaizers who were spreading false teachings in the church of Galatia. Another problem for the church was the attitude of conceit that seemed to be present among the members there which was the source of many conflicts and rivalries.
• Colosse– A philosophy known as Gnosticism made its way into the church and formed many false beliefs. One its beliefs was that there were secret teachings of the faith that were only accessible to a privileged few. The church also dealt with a group of Gentile Christians who advanced a belief in mysticism which taught that Christ was a higher being, but was not God.

Note on the Judaizers– The Judaizers taught salvation through a combination of faith and works, insisting that trust in Christ’s death alone was insufficient for eternal life. This represents a fundamental departure from Paul’s understanding of justification. These Jewish Christians sought to persuade Paul’s Gentile converts to embrace the entire Mosaic Law, including circumcision. Their strategy was calculated: they advocated the traditional Jewish proselyte model by requiring Gentile Christians to attach themselves to ethnic Israel.

The Letters

The Epistles are arranged in the Bible according to their length and not by their importance, or by the chronological order that they were written. They begin with the letters of Paul starting with the longest, Romans, and ending with the shortest, Philemon. Then another order begins with the General Epistles; beginning with the longest, Hebrews, and ending with shortest, Jude. Provided below are each Epistle with a brief overview and a key text.

• Romans– Background and Purpose: Paul longed to visit the Christians in Rome, the capital of the known world. This letter prepares the way for his visit. It is probable that some people had been criticizing his teaching. This gave him the opportunity to put down a summary of the good news about Jesus in greater detail than anywhere else in the New Testament. Included in this discussion are statements on righteousness and how it is obtained, God’s justification and what makes it possible, holiness and how God accomplishes it in the lives of his people, Israel’s rejection of the Messiah and its meaning for Jew and non-Jew. The last five chapters are an encouragement to live the Christian life. Key Text– “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.” (Rom. 1:16-17)
• 1st Corinthians– Background and Purpose: 1 Corinthians is like listening to only one end of telephone conversation. It answers the following questions: • How should we view church leaders? • How should church discipline be carried out? • Is it right for a Christian to take a fellow Christian to court? • What does it mean to be free as a Christian? • What are the spiritual gifts and which are the most important ones? • What happens after we die? Key Text– “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1Cor. 15:58)
• 2nd Corinthians– Background and Purpose: False apostles had moved in among the Christians at Corinth (11:12–15). These “super-apostles” (11:5), taught a different gospel (11:12–15), and defied Paul’s authority. The Christians at Corinth had, or were on the verge of, changing their minds about Paul. Paul wrote 2 Corinthians to tell them just how much this change of mind meant to him. His letter warns them not to be too harsh with his opponents (2:5–11); not to be closely linked with unbelievers (6:14); to give generously to the collection of money being made for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (8–9); how to deal with false teachers (11:1–6); and concludes with Paul’s happiness that the Corinthians have stopped following false teachers (11:12–15). Key Text– “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” (2Cor. 12:9)
• Galatians– Background and Purpose: Galatians has been called the “Magna Charter of Christian freedom,” as it has freed countless Christians, notably Martin Luther, from various forms of outward observance which have endangered the freedom of the gospel. Paul knew what it was to live under the law and he saw that the gospel of grace was at stake if the new Christians tried to fulfil the requirements of the Mosaic Law. So, with great passion, he wrote this, his most “severe” letter to the Christians at Galatia. Paul’s purpose is to counteract the false teaching that was blending Jewish rituals and the Christian faith. Paul urges the Galatians to remain in the freedom they have in Christ but also cautions against the abuse of this freedom. Key Text– “nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Gal. 2:16)
• Ephesians– Background and Purpose: Chapters 1–3 list the believer’s heavenly possessions: adoption, citizenship, grace, inheritance, life, power and redemption. Chapters 4–6 have 35 directives which instruct the believer about living the Christian life. Paul made at least three visits to Ephesus, and lived there for three years teaching the new Christians and laying a firm spiritual foundation. Perhaps that is why this book does not address any specific error or false doctrine. Rather, the letter to the Ephesians was intended to strengthen the Church and to make Christians more conscious of their unity in Christ. Key Text– “so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord,” (Eph. 3:10-11)
• Philippians– Background and Purpose: Paul had been used by God to found the church at Philippi (Acts 16:11–40), and his special love for that church is evident in this letter. They were more sensitive and responsive to his financial needs than any other church (4:15–18). Paul tells them the latest news about his imprisonment (1:12–20). He also takes the opportunity in chapter 3 to warn them about the legalists (Judaizers) and the antinomians (against all laws) who wanted to throw all restraints overboard. Key Text– “that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death;” (Phil. 3:10)
• Colossians– Background and Purpose: Paul wrote this letter because he heard that heresy was being taught in this church and he felt he had to correct it. One can only deduce the exact nature of the heresy from the way Paul refuted it in (2:8–23). This false teaching held unchristian views on: • Asceticism (2:21). • Angel worship (2:18). • Human wisdom and tradition (2:4, 8). • Secret knowledge, which the Gnostics boasted about (2:2–3, 18). Key Text– “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” (Col. 1:18)
• 1st Thessalonians– Background and Purpose: Paul and Silas founded the Christian church in the city of Thessalonica, the capital of Macedonia on Paul’s second missionary journey. Paul is anxious to learn how these new Christians are progressing in their Christian lives. The apostle spares them complex doctrine and writes to encourage them. He speaks of the second coming of Jesus as: • An inspiration for new Christians (1:10). • A stimulus for Christians to serve God (2:19). • A comfort for bereaved Christians (4:18). • An incentive for holy living (5:23). Key Text– “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.” (1Thess. 4:16-17).
• 2nd Thessalonians– Background and Purpose: In this letter, Paul writes to encourage the Christians at Thessalonica to withstand persecution and not to give up earning a living. He also corrects some false notions they entertained about Jesus’ return. Paul dictated this letter wanting to make quite sure that any other letter purporting to be from him would not deceive anyone. So he ends by writing: “I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write” (3:17). Key Text– “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.” (2Thess. 2:15)
• 1st Timothy– Background and Purpose: During his fourth missionary journey Paul had “urged” Timothy to “stay there in Ephesus so that” he might “command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer” (1:3). Paul feared that he might be “delayed” in visiting Timothy and so wrote “these instructions” (3:14–15) to help him silence false teachers (1:3–7; 4:1–8; 6:3–5, 20–21), and to organize church worship and the appointment of the right sort of church leaders (3:1–13; 5:17–25). Key Text– “But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” (1Tim. 6:11)
• 2nd Timothy– Background and Purpose: Paul is facing martyrdom. This letter is made up mostly of personal advice to Timothy. Timothy is told to endure and continue as a faithful witness to Jesus and to keep a good grip on the teaching of the Gospel and of the Old Testament. He is to work as a teacher and an evangelist despite all opposition. Key Text– “The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” (2Tim. 2:2)
• Titus– Background and Purpose: This letter was probably written at the same time and from the same place as 1 Timothy. Titus became a follower of Jesus through Paul, so Paul starts this letter: “To Titus, my true son in our common faith” (1:4). Paul had left Titus in Crete to “straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town” (1:5). Paul’s letter is crammed with practical advice and warnings about how to deal with false teachers. Key Text– “But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.” (Titus 2:1)
• Philemon– Background and Purpose: When Tychicus arrived in Colossae he came with a letter to the Christians there, as well as with this letter to Philemon, who lived in Colossae. Tychicus also brought Onesimus with him, “Tychicus will tell you all the news about me.… He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you,” (Col. 4:7, 9). Onesimus was a runaway slave. He found Paul in prison and became a Christian, probably with the help of Paul, as Paul calls him “my son Onesimus” in v.10. Now Paul is sending Onesimus back to his owner, Philemon. Paul hopes that this letter will enable Philemon to receive Onesimus back, “no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother” (16). Key Text– “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.” (Phil. 16)
• Hebrews– Background and Purpose: The book was addressed to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and were being tempted to compromise their faith and return to the practices of Judaism. The author warns them against regarding Christianity as merely an offshoot of Judaism and encourages them to persevere in their faith. The authorship of Hebrews remains a mystery inasmuch as no direct identification is possible within the book. Traditionally, Paul has been credited as the author. Other suggested authors are Luke, Barnabas and Apollos. Key Text– “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world. And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:1-3)
• James– Background and Purpose: James is full of practical advice about Christian conduct. • For Christians under pressure (see 1:2–4) • For wealthy Christians (see 1:9–11, 5:1–6) • As church members (see 2:1–9) The letter emphasizes practical Christianity and often echoes Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). Key Text– “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26)
• 1st Peter– Background and Purpose: Peter gives his readers practical advice about how to react as they endure undeserved suffering. They are to stand firm. Peter bases his teaching on the example set by Jesus towards such suffering. Peter wanted to overcome any attitude of bitterness and anxiety with an attitude of dependence on and confidence in God. Peter’s words are to remind Christians of their conversion, the privileges they have in Christ, and the holy lives they are to live. Key Text– “but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.” (1Pet. 4:13)
• 2nd Peter– Background and Purpose: This letter has been called Peter’s “swan song”, as he left this letter to guide those who would carry on after his death: “I think it right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside …” (1:13–14). Peter writes to help with three great problems facing his readers: 1). the temptation to become complacent and sit back; 2). vicious false teaching from people who were “like brute beasts, creatures of instinct” (2:12) 3). cynicism about the delay in Jesus’ return. Key Text– “Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.” (2Pet. 1:12)
• 1st John– Background and Purpose for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John: The elderly John wrote these fatherly letters out of loving concern for his “children,” whose steadfastness in the truth was being threatened by the lure of worldliness and the deceit of false teachers. Key Text– “what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.” (1John 1:3)
• 2nd John– Key Text– “Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.” (2John 8)
• 3rd John– Key Text– “Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.” (3John 8)
• Jude– Background and Purpose: Jude warned his readers against the evil people who were trying to use the gospel for their own ends. Jude told them that it was important that they defended the gospel. Jude ends his letter with a series of practical exhortations aimed to strengthen their Christian lives. Key Text– “Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.” (Jude 3)

*Background and Purpose information from—Water, M. (2001). “The Books of the Bible made easy.” John Hunt Publishing.

Closing Thoughts

The Scriptures are filled with life transforming wisdom and Godly instruction on how to best live life in this world. Christ came into the world to redeem the sinner from the penalty of death and to reveal His love for those that are His through His suffering and death on the cross; “But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” (Titus 3:4-6). This verse of Scripture is from Paul’s Epistle to Titus. This is an example of the richness of the instructions found in the Epistles of the New Testament. The authors of the Epistles were inspired by the Holy Spirit to explain and expand on the teachings of Christ for all of the generations of mankind. These Epistles have been preserved in the pages of God’s Word for our edification and encouragement. Let us thank and glorify God by reading the words that He has bestowed upon us through His Holy Spirit!

Verses from the Epistles to Meditate On