The word epistle comes from the Greek word (epistole) which means letter. The Epistles in the Bible are letters written from men of God to the Christians and Churches of that day. It is these letters that make up a majority of the New Testament, 21 of the 27 New Testament books to be exact. The Apostle Paul is responsible for writing 13 of the 21 epistles. Other writers of these letters include James, Peter, John, and Jude.
The word epistle can be found numerous times in the King James Version of the New Testament. Most other versions use the word “letter” instead of “epistle”.
(1 Thessalonians 5:27) I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. KJB
(2 Thessalonians 2:15) Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. KJB
The Pauline Epistles
Within these Pauline Epistles some of the books of the Bible are further categorized into the Prison Epistles (referring to letters written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome) and the Pastoral Epistles (letters sent to Timothy and Titus that included teachings and instructions for the early Church).
Romans – Paul’s letter to the Saints in Rome
(Romans 1:7) To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 and 2 Corinthians – Paul’s letters to the Church in Corinth
(1 Corinthians 1:2) To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ–their Lord and ours:
Galatians – Paul’s letter to the Churches of Galatia
(Galatians 1:2) All the brothers and sisters here join me in sending this letter to the churches of Galatia. NLT
Ephesians – Paul’s letter to the holy people in Ephesus (Prison Epistle)
(Ephesians 1:1) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:
Philippians – Paul’s letter to the holy people at Philippi (Prison Epistle)
(Philippians 1:1) Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
Colossians – Paul’s letter to the holy people in Colossae (Prison Epistle)
(Colossians 1:2) To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father.
1 and 2 Thessalonians – Paul’s letters to the Church of the Thessalonians
(1 Thessalonians 1:1) Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
1 and 2 Timothy – Paul’s letters to Timothy (Pastoral Epistles)
(1 Timothy 1:2) To Timothy my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Titus – Paul’s letter to Titus (Pastoral Epistle)
(Titus 1:4) To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.
Philemon – Paul’s letter to Philemon and the Church (Prison Epistle)
(Philemon 1:1-2) Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker, also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier–and to the church that meets in your home:
The General Epistles
Hebrews
Most scholars believe Paul is the author of Hebrews.
James – A letter from James to the Jewish believers
(James 1:1) This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”–Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings! NLT
1 Peter – A letter from Peter to God’s chosen people in Pontius, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia
(1 Peter 1:1) This letter is from Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. I am writing to God’s chosen people who are living as foreigners in the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
2 Peter – A letter from Peter to those who have received the same precious faith
(2 Peter 1:1) Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:
1,2,3 John – Letters from John
(2 John 1:1) This letter is from John, the elder. I am writing to the chosen lady and to her children, whom I love in the truth–as does everyone else who knows the truth NLT
(3 John 1:1) The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth.
Jude – A letter from Jude to those who have been called by God
(Jude 1:1) This letter is from Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James. I am writing to all who have been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. NLT
