Over a third of the New Testament is made up of letters. Here’s what the epistles are, who wrote them, and why they still matter.
What Are the Epistles in the Bible?
The epistles are the letters that make up most of the New Testament, written by apostles and early church leaders to specific churches, groups, or individuals. “Epistle” simply means “letter.” They address real, specific situations, questions, and problems in the early church, which is part of why they read so personally even today.
Pauline vs. General Epistles
The epistles are usually grouped two ways:
- Pauline Epistles — letters written by the apostle Paul, including Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
- General (or Catholic) Epistles — letters written by other apostles and leaders, including Hebrews, James, 1-2 Peter, 1-3 John, and Jude.
Why the Epistles Matter
The Gospels record what Jesus did and taught. The epistles work out what that means for how a Christian actually lives, day to day, in community with other believers. They cover doctrine, but also practical matters: how to handle conflict, how to treat each other, how to endure hardship, and how to hold onto faith when it’s hard. That practical, pastoral tone is part of why they’ve remained so widely read.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many epistles are in the Bible?
There are 21 epistles in the New Testament: 13 traditionally attributed to Paul (14 if Hebrews is included, though its authorship is debated), and 8 general epistles.
What’s the difference between an epistle and a Gospel?
A Gospel is a narrative account of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection. An epistle is a letter written afterward, applying that story to the life of the early church.
Related Bible Topics
Questions to Ask When Reading the Bible | Contend | Purpose
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