UNDERSTANDING THE EPISTLES

Overview

Pauline Epistles (Paul’s Epistles)

The Pauline Epistles are Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.

Theological Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, and Galatians

Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon

Pastoral Epistles: 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus

Eschatological Epistles (related to end times): 1 & 2 Thessalonians

General Epistles

The General Epistles are Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter, James, Jude, and 1-3 John

The Authority of the Epistles

The Epistles are just as inspired by God and just as authoritative as the rest of Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

2 Peter 1:20–21 “knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

See 2 Peter 3:14-18...

The Purpose of the Epistles

Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

See Ephesians 4:11-16...

Acts 20:26–27 “Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all, for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.”

Tips For Reading

Ask good questions.

Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?

Who is writing? Who are they addressing? What is the purpose of the letter? What are the issues or problems being addressed? What are the main themes? Are there things I don’t understand? Are the issues being discussed addressed in other books/passages?

Investigate the background and context of the letter.

Do I need need to reference other Bible books? Do I need to refer to a good commentary or study Bible?

Read and become familiar with the whole Epistle.

Refer to parallel passages if needed.