In this series, we consider five distinct genres that are found within the sixty-six books of the Bible: Narrative History, Legal Documents, Letters, Poetry and Apocalyptic Literature. In this third article of the series, we will concentrate on Letters (“Epistles”).
At the outset of our study, it is worth mentioning that a few letters appear in the Old Testament. For example, Elijah’s letter to King Jehoram (2 Chronicles 21:12-15) and Artaxerxes’ letter to Ezra (Ezra 7:12-26). However, this article will concentrate on New Testament letters and what the diligent student of Scripture can learn from them.
Some twenty-one of the New Testament’s twenty-seven books are letters. In addition, the Book of Revelation contains seven letters that the Lord Jesus sent via His angel to churches in the Roman province of Asia. Whilst there are far more letters within the New Testament than any other kind of literature, many of them are short, so the Epistles take up only about thirty-five percent of New Testament content.
As in the study of any historical document, asking a few basic questions before undertaking an in-depth study is very important. In particular, we should seek to ascertain, where possible, information about the author, his readers, and the purpose for which he wrote.
Most New Testament Epistles are written by apostles. We can therefore safely assume that they are an accurate reflection of earlier oral teaching which was collectively known as “the apostles’ doctrine” (Acts 2:42). This does not mean that any letter written by someone outside of the apostolic circle (for example, see Jude 1:17) is of lesser authority, however. Given that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”, (2 Timothy 3:16), it is ultimately the Holy Spirit Himself who brings the message to us.
The apostle Paul is by far the most prolific of the New Testament letter writers, accounting for thirteen of the twenty-one Epistles. John accounts for three, Peter for two, while James and Jude contribute one each. Despite it having been credited to Paul for centuries, there is no definitive evidence to say that he was the writer of Hebrews. Barnabas and Apollos have both been suggested as possible authors, but we have no way of knowing for sure.
Recipients of these Letters range from individual Christians to local churches and wider clusters of churches. When studying the Epistles, it is helpful to learn about the original readership (where this is possible) as this sheds light upon the emphases we find in each one. For example, knowing that the Epistle to the Hebrews was written to an entirely Jewish readership helps explain its frequent use of the Old Testament. Digging even deeper to ascertain the circumstances in which the believers found themselves during that time enables today’s reader to better understand the emphasis upon persevering faith found throughout.
However, it is clear that these letters were always intended to have a wider readership. In his second Letter, a comment by the Apostle Peter demonstrates that he already regarded the work of the Apostle Paul to be authoritative Scripture and thus of benefit to believers everywhere (2 Peter 3:15-16). Additionally, Paul instructed that the Letter he wrote to the church at Colossae should also be read to the Laodicean Assembly of believers (Colossians 4:16). Being part of the divinely-inspired Word of God, the doctrines expounded in the New Testament Epistles and the practical issues arising from such teaching are relevant to believers of every era and cultural background.
Careful contemplation of the purpose for which each letter was written is another important way that the student of Scripture can better understand the core message of a biblical letter. By understanding what the author wished to convey to his fellow Christians, modern-day disciples are better able to appreciate what the Holy Spirit might be saying to them.
Indeed, it is imperative that we work hard to understand how the teaching contained within this literary genre applies to our day-to-day lives. As well as restating core tenets of the gospel message, there is much which builds upon that foundation, so that disciples of the Lord Jesus know exactly how to live out the values of the gospel in a hostile world.
Firstly, in the Epistles we have instructions regarding personal conduct; believers are taught key principles regarding holiness and righteousness which are just as relevant now as they were during the First Century.
Additionally, the Epistles teach us about life in community. There are instructions regarding family life, including the responsibilities of husbands, wives and children within the Christian household. However, there is also much instruction for living within the wider community of God’s household, the church.
Admittedly, to reduce the Epistles to a mere “rule-book for church” would be to do them a great disservice. Nevertheless, there are timeless principles laid out in these letters which clearly show how God’s household should operate, regardless of the historical period in which we live or the prevailing culture of the outside world (see 1 Timothy 3:15).
A great example of the above is found in Colossians 3:23: “whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.” This exhortation should inspire all disciples to be diligent in their studies and conscientious at the workplace. Similarly, Paul’s words a few verses earlier, that we must “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17), are a reminder to Christians that we represent Him at all times and must moderate our behaviour accordingly.
However, as with all Scripture, the most important facet of the Epistles is to point us to Christ. Generally speaking, in the Gospels we see Christ in His humiliation and suffering, while the Epistles reveal Him in His glory and exaltation at the Father’s right hand. Our Lord is shown to be preeminent over the universe (e.g., Colossians 1:15-18) and high above every power and authority (e.g., Ephesians 1:20-23).
An appreciation of the above gives the believer confidence that a victorious life over sin is possible – because God’s power through Christ is far greater than any opposing force. Whilst the directives contained in the Epistles are far beyond our ability to carry out in our own strength, by “looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2), we receive everything that we need in order to run our own race “successfully”.
