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Epistles

The New Testament Epistles are 21 letters from apostles and early church leaders to congregations and saints. If the Gospels witness Christ’s coming and salvation, the Epistles teach how to apply that gospel in doctrine, sanctification, church life, and pastoral care.

Background of writing

  • Pauline letters (9) — From Romans to 2 Thessalonians: core gospel doctrine, the church, sanctification, and hope of the Lord’s coming.
  • Pastoral and personal letters (4) — 1–2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon: forming pastors, church order, and personal appeal.
  • General epistles (8) — Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude: truth, love, and enduring faith for saints in many settings.
  • Date — Written c. AD 50–90 as the early church formed and spread, addressed to churches across the Roman Empire.

Purpose of writing

  • They establish doctrinally the gospel of salvation by Christ’s death and resurrection, and make clear justification by faith.
  • They guide saints to apply life in the Spirit, church order and service, pastoral care and discipleship.
  • In trial, heresy, and persecution they call saints to keep the truth, love one another, and hold heaven’s hope with enduring faith.

Browse the 21 letters by group below and choose a book’s expositions. The series for Romans through Jude are for members.

Pauline epistles 9 books

Pastoral and personal letters 4 books

General epistles 8 books