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Epistle
01
any of the letters in the New Testament, written by the apostles
What is an "epistle"?
An epistle is a letter written by an apostle, who is one of the early leaders and followers of Jesus Christ, to Christian communities or individuals. These letters offer teachings, guidance, and encouragement on matters of faith, conduct, and theology. They address specific issues faced by the recipients and provide insight into Christian beliefs and practices, helping to shape the teachings and organization of the early church.
Examples
Paul 's epistle to the Romans is a foundational text in Christian theology.
The epistle of Peter encourages believers facing persecution.
02
a formal letter that conveys a specific message or imparts knowledge or wisdom
Examples
Voltaire was a prolific writer of philosophical epistles on topics like religion, morality and politics during the Enlightenment period.
Scholars debate whether the apocryphal Epistles of Hippocrates truly contain correspondence from the famous ancient Greek physician.
