Epistle

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An epistle (Greek επιστολη, epistolē, "letter") is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of persons, usually a letter and a very formal, often didactic and elegant one. The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles; those from Paul are known as Pauline epistles and the others as catholic or general epistles.

Form

In contrast to modern letters, epistles usually named the author at the very beginning, followed by the recipient (for example, see Philippians 1:1). The scribe (or more correctly, the amanuensis) who wrote down the letter may be named at the end of the epistle (e.g. Romans 16:22). In the absence of a postal system, the courier may also be named (e.g. Ephesians 6:21-22).

After the names of the author and recipient, Christian epistles often opened with the greeting, "Grace and peace to you." "Grace" was a common Hellenistic greeting, while "peace" (shalom) was the common Jewish greeting.

The content of the letter may be largely to establish theological points (as in many of Paul's epistles), to comfort in the face of persecution (for example, 1 Peter), or to exhort Christians to do good works (James).

Liturgical use

In the context of a liturgy, "epistle" may refer more specifically to a particular passage from a New Testament epistle that is scheduled to be read on a certain day or at a certain occasion.

In the Roman Catholic Mass and Anglican Communion, epistles are read between the Collect and the Gospel reading. The corresponding Gregorian chants have a special tone (tonus epistolae).

See also

• Pauline epistles
• General epistles
• Letter
• Epistolary novel, a novel written as a series of letters or similar writings

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