11 Important Reminders from the Introductions to the Epistles

Which Books Are Epistles and Which Ones Are Pastoral Letters?

It can be tricky at a casual glance to identify which books in the New Testament should be called the Epistles, since so many of them are technically letters. Even the Gospel of Luke begins with an acknowledgment to its intended recipient - Theophilus. The book of Revelation is addressed to seven churches, and not even all the letters written by Paul are considered “the Epistles.” So which books are historically considered canonical as Epistles, as opposed to something else that happens to be a letter?

11 Lessons from the Introductions to the Epistles

1. The Apostles Saw Themselves as Servants

All Christians should see themselves as servants who act in accordance with the will of their Father and Master, not venerating a person - another servant - nor thinking too much of themselves, willing to see themselves as servants for the Gospel.

2. Correctly Understanding Who Jesus Is, and God’s Truth, Is Important

The apostles regularly introduced their letters with clarifications about who Jesus is, God’s truth, and crucial doctrines. Some of these key doctrines include salvation through Jesus alone, that God is faithful and true, the process of sanctification, the testimony of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. This emphasis was in part because they were highlighting important tenets of the faith to new believers, people being persecuted who needed encouragement, and gentiles who didn’t have the foundation of the Scriptures.

3. We Should Always Greet One Another in Love, even if We Have Disagreements or Conflict

When Paul wrote the first letter to the Church in Corinth, they were supporting sinful behavior, still keeping to the Roman cultural divides, suing one another, having inappropriate sexual relationships, marginalizing poor believers, and engaging in several other prominent sins. Despite preparing to address these issues, Paul greeted them as fellow believers. He encouraged them to behave as the saints they were, rather than the sinners they used to be.

Faith Is Important

5. When We Are Saved, God Calls Us to Serve

Everyone can be used by God to serve the Gospel and their brothers and sisters, and once someone is saved, He does. He uses everyone uniquely. The epistle writers would emphasize their calling, focusing on the fact that God ordained their roles.

The Leadership Roles in the Church Are Important, but No More Important Than Everyone Else in the Church

7. All Believers Are Family

It Is Important to Pray for Grace and Peace for Brothers and Sisters in the Faith

9. Men and Women Have Roles in the Church

The writers of the Epistles often addressed men, but they do mention key women whom they knew, and speak about them with the same level of respect as they do the men.

10. Believers Will Suffer for the Sake of Christ

Christians Should Pray for One Another

Sources

Walvoord, John F. and Roy B. Zuck. The Bible Knowledge Commentary An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Old Testament and New Testament. United States of America: Victor Books, 1987.

Wilmington’s Guide to the Bible