Bible Interpretation, Student Workbook, SW05

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B I B L E I N T E R P R E T A T I O N

e. The Law of Christ – Gal. 6.2; John 13.34-35

C. Epistles (letters) – Letters written by the Apostles to Christian churches to encourage the truths of the Gospel and resolve particular challenges they were facing in their setting and time

1. Epistles are the “heritage of all literature peoples” (cf. to the examples of them in the OT, e.g., 2 Sam. 11; 2 Kings 5; Isa. 37).

2. Balance between theological concern and personal and corporate need

3. Pauline epistles – Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thessalonians, Ephesians, Colossians, Romans, Hebrews(?), Philemon, Timothy, Titus

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4. Petrine epistles – 1 and 2 Peter

5. Johannine epistles – 1, 2, and 3 John

6. General epistles – James, Hebrews, Jude

Epistles are rhetorical (writing with a point), personal (given to people known), spiritual (highlighting key spiritual themes), doctrinal (dealing with theological issues), occasional (focused on addressing particular needs), and practical (aimed at challenging and encouraging believers in their walk with God and others).