The Epistles “Christ’s Message to the Churches”

The Apostles & Other Inspired Men Led by the Holy Spirit to Write Inspired Messages to God’s People Apostles promised special guidance- Matthew 10:19 ; Luke 21:15 They claimed it in their writings – 1 Corinthians 2:12,13; 2 Peter 3:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:16,17

Purpose of these Letters? Build up the church & bring to maturity – Ephesians 4:11-17; Colossians 2:6,7; Titus 1:5 Deal with Questions- 1 Corinthians 7:1 Warn of Apostasy – 1 Timothy 4:1- 3; Hebrews 3:12; 2 Peter 3:17; Jude 3

Who Wrote The Epistles? Paul wrote if you count Hebrews Peter wrote 2 General Epistles John wrote Three –First was General Epistle –Next two to Individual Christians –Fourth – Revelation {Next Lesson} Jude & James –James to Hebrew Christians –Jude- one of the last - General

Categories of Epistles Written to individual churches –1 Thessalonians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1 Written to a group of churches –Galatians 1:1,2 ; 1 Peter 1:1,2 Written to Christians–General –2 Peter 1:1; James 1:1 To individual Christians –1 Timothy 1:1,2; Titus 1:1

Epistles Intended for More Than Their Generation Ephesians 3:1-5 “read.. Understand” –INTENDED to be READ & could be UNDERSTOOD! Colossians 4:16 –”read among you ….read also in the church of the Laodiceans… you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.”