“What is your favorite book or author?” This may have been a question you have been asked if you are a big reader or not. In one way, shape, or form, we can most likely answer this question as we have read a book that has left some impression on us, whether that is reading for leisure or out of obligation, such as an assigned reading in school. Our answers would reflect our preference for genre or author. This preference would guide us in our selection of books and reading. We would look for similar genres or works from the same author whom we trust. We may own every book of a particular author or subject due to our preference that we have. However, in doing so, we can be quick to neglect and overlook other notable authors and works that would otherwise be beneficial for our consideration and reading. Scripture is not excluded from this practice as the Bible is composed of several different literary genres in its 66- book composition. As we study Scripture, we may be more inclined to study or consider one genre over the other, neglecting key information and insight that is beneficial for our understanding. This applies to the study of the epistles/ letters in the New Testament. Furthermore, one may ask, why are the epistles worthy of study and consideration? Let us examine a few key fundamental reasons why the epistles should be studied and examined.
The Epistles’ Composition
First, we do not have to go far in our Bibles to see that the epistles take up most of the New Testament composition. If we looked simply at the “Table of Contents” in our physical Bibles, we would see that the New Testament comprises 27 books. Out of these books, there are only 5 that are not classified and designated as epistle or letter (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Acts). This allows us to see the importance of studying the epistles because of it making up the majority of the New Testament. Furthermore, when we see the author using repetition of words or themes throughout a book we are reading or studying, it is to provide emphasis to the reader to pay attention and to take note. We could argue that the epistles’ composition does just that, providing key repetition and emphasis for Christians to take note of.
Instruction, Conviction, and Encouragement
Secondly, the composition of the Epistles provides key information for Christians for daily life and spiritual living. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Though Paul is describing the Old Testament, Paul’s letters, and several others in the New Testament, are divinely inspired and achieve the same result as the inspired Old Testament Scriptures. The Epistles seek to convict Christian readers to continue to pursue Christ and His faithful teaching (Heb. 4:12-13). The Epistles also seek to encourage downtrodden and discouraged Christians who struggle with worries of life, previous lifestyle, and other teachings that would lead them astray (Heb. 13:21-22; 2 Tim. 4:1-4). For the Christian today, these are present things that we would find relatable and relevant. Christians today need instruction on daily living and operation as the Lord’s church (1 Tim. 3:14-15), conviction to continue to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14), and encouragement whenever our “hands are weak and the knees that are feeble” need to be strengthened. The Epistles provide key insights crucial to the Lord’s people in their pursuit to glorify Him.
Demonstration of God’s Gracious Dealings
Lastly, the Epistles greatly demonstrate God’s gracious dealings and the spiritual transformation of His church. As mentioned, the Christians in the 1st Century struggled through the transition from their previous life to a new life in Christ. With that, we see many imperfections of God’s people in the Epistles. For instance, many problems are described in the book of 1 Corinthians and many other letters in the New Testament. With these problems, solutions are provided. This is a demonstration of God’s gracious dealings with his people. This is something applicable and relatable to each Christian. It is because of God’s grace and mercy that allows for people worldly and “dead in trespasses” to be made alive and able to approach the Holy God (Eph. 2:1-6). God is gracious in dealing with His people today, despite our imperfections and mistakes. He has provided solutions to problems the church would face that we should fully adhere to.
In conclusion, the Epistles matter to the reading and study of the Christian for a multitude of reasons. The composition of most of the New Testament is a flag for us to pay close attention to what has been written and preserved for centuries. They provide the Lord’s church with instruction, conviction, encouragement, and demonstrate God’s grace fully. They allowed us to see how truly relatable, despite being removed culturally and temporally from its original audience, and applicable Scripture is to its readers today.
-Danlee Queen