Epistle facts for kids
An epistle is a special kind of letter. The word "epistle" comes from an old Greek word, epistolē, which simply means "letter." Epistles are usually formal writings sent to one person or a group of people. Think of them as important messages or official letters.
Long ago, epistles were very common. In ancient Egypt, for example, scribes (people who wrote things down) learned how to write them. These letters helped people communicate over long distances. They were a main way to share news, ideas, and instructions.
Epistles in History
Epistles were not just used in ancient Egypt. They were also very important in ancient Rome. Famous Roman writers like Cicero and Pliny the Younger wrote many epistles. Their letters tell us a lot about daily life and important events during Roman times.
Another Roman writer, Ovid, wrote letters while he was living in exile by the Black Sea. These letters shared his feelings and experiences. The letters of Seneca the Younger also had a big impact. They influenced many writers who came after him.
Epistles in the Bible
Perhaps the most famous epistles are found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. These are letters written by Apostles to early Christians. They were meant to teach, encourage, and guide the new Christian communities.
Many of these letters were written by Paul. His letters are known as the Pauline epistles. They include well-known books like Romans, Corinthians, and Ephesians. Other letters in the New Testament are called the General epistles. These include letters from James, Peter, John, and Jude. These biblical epistles are still studied and read by Christians today.
Images for kids
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Saint Paul Writing His Epistles, by Valentin de Boulogne or Nicolas Tournier (c. 16th century, Blaffer Foundation Collection, Houston, TX).
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Opening of the Epistle to the Galatians, illuminated manuscript for reading during Christian liturgy.
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The Kniga Apostol (1632), lectionary in Church Slavonic for use in the Divine Liturgy of the Russian Orthodox Church.
See also
In Spanish: Epístola para niños
