epistle

Everyday

1. (Bible, church) An Epistle is one of the letters in the New Testament written by early Christian leaders such as Paul, Peter and John to churches or people. tree →
2. (formal or humorous) An epistle is a long, formal letter. tree →

In the lessons

In church and RE lessons, the Epistles are read aloud in services, and part of the service is called «the Epistle» reading. Examples are the Epistle to the Romans and the First Epistle of John. In everyday talk, calling a letter «an epistle» is a joke meaning it is very long or serious. Phrases: «the Epistles of Paul», «the Epistle reading».

Examples

• Paul wrote an epistle to the church in Rome. tree →
• In church today we heard a reading from the Epistle to the Corinthians. tree →
• The New Testament contains many epistles. tree →
• Christians believe the Epistles teach how to live as followers of Jesus. tree →
• Grandma sent me a three-page epistle about her holiday. tree →
• The Epistle reading comes before the Gospel. tree →

Note

Say it «ih-PISS-ul»; the t is silent. Capitalised for a Bible book: the Epistle to the Romans. Adjective: epistolary (written as letters, as in a novel told through letters).