New Testament Epistles

Simply put, the New Testament Epistles are letters written either to the Church at large, specific local churches, or individuals. In them we glean more about church life, following its history in the book of Acts. We also learn doctrinal truths upon which church life and a Christian’s everyday living should be based. Hence, these books are considered more instructional than historical accounts of the Early Church, although they do provide some history. Understanding the historical context of each letter helps our understanding of their content.

These 21 books tend to be divided into two categories. The first thirteen letters are generally attributed to the Apostle Paul, and thus called the Pauline Epistles. The remainder of the epistles, written by others, have been named the Non-Pauline or General Epistles.

For more on teaching these letters: Tips for Teaching New Testament Epistles

For tips on teaching the New Testament Epistles, along with other divisions, check out this resource: Teaching the Real Message of the Bible

Bible Studies & Curriculum for Teaching an Overview of the New Testament Epistles

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For Adults:

• The New Testament Challenge Leader’s Kit: An Eight-Week Journey Through the Story of Jesus, His Church, and His Return by Jeff Manion
• The New Testament in Its World Video Lectures: An Introduction to the History, Literature, and Theology of the First Christians by N. T. Wright, Michael F. Bird

For Children:

• Letters to the Churches Object Lesson
• The Biggest Story Curriculum, Volume 5: Acts, Epistles & Revelation by Crossway Publishers
• What’s in the Bible? #12: Letters from Paul! DVD

For Teens:

• Gospel Foundations for Students: Volume 6 – The Kingdom on Earth: Acts – Revelation
• Paul’s Epistles: A Rooted Yearlong Curriculum
• General Epistles: A Rooted Yearlong Curriculum
• The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, Volume 1 by Jack Crabtree
• The Complete New Testament Resource for Youth Workers, Volume 2 by Jack Crabtree

Teaching Tools That Provide an Overview of These Letters

• Book: Rose Guide to the Epistles by Rose Publishing
• Video: New Testament Letters: Historical Context by BibleProject
• Video: New Testament Letters: Literary Context by BibleProject
• Video: Paul’s Letters: a Quick Overview – Whiteboard Bible Study
• Video: The Catholic Epistles (General Epistles): a Quick Overview – Whiteboard Bible Study

List of these Books of the Bible

Click on links to find Bible Studies and Curriculum for teaching individual books. In time, curriculum and Bible studies will be suggested for each of these letters so keep checking back.

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