Epistle 181117 225968609 2008-07-16T06:55:34Z 76.2.72.31 /* Closing */ {{Merge|Epistles|Talk:Epistles#Merger proposal|date=November 2007}} An '''epistle''' (pronounced [ɪˈpɪsəl]) ([[Greek language|Greek]] επιστολη, ''epistolē,'' "letter") is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of persons, usually a [[letter]] and a very formal, often [[didactic]] and elegant one. The letters in the [[New Testament]] from [[Twelve apostles|Apostles]] to Christians are usually referred to as epistles; those traditionally from [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]] are known as [[Pauline epistles]] and the others as [[Catholic]] or [[general epistles]]. ==Form== Epistles were written in strict accordance to formalized, [[Hellenistic civilization|Hellenistic]] tradition, especially the [[Pauline epistles]]. This reflects the amount of Hellenistic influence upon the epistle writers. Any deviancy is not the result of accident but indicates an unusual motive of the writer. ===Opening=== In contrast to modern letters, epistles usually named the author at the very beginning, followed by the recipient (for example, see [[Philippians]] [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians%201:1;&version=31; 1:1]). The scribe (or more correctly, the [[amanuensis]]) who wrote down the letter may be named at the end of the ''episte'' (e.g. [[Epistle to the Romans|Romans]] [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2016:22;&version=31; 16:22]). In the absence of a [[postal system]], the [[courier]] may also be named (e.g. [[Ephesians]] [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eph%206:21-22;&version=31; 6:21-22]). After the names of the author and recipient, Pauline epistles often open with the greeting, "Grace and peace to you." "Grace" was a common Hellenistic greeting, while "peace" ([[shalom]]) was the common [[Jew]]ish greeting; this reflected Paul's dual identity in Jewish faith and Hellenistic culture. There may also be a word of thanks to the audience. In secular letters, a prayer or wish for health followed. ===Body=== The body begins with a brief statement introducing the main topic of the entire body. ==Style== To English readers, the epistles may appear more formalized than originally read, due to the process of translation. The writer sought to establish ''philophronesis'', an intimate extension of their relationship as similar as a face to face encounter as possible. The writer hoped to revive the friendship, making the epistle a substitute for the actual writer. Letters written to a group of people, which include most of the [[New Testament]] epistles, were not read individually but read aloud to the entire church congregation. The content is concise compared to modern letters. Writing required a great financial expense of paper and ink and long process of time. The letter often intends to establish [[theological]] points (as in many of Paul's epistles), to comfort in the face of persecution (for example, [[1 Peter]]), or to exhort Christians to do good works ([[Epistle of James|James]]). ==Liturgical use== In the context of a [[liturgy]], "epistle" may refer more specifically to a particular passage from a New Testament epistle (the [[Pauline epistles]] and the [[Catholic epistles]]) — sometimes also from the [[Book of Acts]] or the [[Revelation of John]], but not the [[Four Gospels]] — that is scheduled to be read on a certain day or at a certain occasion. In the [[Mass (liturgy)|Roman Catholic Mass]] and [[Anglican Communion]], epistles are read between the [[Collect]] and the [[Gospel]] reading. The corresponding [[Gregorian chant]]s have a special tone (''tonus epistolae''). When the epistle is sung or chanted at [[Solemn Mass]] it is done so by the [[subdeacon]]. In the [[Divine Liturgy]] of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] the Epistle reading is called the ''Apostol'' (the same name is given to the [[lectionary]] from which it is read). The Apostol includes the Acts of the Apostles as well as the Epistles, but never the [[Apocalypse]] (Revelation of John). There are Epistle [[lection|lessons]] for every day of the year, except for weekdays during [[Great Lent]], when the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated. These daily Epistle readings are a part of the [[Paschal cycle]], being ultimately dependent upon the date of [[Easter|Pascha]] (Easter). There are also lessons appointed for the [[feast day]]s of numerous [[saint]]s and commemorations. There may be one, two, or three readings from the Apostol during a single Liturgy. The Epistle reading is always chanted (never simply read in a spoken voice) between the [[Prokeimenon]] and the [[Alleluia]]. The Epistle reading is always linked to a reading from the [[Gospel]], though some services, such as [[Matins]], will have a Gospel lesson, but no Epistle. A number of services besides the Divine Liturgy will have an Epistle and Gospel reading. Such services often include a Prokeimenon and Alleluia as well. The Epistle is chanted by the [[Reader (liturgy)|reader]], though at a Hierarchical Liturgy (a Divine Liturgy celebrated by a [[bishop]]), it is read by a [[deacon]]. The one who chants the Epistle also reads the verses of the Prokeimenon and Alleluia. ==See also== {{Wiktionary|epistle}} * [[Pauline epistles]] * [[General epistles]] * [[Heroides]], by [[Ovid]] * [[Letter]] * [[Epistolary novel]], a novel written as a series of letters or similar writings {{Mass}} {{Books of the Bible}} [[Category:Letters]] [[Category:Literature]] [[Category:Structure of the Mass]] [[Category:Christian liturgy, rites, and worship services]] [[Category:Eastern Orthodoxy]] [[Category:Eastern Catholicism]] [[Category:Oriental Orthodoxy]] [[Category:Canonical Epistles]] [[ca:Epístola]] [[cs:Epištola]] [[da:Epistel]] [[de:Epistel]] [[es:Epístola]] [[eo:Epistolo]] [[fr:Épître]] [[gl:Epístola]] [[ia:Epistola]] [[it:Epistola]] [[nl:Epistel]] [[no:Epistel]] [[pt:Epístola]] [[ru:Послание]] [[simple:Epistle]] [[sk:Epištola]] [[fi:Epistola]]