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Epistle

Epistle. A Genre of the New Testament.

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Epistle

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  1. Epistle John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017 A Genre of the New Testament

  2. An epistle (/ᵻˈpɪsəl/; Greek ἐπιστολή, epistolē, "letter") is a writing directed or sent to a person or group of people, usually an elegant and formal didactic letter. The epistle genre of letter-writing was common in ancient Egypt as part of the scribal-school writing curriculum. The letters in the New Testament from Apostles to Christians are usually referred to as epistles. Those traditionally attributed to Paul are known as Pauline epistles and the others as catholic (i.e., "general") epistles (Wikipedia, Epistle). The question “What is a letter?” was as difficult to answer in the ancient Roman context as it is today; letters resist precise classification and categorization, and strict definitions are limiting. The genre is so elastic, both in form and in function, that it is arguably most useful simply to offer some distinguishing features. At the most basic level, an ancient Roman letter is a written message between two individuals who are physically apart from each other and thus unable to communicate through speech or gesture. … The ancient epistolary theorist (Pseudo-)Demetrius describes the letter as a kind of written dialogue, one half of a conversation between friends” (Zeiner-Carmicheael, Roman Letters, 3). John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  3. Official Correspondence • Dictated to Secretary, Carried by Courier • Laws and Decisions by Senate, etc. • Pronouncements of Holidays • Military Correspondence To enable what was going on in each of the provinces to be reported and known more speedily and promptly [in Rome], he at first stationed young men along the military roads and afterwards post-chaises. The latter has seemed the more convenient arrangement, since the same men who bring the dispatches from any place can, if occasion demands, be questioned as well (Suetonius, Augustus 49). John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  4. Pliny to Trajan • The people of Sinope, sir, need a water supply; I believe there’s plenty of good water 16 miles away that could be led into the city. There is, however, a questionable, soggy marshland extending more than a mile from the water source. I’ve ordered an inexpensive land survey, to determine if the bog can support the building project. There’s enough money to cover this project, if you will endorse it, sir. It’s really necessary for the good health and pleasantness of this exceedingly thirsty city. • Trajan to Pliny • Make sure, my dearest Pliny, you’re scrupulous in the land survey you’ve commenced, seeing if the location you’re worried about can withstand the aqueduct’s weight. For sure, a water supply must be brought into Sinope as long as the city can independently cover the cost; such a resource will bring the people health and enjoyment. John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  5. Commercial Correspondence • Paid Secretaries in the Market; Courier Slaves • Business Transactions (trade, debt collection) • Often Carried by Other Traders (ship captain, caravan) Sarapion sends greetings to our Heraclides I sent you two other letters, one through the courier Nedymous and the other through the swordsman Cronius. I received your letter from the Arab and it was distressing to read. Attend to Ptollarion at every moment; he might be able to relieve your debt. Tell him: “I’m different, I’m not like the rest. I’m a slave. I’ve sold you my goods at a discount. I don’t know what my patron will do to me; we have many lenders. Please don’t destroy us financially.” Beg him each and every day, and maybe he’ll take pity. If not, like everyone else, watch out for the Jews. The more attention you give him, the more you’ll make him your friend. See if it is possible with the assistance of Diodorus to have the tablet signed through the prefect’s wife. If you do your job, no one can fault you. Give my fond regards to Diodorus. Goodbye. Give my regards to Harpocration. John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  6. Personal Correspondence • Family Members • Often Carried by Good-Will Couriers • Antonius to Dionysius (P. Oxy. 2191) Greetings from Antonius to his dearest Dionysius. As soon as I stepped upon Italy’s shores, I felt compelled to let you know that my family and I are in good health. The sailing was slow, but it wasn’t a difficult trip, and my poor little body suffered none of the trouble one usually expects, especially with those sailing for the first time. Written in Puteoli, Pauni 4. [on reverse] To Dionysius, steward, from Antonius, son of Ptolemaeus. John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  7. Learning • Some, especially well known authors, are collected and used as examples: To my teacher, greetings, Although I’m enjoying the healthy clean air of the country, I feel one important thing is missing, namely knowing that you’re in good health, my teacher. I pray to the gods you fill in this gap! This country jaunt of mine is encumbered with official business and is no different from the busy life you lead back in the city. What do I mean, you ask? Pressing concerns won’t allow me to expand this letter even a little, and I’ll get only a short break some time later tonight. Goodbye, my most delightful teacher. Oh, if by chance you’ve got any especially exemplary letters of Cicero, either complete or in excerpt, please share them with me, or let me know which ones you think I should read to hone my writing skills. John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  8. Manuals • There are even manuals written on letter-writing: Pseudo-Libanius outlines no less than 40 different types of letters and even includes sample letters as models. Such didactic manuals, perhaps written as guidelines for professional scribes or students, echo Emily Post’s etiquette manual from 1922 and more recent online and print publications offering guidance in epistolary composition and proper “netiquette” within various social contexts (Zeiner-Carmichael, Roman Letters,5). • Perhaps for this reason, there are common characteristics of letters from the period John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  9. Categories of Letters • Friendly • Commendatory • Reproachful • Censorious • Threatening • Praising • Supplicatory • Responding • Accounting • Apologetic • Ironic • Blaming • Consoling • Admonishing • Vituperative • Advisory • Inquiring • Allegorical • Accusing • Congratulatory • Thankful John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

  10. Common Sections • Address (often on the outside of letter) • Sender • Recipient • Opening Greeting • Thanksgiving • Body • Conclusion • Final Blessing • Greetings • Peace Wish • Postscripts John E. Schimmel, Center Point Bible Institute, Fall 2017

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