We explore why much of the New Testament feels like reading someone else’s mail and show how that lens unlocks clarity, context, and comfort. Real letters from pastors and apostles become living guidance for modern believers when we read them as whole conversations.• definition of an epistle as a letter• why letters change how we read the New Testament• who wrote the letters and who received them• overview of Paul, James, Peter, John, and Hebrews• when and why the letters were written• how ancient letters were structured and read aloud• whether letters to them are for us today• a simple method for reading epistles well• key themes: faith, conflict, leadership, suffering, hope, love• takeaway that epistles are pastoral, Spirit-inspired guidanceRESOURCES:Anyabwile, K. (n.d.). Literarily: How understanding Bible genres transforms Bible study (pp. 120–121). Function. Kindle edition.Galan, B., & Curiel, J. (n.d.). Bible overview (pp. 429–430). Function. Kindle edition.Got Questions Ministries. (2002–2013). Got questions? Bible questions answered. Logos Bible Software.Jacobson, R. A., Jacobson, K. N., & Wiersma, H. H. (Eds.). (2019). Letters (or epistles). In Crazy book: A not-so-stuffy dictionary of biblical terms (pp. 203–204). Fortress Press.MacArthur, J. (Ed.). (2011). The MacArthur study Bible (NIV ed.). Thomas Nelson.Ryken, L. (2020). Reading the New Testament letters: What you need to know. In D. Mangum (Ed.), Lexham context commentary: New Testament. Lexham Press.We'd love to hear from you - Click Here to Text Us a Message.Have questions about what it means to follow Jesus?Whether you’re just starting your faith journey or exploring what the Bible teaches, we’d love to walk with you. God’s invitation is real, personal, and full of grace. 💬 Reach out to Jacqui at [email protected]📖 Talk to a trusted Christian in your life🏠 Or visit a Bible-believing church near you You are not alone. God’s Word is alive, and He is still drawing people to Himself today. Don’t hesitate to take the next step. Thank you for tuning in! Bible Basics is now streaming in video on Youtube. Please subscribe now! Feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you!Note: All scripture references are from the NIV translation unless otherwise indicated.