Information AboutEpistle |
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FORM In contrast to modern letters, epistles usually named the author at the very beginning, followed by the recipient (for example, see , the Courier may also be named (e.g. Ephesians 6:21-22 ). After the names of the author and recipient, Christian epistles often opened with the greeting, "Grace and peace to you." "Grace" was a common Hellenistic greeting, while "peace" ( Shalom ) was the common Jew ish greeting. The content of the letter may be largely 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 ( James ). LITURGICAL USE In the context of a Liturgy , "epistle" may refer more specifically to a particular passage from a New Testament epistle that is scheduled to be read on a certain day or at a certain occasion. In the 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''). SEE ALSO
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