General Epistles

The General Epistles are a collection of New Testament letters addressed to a broad audience, including the books of Hebrews, James, 1–2 Peter, 1–3 John, and Jude. These writings identify their authors or associates in their greetings and conclusions, such as Peter, who identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus (1 Peter 1:1), and James, who describes himself as a servant of God (James 1:1). The texts also mention contemporary figures like Timothy, who is noted as having been released from prison (Hebrews 13:23), and Silas, who is identified as a faithful brother assisting in the writing of a letter (1 Peter 5:12). Other figures like Mark are included in closing greetings as a son to the author (1 Peter 5:13).

The content of these letters relies heavily on the history of Israel to provide moral and theological instruction. The book of Hebrews lists numerous figures to illustrate faith, including Abel, who offered a sacrifice that spoke after his death (Hebrews 11:4), and Enoch, who was taken so that he did not see death (Hebrews 11:5). The text mentions Noah, who prepared an ark for the saving of his household (Hebrews 11:7), and Abraham, who obeyed the call to go to a place he would receive as an inheritance (Hebrews 11:8). Sarah is noted for receiving strength to conceive (Hebrews 11:11), while Isaac and Jacob are named as heirs of the same promise (Hebrews 11:9). The text also references Moses, who refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's Daughter Who Rescued Moses (Hebrews 11:24).

These letters frequently use historical examples to warn against disobedience. Jude mentions the rebellion of Korah, as a warning against speaking evil of authorities (Jude 1:11) and cites the error of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness (2 Peter 2:15). James points to the patience of Job as a model for suffering (James 5:11) and the prayer of Elijah the Tishbite as a demonstration of the power of a righteous man (James 5:17). Rahab is cited for her hospitality to the messengers (James 2:25), and David and Samuel are listed among those who through faith subdued kingdoms (Hebrews 11:32–33). By referencing figures from Adam to the apostles, these letters present the Christian community as the continuation of a long narrative of faith.