letters - missives - communications - correspondences
Epistles are formal letters, often written with a didactic or doctrinal purpose. In a general literary sense, an epistle is a carefully composed written message addressed to an individual or group. In Christian tradition, the term usually refers to the letters found in the New Testament, such as those attributed to Paul, Peter, James, John, and others. These writings offer theological teaching, moral instruction, and practical guidance to early Christian communities. Epistles are characterized by a structured format, including greetings, main body, and closing remarks, and they have significantly influenced religious thought, ethics, and literature throughout history.