Lexical Summary epistelló: To write, to send a letter, to instruct by letter Original Word: ἐπιστέλλω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance write a letter unto. From epi and stello; to enjoin (by writing), i.e. (genitive case) to communicate by letter (for any purpose) -- write (a letter, unto). see GREEK epi see GREEK stello NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and stelló Definition to send a message (by letter) NASB Translation write (1), written (1), wrote (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1989: ἐπιστέλλωἐπιστέλλω 1 aorist ἐπέστειλα; properly, to send to one a message, command (Herodotus and following); ἐπιστολάς, to send by letter, write a letter, Plato, epistles, p. 363 b., hence, simply to write a letter (cf. Winer's Grammar, § 3, 1 b.): τίνι, Hebrews 13:22 (Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 7, 1 [ET]; 47, 3 [ET]; 62, 1 [ET]; and often in Greek writings); to enjoin by letter, to write instructions: Acts 21:25 R G T Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading; followed by τοῦ with an infinitive expressing purpose (cf. Winers Grammar, 326 (306); Buttmann, 270 (232)): Acts 15:20. Topical Lexicon Root Idea and Function The verb describes the act of sending written instructions that carry authority. It connotes more than casual correspondence; it communicates binding directives meant to be received, heeded, and preserved. In Scripture the word marks decisive moments when leaders commit Spirit-guided counsel to writing for the welfare and unity of the church. New Testament Usage The term appears three times, each instance highlighting a deliberate commitment of apostolic guidance to written form: Acts 15:20; Acts 21:25; Hebrews 13:22. These occurrences span two genres—historical narrative and epistle—underscoring the enduring place of authoritative letters in apostolic ministry. Acts 15:20 and Acts 21:25 — The Jerusalem Decree At the Jerusalem Council the apostles and elders faced the pressing question of Gentile inclusion. Oral debate concluded with a unanimous decision, but the matter was settled publicly by means of a written decree. Acts 15:20: “Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood.” Acts 21:25 recalls the same decree years later: “As for the Gentile believers, we have written and our decision is that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” The use of the verb in both passages affirms that the guidance was not a temporary compromise but a lasting standard. The written form secured: Hebrews 13:22 — Concise Written Exhortation Hebrews closes with the humble reminder, “I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you only briefly”. Here the verb conveys pastoral urgency: the writer recognizes both the necessity and the limitations of a written medium. Even “brief” written counsel carries weight because it transmits Spirit-inspired truth. This verse models a balance between earnest exhortation and respect for the recipients’ capacity, encouraging teachers to craft letters that are both substantive and considerate. Historical and Cultural Setting Letter-writing was a respected tool in Greco-Roman society, employed for legal rulings, philosophical instruction, and familial affairs. The Spirit led the apostles to appropriate this familiar medium, ensuring that gospel doctrine could traverse distance, withstand persecution, and outlast the lives of its human authors. Papyrus scrolls and itinerant couriers became providential instruments for spreading the faith “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Doctrinal and Ministry Significance 1. Scriptural Authority: Each occurrence reinforces that written apostolic words are binding for faith and practice, foreshadowing the closed canon. Practical Implications for Today • Value of Scripture: Churches rely on the preserved written Word in the same way first-century believers trusted apostolic letters. Summary Strong’s 1989 highlights moments when the Holy Spirit led church leaders to crystallize vital instruction in writing. Whether resolving doctrinal controversy or offering pastoral encouragement, the act of sending such letters protected the church, unified diverse believers, and bequeathed a durable witness that still guides disciples today. Forms and Transliterations επεστειλα επέστειλα ἐπέστειλα επεστείλαμεν επιστειλαι επιστείλαι ἐπιστεῖλαι επιστήμη επιστήμην επιστήμης epesteila epésteila episteilai episteîlaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 15:20 V-ANAGRK: ἀλλὰ ἐπιστεῖλαι αὐτοῖς τοῦ NAS: but that we write to them that they abstain KJV: But that we write unto them, INT: but to write to them Acts 21:25 V-AIA-1P Hebrews 13:22 V-AIA-1S Strong's Greek 1989 |
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