Bible Verses About Epistles

Many have undertaken to compose an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us,

just as they were handed down to us by the initial eyewitnesses and servants of the word.

Therefore, having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,

so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

and sent them with this letter: The apostles and the elders, your brothers, To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

It has come to our attention that some went out from us without our authorization and unsettled you, troubling your minds by what they said.

So we all agreed to choose men to send to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you in person the same things we are writing.

It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:

You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell.

The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not I alone, but also all who know the truth—

because of the truth that abides in us and will be with us forever:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love.

I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father has commanded us.

And now I urge you, dear lady—not as a new commandment to you, but one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.

And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments. This is the very commandment you have heard from the beginning, that you must walk in love.

For many deceivers have gone out into the world, refusing to confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

Watch yourselves, so that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.

Anyone who runs ahead without remaining in the teaching of Christ does not have God. Whoever remains in His teaching has both the Father and the Son.

If anyone comes to you but does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your home or even greet him.

Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

I have many things to write to you, but I would prefer not to do so with paper and ink. Instead, I hope to come and speak with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.

The children of your elect sister send you greetings.

The elder, To the beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth: