Circular Epistles

But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God (Romans 15:15).

Although the letters from the apostles often addressed specific churches, they didn't stop there. The early Christians were eager to hear what these men of God had to say, so their letters were circulated between the different congregations in the region. Today these letters that made the rounds are referred to as circular letters.

These things I have written to you concerning those who are trying to deceive you (1 John 2:26).

The apostles knew this took place, and approved it. They couldn't visit all the churches they would have liked to, and the correspondence helped keep the congregations grounded in the faith. Just as it is today, it was easy for worldly corruptions to try to invade the churches. It is doubtful that Paul even went to Colosse, but he wrote them a letter to encourage them to remain obedient to God. Paul's colleague, Epapharas, started the Colossian church.

For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down (2 Corinthians 13:10).

Although more of Paul's epistles remain than any other apostle's, he certainly wasn't the only one who wrote letters. We know both John and Paul wrote to Ephesus, and Peter's first letter addresses the congregations in the four or five regions of Asia Minor. But when these apostles wrote a letter, it had far-reaching effects. It reached innumerable ears as the letters made the rounds and were read aloud to many. How often do we proclaim God's Word and encourage others?

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