A reading room for curious minds.Come as you are.

The New Testament · 21 letters

Letters.
Lives behind the words.

Meet the people, the questions, and the communities behind each letter.
Read one at a time, with context close at hand.

Begin with Romans How to read a letter

Epistle means letter. These writings address real audiences and situations, so their advice becomes clearer when we listen for the conversation behind it. Hebrews has the shape of an extended sermon with a letter-like ending.

The order below follows the Bible’s table of contents, not the order in which the writings were composed. The groups help you find your way; questions about authorship are explained on each page.

To churches and communities

Conversations about faith, belonging, conflict, and life together.

Romans

God’s grace puts people right through Christ and creates a shared life for Jews and non-Jews.

4 min introduction

1 Corinthians

The cross and resurrection challenge a divided church to understand power, freedom, and spiritual gifts through Christ’s self-giving love.

4 min introduction

2 Corinthians

God’s reconciling work in Christ shapes Paul’s account of vulnerable ministry, restored trust, and generous giving.

3 min introduction

Galatians

God’s promise, Christ’s saving work, and the gift of the Spirit shape Paul’s defense of Gentile belonging and freedom for love.

4 min introduction

Ephesians

God reconciles divided people in Christ, giving the church a shared life that reaches into everyday relationships.

4 min introduction

Philippians

Jesus’ self-giving life and God’s continuing work sustain joy, humility, and friendship amid uncertainty.

3 min introduction

Colossians

Christ’s place in creation and reconciliation grounds the letter’s invitation to a renewed life of compassion and integrity.

3 min introduction

1 Thessalonians

Jesus’ resurrection and promised return give a young community hope through grief and strength for faithful daily life.

3 min introduction

2 Thessalonians

A frightened community is urged to resist alarming claims and remain faithful in everyday responsibilities.

4 min introduction

To individuals and coworkers

Leadership, encouragement, responsibility, and a personal appeal.

1 Timothy

Guidance for a community leader connects trustworthy teaching with character, care, and generosity.

3 min introduction

2 Timothy

A farewell-shaped letter explores courage, patient teaching, and passing faith to another generation.

3 min introduction

Titus

A short letter connects leadership and everyday conduct with God’s freely given kindness.

3 min introduction

Philemon

Paul’s appeal concerning Onesimus exposes the tension between Christian kinship and human ownership.

3 min introduction

Other voices and audiences

Faith in action, endurance, love, truth, and the sermon-like argument of Hebrews.

Hebrews

An anonymous sermon presents Jesus as a compassionate high priest and calls weary believers to persevere.

4 min introduction

James

A searching account of faith that becomes visible in our words, choices, and treatment of people without power.

3 min introduction

1 Peter

God’s mercy and Jesus’ resurrection ground hope, belonging, and faithful witness for communities under pressure.

3 min introduction

2 Peter

A call to grow in character, resist exploitative teaching, and think carefully about the hope of Jesus’ return.

3 min introduction

1 John

God’s love revealed in Jesus connects forgiveness, truthful confession, and practical love for one another.

3 min introduction

2 John

Thirteen verses explore the difficult relationship between love, truth, and the support a community gives its teachers.

3 min introduction

3 John

A personal note exposes how welcome and the misuse of authority shape a community’s life.

3 min introduction

Jude

An urgent warning against exploitative teaching ends with a call to show mercy and trust God’s sustaining power.

3 min introduction

A shorter first encounter

Start with a conversation.

Philippians explores joy, humility, and friendship.
Philemon brings a difficult personal appeal into view.

Meet Philippians ↗Meet Philemon ↗