"word sent; an order, command; an epistle, letter, Acts 9:2; 15:30"
Definition and meaning
word sent; an order, command; an epistle, letter, Acts 9:2; 15:30
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιστολή
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epistole (G1992) across the King James Bible.
And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
And he wrote a letter after this manner:
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.
Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
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Common questions
Strong's G1992 (epistole) is a Greek word that means: word sent; an order, command; an epistle, letter, Acts 9:2; 15:30 It appears 23 times in the King James Bible.
The word epistole (G1992) appears 23 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1992 is epistole, a Greek word defined as: word sent; an order, command; an epistle, letter, Acts 9:2; 15:30. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epistole is a Greek word found in the New Testament.