Chapter 6: Non Biblical Epistles

NON-BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

OF EPISTLES:

* Epistle of Antoninus

*  Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

*   Epistle of Mathetes to Diognetus

*  1st Epistle of Clement

*  2nd Epistle of Clement

*  Epistle of Barnabus

*  Epistle of the Apostles

*  Epistle to the Laodiceans

    Here are eight examples of writings which are called by the term "Epistle" yet not one of them is even located within the Bible itself. Furthermore not one of them is considered "Scripture." Yet many seek to make Paul into Scripture so they might TWIST; or make crooked what the Bible actually indicates should be learned. 

     Paul warned that after his departure there would be men who were false teachers and false prophets; "savage wolves...not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after themselves" (Acts 20:29). When we finish the next chapter it will be clear what we are to learn; and, what the false teachers have not learned. You will know why and how they made crooked the ancient paths which were at one time straight. 

     To clarify my position on Matthew; Mark; Luke and John it is CLEAR that these are eye witness testimony of what they saw; heard; and experienced in the presence of Yeshua during his ministry. I believe Luke puts it best when he defines what he is doing as a "narrative to those things which have been fulfilled among us;" and when he indicates that he was writing "an orderly account...that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed." We will learn what those things are which Theophilus would have been instructed in as we examine what is learned vs. unlearned. Matthew; Mark; Luke; and, John are credible; eyewitness testimony of the Messiah; His identity; and, what He did in their presence. Just because they do not meet the Biblical definition of Scripture does NOT mean we throw them out. That position is ignorance. There is not a courtroom on the planet that throws out credible eyewitness testimony; so long as they are not corrupt. They are eyewitness testimony that the one many call Jesus Christ was a Torah observant Jew who obeyed the statutes; commandments; judgments; ordinances; and testimonies of (EFEI) so that He could be the perfect sinless sacrifice to atone for our sins and put a halt to the necessity of a daily (twice) morning; and, evening sin sacrifice from the nation. 

     Paul's epistles (letters) are also a form of testimony; yet, should not be classified as "Scripture." We need to learn to be technically precise; and accurate in our language because when we alter the definitions which the Bible uses it alters the theology. Friend sound doctrine is what we should all DESIRE and PURSUE with a fervent; unwavering; devotion to knowing the truth and doing the WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.Come with me as we move on into Chapter 7: What is Unlearned?