Epistles refers to the 21 letters in the NT. These are the personal letters by the apostles to their churches. These letters are different and similar to the letters of their time. Most challenge the congregation to wake up out of their selfish ways and to concentrate on Christ with specific ways and clarifications. They begin with the name of the writer and the recipient, then a greeting, and reason for the letter, and then the central message or body of the letter, and then usually a closing, just like most letters today.

The epistles deal with concerns and false teaching that needed immediate correction. Some epistles were written in response to questions from the church, or for clarification to another letter, such as II Corinthians. The teachings of the epistles apply to both the church that they were written to and the Christians today. However, we need to understand the cultural and historical situation to better understand what is going on, so we do not misunderstand what is being said.

In the next section I will give a carful explanation on how to outline the Epistles. The ‘General’ ideas of basic outlining apply to the entire Bible.

Outlining Epistles:

The Epistles follow a letter style, such as the letters today {except Hebrews and I John}. Thus your outline should incorporate the style of the literature of the passage too. They contain an introduction, statement of purpose, the principle teaching and then a closing.

1. Introduction: As with any letter the writer is giving a ‘Hi there" to his readers. Paul usually also thanks people too. This is just a couple of verses, sometimes two verses such as II Corinthians an up to 7 as with Romans. Some like to separate the greeting from the Thanksgiving, it is up to you how you will proceed. Thus, when you read commentaries and sermons you will find various outline styles. Again style and arraignment is not as important as your content and truthfulness to the text.

2. Statement of purpose, the reason ‘why ‘ for the letter. This is the key to understanding the letter. Why was the letter written, to stop a doctrine gone awry, gossip, giving instruction, or answering questions. Usually this part is also just a few verses long. This shortness is in no means an indication of its importance. The purpose is essential to understanding the letter in its context.

3. The Body of the letter/ the main teaching: This is where the writer instructs his readers concerning the purpose of the letter. In the larger Epistles there are several themes/ ideas that are developed as a ‘thread’ throughout the letter, or over a few chapters, or just a chapter, or just several verses. Remember the chapter and verses were added by the publisher and are not part of the original text or are inspired.

If you look ar different translations you will find that the publisher has done an outline. Compare them to yours to see if you missed points and ideas. However, you must breakdown the ideas yourself, do not rely on the publishers outline. You are looking for ideas, precepts, principles and themes. For example in Romans you have, love, judgment, faith, and sin all intertwining.

4. The close: Virtually all the Epistles have a close. This can be a doxology, final greetings, a benediction, concluding thoughts or future plans. Romans has it all.

Outlining Example Romans chapter 1: {Condensed from "Walking by Faith: A conceptional outline of the book of Romans", by Richard J. Krejcir © 2000}

It is best to begin your study by outlining the Bible passage yourself first with out any outside influence. Then after you have done your own work of observation, you can use the steps of interpretation and application. After you have done your own study, then you may proceed to Greek grammar works if you are a pastor {if you know Greek, or word study books if you do not} and commentaries, or check what insights you may have missed or give you added cultural and historical information. [See Appendix C from ‘Into Thy Word’]

Here is an example of some general themes of the book of Romans. Then an overview, then a basic outline of Romans 1 that you may do; Then an example of a finished polished outline that can be used for teaching or sermons.

Romans Chapter I: Basic overview: {Summary}

1-5. The apostle shows his apostolic authority, and his obedience through surrender to Christ. The grand subject of his ministry is for us to live by faith.

6-7. He is greeting the Christians at Rome.

8-15. Thanking God on their account, and praying for them. He desired to come visit and preach the Word to them personally.

16-17. The gospel is the power of God for salvation, and shows the only way of our justification.

18-23. All people of all cultures are exposed to who God is including His wrath, for sin and disobeying the light afforded to them.

24-32. A just but appalling description of the Gentile world, as given up, by the just anger and disapproval of God, to the grossest idolatries, the most degrading recklessness, and the most horrendous iniquities.

Basic Biblical outline: {This is a typical ‘straight from the Bible’ outline you need to accomplish before diving into word studies and commentaries. Keep in mind many good Bible expositors will produce different Bible outlines, because there is usually no concrete or best way to produce an outline. Different minds think and process information in a different way. As long as you are true to the text and isolate the ideas in a clear and concise way, you probably are doing well. Once you completed your outline compare it to the ones in Bibles and commentaries.}

a. Who we are in sin

b. Paul calls himself a "bondservant"

1. Separated to be in Christ service

2. Christ is the seed of David

c. Christ has two natures, fully God and fully man

d. Through Christ we have grace

1. A requirement of obedience and faith

2. Grace is for all nations

e. Paul sends his blessings

a. Thanksgiving of faith and who Christ is and has done

1. Paul was a missionary to the Gentiles.

2. Paul is a prayer warrior for the Romans

b. Paul desired to be with the Romans to personally encourage them too Christ.

1. Paul's prayerfulness is an expression of his devotion and zeal

d. "Mutual faith" is encouragement, support, using spiritual gifts, all working as a team

e. Paul realized his indebtedness to Christ

1. Thus, Paul’s foremost call and passion is to preach the gospel

III. Thesis statement / "Main Theme of Romans"! (1:16_17)

a. This is the clear statement of God's good news

1. Being not ashamed of who we are in Christ, living out our faith with passion and conviction

2. We are not to be embarrassed of who we are as Christians, nor fear to share our faith!

b. Power is Salvation; it is by the work of Christ alone through the Holy Spirit.

1. This is through God

2. It is for all, Jew to gentile

c. Christians must live by faith!

1. Faith is based on knowledge given by God.

2. We as the elect are free from our debt of sin, but we are debtors to be witnesses to the lost!

3. Christ's righteousness is given to us

a. God’s wrath is on us all

1. When Adam fell, the Spirit left him immediately, not gradually!

2. The wrath of God is to be taken seriously, especially by those who reject Him

b. We have no excuse, God reveals Himself through His creation

1. Beware of making idols that take you away from knowing Him.

2. If you know God you must also glorify Him

c. Do not give into sin, especially sexual immorality

1. Do not exchange the truth for a lie

2. Do not worship the creation and forsake the Creator

d. Woe to those who know and turn their backs!

1. A landry list of sin

2. If you persist in sin, you will be given up to it

3. Pride is in the same sin category as homosexuality!

e. The same God of judgment gave us His Son and delivers us

Click on 'outline' side bar for more information and an in depth sample outline of Romans 1