What are the general epistles?

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

Published by Bible Direct Answers · Licensed under Citation License 1.0

The "general epistles" (also called the catholic epistles) are seven New Testament letters not attributed to Paul: Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude — though Hebrews is sometimes counted separately, giving seven general epistles from James through Jude.

They are addressed to the wider church rather than to a single congregation, and appear after Paul's letters in the New Testament order.

Also asked as

  • · General epistles of the New Testament
  • · Catholic epistles Bible
epistlesbible-structure

Related questions