[Greek] ἐπιστέλλω (epistellō), [Latin] mittere, [Latin] scribere: to send a message (by letter), to enjoin by writing, to communicate by letter, to write a letter; Acts 15:20, Acts 21:25, Heb.13.22
The tabula (wax tablet) was also used for writing and children’s education.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term essentially means sending a message, writing a letter, receiving a message, enjoining, giving orders, receiving orders, receiving instructions, and giving orders. Herodotus’ The Histories 7.239 states “Xerxes was resolved to send word of the king’s attack. Xerxes feared detection and had not other way of informing them than this trick—taking a double tablet, he scraped away the wax from it, and then wrote the king’s plan on the wood. Next he melted the wax back again over the writing.” Herodotus’ The Histories 4.131 states “The Scythian kings sent a herald to Darius with the gift of a bird, a mouse, a frog, and five arrows. He said that he had only been told to give these gifts and leave at once; he told the Persians to figure out what the presents meant themselves.”
Old Testament: This term has many Hebrew references. Such examples include sending, sending forth, sending out, sending away, casting out, and letting go.
New Testament: This term essentially means writing a letter. Paul, influenced by Hellenism, constructs a letter consisting of an opening (greeting), thanksgiving (prayer), body (doctrinal teachings and instructions), and conclusion (signature). The senders (Paul and Luke) attain a status of authority as deputies of Christ. The Christian epistles become literary sources of authority. These letters often were written in order to address a specific situation or matter at a point in time. Written epistles (letters) and oral tradition both contribute to the transmission and clarification of faith matters.
Scripture:
“But tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.” Acts 15:20
The Council of Jerusalem addresses the social issues concerning the Gentiles. The issues involve idols, unlawful marriage, and meat from sacrifices. The council sent a letter to the Gentiles in order to clarify what the Gentiles must accept and avoid concerning these issues.
Conclusion:
Epistle, scribe, transmit, describe, transmission
In the Greek Hellenistic era, it was interesting to discover the more nuanced meanings of this term. Such examples include giving and receiving orders, subterfuge, and ambiguity.
It is also important to note that Paul, a Roman citizen, and Luke, a Greek, were both influenced by Hellenism. They already would have been familiar with the Hellenistic letter form. These letters served to address a doctrinal matter or question. It is also interesting that the Greek term porneia refers to an unlawful marriage. (It seems very providential that Luke would use the Greek porneia in light of our current society’s desire to redefine marriage. We must also not forget that Luke was inspired by the Holy Spirit in using this specific term. That Luke would use this term sends a very powerful message that God intended marriage to be only between a man and woman.) The Latin term tabula refers to a wax tablet.
At the beginning of the New Testament culture, the Old Testament was the only written scriptures in existence. The New Testament scriptures, in a written form, were not yet in existence at this time in history. Rather, Christianity was transmitted by oral tradition (word of mouth). Letters were also used to respond to issues and to transmit the faith in farther geographical locations. Over time, numerous scriptures were written. Years later, church councils were convened to determine which scriptures were considered valid (inspired). History shows that the Church developed and existed many years even before the official canon of scripture was formerly determined.
I hope this post has helped you to really wax nostalgic in thinking how the Church and bible came into being.