epístola
1. A formal letter, especially one that is long, important, or beautifully written
The king sent an epistle to all the provinces announcing the new law.
O rei enviou uma epístola a todas as províncias anunciando a nova lei.
2. Any of the letters written by the Apostles in the New Testament
The Epistle of Paul to the Romans is one of the most important texts in Christianity.
A Epístola de Paulo aos Romanos é um dos textos mais importantes do cristianismo.
3. A literary composition in the form of a letter
The poet wrote an epistle addressing his critic's comments.
O poeta escreveu uma epístola dirigindo-se aos comentários de seu crítico.
The term 'epistle' is primarily used in religious and academic contexts in both Brazil and the USA. In Christianity, the Epistles are fundamental texts studied in churches and seminaries. In contemporary usage, it's largely formal and literary, rarely used in casual conversation. The word carries a classical and somewhat archaic quality in modern English and Portuguese.
Related Idioms & Phrases
apostolic epistles - the letters of the apostles in the New Testament
read someone an epistle - to deliver a lengthy lecture or reprimand
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