The Greek epistello (Strong's G1989) means 'to write to,' 'to send a message to,' or 'to instruct by letter.' It is the verbal root of epistole (epistle/letter). In the New Testament it appears in Acts 15:20 (the Jerusalem Council's written message), Acts 21:25, and Hebrews 13:22. The word emphasizes the communicative, instructive purpose of written correspondence.
The use of epistello in Acts 15 marks one of the most pivotal moments in early church history: the Jerusalem Council's decision regarding Gentile believers. The apostles and elders chose to communicate their decision in writing — a letter (epistole) sent with Paul, Barnabas, Judas, and Silas. This act established the pattern of authoritative written instruction governing the church across geographic distance. The New Testament epistles are the theological extension of this: the apostolic word, carried across the ancient world in writing, continues to instruct the church in every generation. The letter format was not merely pragmatic — it was a chosen medium for authoritative pastoral communication.