Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐπιστέλλω, the concept of sending messages or instructions can be related to several Hebrew terms used in the Old Testament, such as שָׁלַח (shalach, Strong's Hebrew 7971), meaning "to send," and כָּתַב (kathab, Strong's Hebrew 3789), meaning "to write." These terms reflect similar actions of sending messages or writing instructions, as seen in various Old Testament narratives.

Usage: The verb ἐπιστέλλω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of sending a written message or giving instructions through a letter. It often conveys the idea of authoritative communication, where the sender imparts directives or important information to the recipient.

Context: The Greek verb ἐπιστέλλω appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts where written communication is used to convey instructions or commands. This term is found in several passages, illustrating its role in the early Christian community's reliance on letters for guidance and doctrinal clarification.

In Acts 15:20, the Jerusalem Council uses ἐπιστέλλω to describe the decision to send a letter to Gentile believers, instructing them to abstain from certain practices: "Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood."

Similarly, in Acts 21:25, the term is used again in reference to the same letter, emphasizing the importance of written instructions in maintaining doctrinal purity and unity among believers: "As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality."

The use of ἐπιστέλλω underscores the authoritative nature of apostolic letters in the early church, serving as a means to communicate essential teachings and maintain order within the growing Christian community. This method of communication was crucial in an era where personal visits were limited by geographical and logistical constraints.