The eight general epistles are: James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude, and Hebrews.

Most scholars say there were actually seven epistles written by Paul: Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Philemon, Galatians, Philippians and 1 Thessalonians. However a computer analysis by A Q Morton suggests that 1 Thessalonians and Philippians do not share the same dictation or writing style as the others and may not be genuine, leaving five epistles actually written by the apostle Paul. The remaining epistles traditionally ascribed to Paul are now sometimes referred to as pseudo-Pauline epistles.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26.

The pseudo-Pauline Epistles, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus are referred to as the "pastoral epistles" because they show concern for pastoral issues that were being dealt with in the early second century.