Read Time: 3 min 37 sec

─────── September 27, 2025 ───────

Happy Saturday!
Today, we’re delivering one of our most-requested explainers: What are the Epstein Files?

We also have some lighter stuff (like a crossword and a fellow TPO reader’s small business to support) below. If you’d prefer to only hear from us on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, just click here:

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Truth suffers, but never dies.”
St. Teresa of Ávila

BREWING QUESTIONS

WHAT YOU’RE ASKING

What are the Epstein Files?

Just to be clear… y’all asked for this topic. 

Let’s start with who Epstein was.
Epstein was a “financier” (think: big-time money manager) who gained fame in the 1990s for building a mysterious group of ultra-wealthy clients, and for rubbing shoulders with powerful people—including U.S. presidents and British royalty.

Then, in 2005, he was accused of assaulting at least 34 minors. 

In 2008, Epstein struck a “sweetheart deal” with prosecutors, where he pleaded guilty to two state charges and received complete immunity from federal charges for himself and any “potential co-conspirators.” He served 13 months in a private wing of a prison but was allowed to leave up to 12 hours/day, 6 days/week, under a generous work-release setup. 

In 2018, an investigative journalist exposed how lenient Epstein’s 2008 plea deal had been, prompting public outcry. In 2019, Epstein was arrested for sex trafficking, and a trove of evidence was seized. He was denied bond and found dead in his jail cell—officially, Epstein died by suicide, though some suggest he was murdered.

So what is an “Epstein File?”
The term “Epstein Files” refers broadly to court records, witness depositions, flight logs, police reports, seized documents, and any other materials from investigations into Epstein.

Much of it has been made public recently—including 30,000+ documents and Epstein’s 50th “birthday book”—but not everything. 

What hasn’t been made public?
Mostly names. Officials say redactions are meant to protect victims, but gaps and lost-then-found evidence have fed rumors that redactions are also protecting Epstein’s accomplices.

Specifically, there are allegations that Epstein kept a “client list” of powerful people who also assaulted girls, that he then blackmailed for favors (like his “sweetheart” 2008 plea deal). Officials say they can’t release the “client list” because it doesn’t exist; skeptics say officials can’t release it because their powerful bosses are named.

__

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
The injustice in our world stirs up longing in us for a better world, where justice always wins and righteousness is never corrupted. As we wait for this perfect future, celebrate the patience of your merciful Father and live holy lives in anticipation of His coming.

“The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB) (read full passage)


Prefer to learn with your ears? Check out our podcast. Prefer to respond on your knees? Check out our new Sunday newsletter, Praying the News.

FROM OUR PARTNERS 🤠

Hope in the Hardest Places

What does it cost to follow Jesus? For many Christians, faith means risking everything—family, freedom, even life itself. Though the price each believer pays may be different, their testimonies are the same: Christ is worth it.

When Faith Is Forbidden invites you to spend 40 days walking with Christians who refuse to let opposition silence their witness. Their stories aren’t just about enduring persecution and suffering. They’re also stories of joy, courage, and the steadfast presence of God—even in the darkest places.

Their witness will challenge and inspire you to live with bold faith wherever God has placed you. Request your free copy today!

Curious how we choose sponsors? Learn more  |  Advertise with us

HOUSE BLEND

WHAT YOU’LL ENJOY

A bonus Whipped Cream on Top… ever wonder how vinyl records are made?

Written by TPO Reader (and pastor… and now author!), Jake E., God the Prize* shows how starting with God Himself as the ultimate prize uncovers the full, life-changing power of the gospel.

*This is a free promo of a book that was read and vetted by TPO staff. Have a small biz you want us to know about? Fill out this form!

WHAT YOU’VE BEAN CLICKING…

Top News Article: The man found guilty of an assassination attempt.

Top Christian Perspective: The peace and courage we have in Christ, even in our suffering.

Top Whipped Cream: This one’s for the dads...

TAKE IT TO GO

HOW FAST WE’RE LEARNING A NEW LANGUAGE
In three weeks, with Babbel*

Ah, fall… the leaves, the apples, the blankets, the reminder of the joy of staying indoors. Why not add “learn a new language” to your list of favorite cozied-up-on-the-couch activities? 

With Babbel, it’s easy. 

Bite-sized lessons, podcasts, and new speaking practices make reaching your goals faster than ever. No expensive classes, no gimmicky game-ified apps… just expert-crafted lessons proven to help you have real conversations in a new language. (Plus, you don’t have to get out from under that fleece blanket.)

For a limited time, get lifetime access (yep, your whole life) to top-notch language for just $239, or 55% off other plans, during the Babbelfest Sale

*From our partners

WHAT WE’RE PRAYING

“Behold, Lord, I am an empty vessel that needs to be filled. Oh Lord, fill me. I am weak in the faith; strengthen me. I am cold in love; warm me to the point of zeal so that my love may reach my neighbor... I am a sinner; you are just. With me is an abundance of sin, but with you is the fullness of justice. And thus I will say, ‘I want to have you from whom I can receive everything, but to whom I can give nothing.’”
Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Your current referral count: {{ rp_num_referrals }}

Or copy and paste your referral link to others:
{{ rp_refer_url }}

Psst! Referrals must double opt-in (confirm their email address) to get TPO. So, follow up with that friend if your referral count hasn’t started climbing!

Keep Reading

No posts found