Why were the General Epistles written?

The six New Testament epistles known as James; 1 and 2 Peter; 1 and 2 John; and Jude are not directed to any one person or specific branch of the Church. The first verse in each epistle indicates who the intended audience was: > **The General Epistle of James**
1. James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, *to the > twelve tribes* which are scattered abroad, greeting. >**The First Epistle General of Peter**
>1. Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, *to the strangers scattered > throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,* > > **The Second Epistle General of Peter**
1. Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, *to > them that have obtained like precious faith* with us through the > righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: > > **The First Epistle General of John**
? > > **The Second Epistle of John**
1. The elder *unto the elect lady and her children*, whom I love > in the truth; and not I only, but also all they that have known the > truth; > > > **The General Epistle of Jude**
1. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, *to > them that are sanctified by God the Father*, and preserved in Jesus > Christ, and called: Besides the obvious answer that they were direction from God, for what purpose were they written? It would appear they were written as general counsel to everyone who may read them, but to whom were they delivered? Were the epistles copied and delivered to all of the churches? Were they carried by missionaries and delivered as sermons? Are there any records that tell us who these epistles were sent to, or where they were first read?