Do you believe God is Good?
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Hi Angela,
I understand the issues with Paul's authorship in question. And I can understand some of the problems. But the majority of scholars and laymen alike believe that Paul is the author.
At ask questions dot org they also list some of the problems for Paul's authorship, but they also say:
~~~~~
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words.
~~~~~
Also, Peter wrote in his 2nd letter that Paul had written to the same Hebrew believers he had and that his letters were hard to understand (2 Peter 3:1, 15). Thanks for your comments.
I understand the issues with Paul's authorship in question. And I can understand some of the problems. But the majority of scholars and laymen alike believe that Paul is the author.
At ask questions dot org they also list some of the problems for Paul's authorship, but they also say:
~~~~~
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words.
~~~~~
Also, Peter wrote in his 2nd letter that Paul had written to the same Hebrew believers he had and that his letters were hard to understand (2 Peter 3:1, 15). Thanks for your comments.
God is good, but being good includes being just. His is kind and benevolent, but also a rewarder and a disciplinarian. He is a rewarder to those who diligently seek Him. Faith without deeds is dead, and a dead faith is no faith at all, and without faith it is impossible to please God. Those who do not please God will not spend eternity with Him.
There is nothing in that passage to suggest that faith is what pleases the LORD, it states that without faith it is impossible to please the LORD since what pleases the LORD is hearing his children walking in truth. And without faith it is impossible to come to the knowledge of the truth.
So what is the substance of the belief that a person can simply come to God on their own since faith is the substance of thing(s) hoped for? Of course the substance could be that if one can believes, all things are possible to him that believes but as the scripture clearly represents, it is impossible to please the LORD without faith.
Considering that it is written that no man can come to the Son except the Father draws them [See John 6:44] and no man can come to the Father except but by the Son [See John 14:6] then understanding that man doth not live by the scriptures alone but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of the LORD doth man live then those that find God should not be not deceived that whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.
So what is the substance of the belief that a person can simply come to God on their own since faith is the substance of thing(s) hoped for? Of course the substance could be that if one can believes, all things are possible to him that believes but as the scripture clearly represents, it is impossible to please the LORD without faith.
Considering that it is written that no man can come to the Son except the Father draws them [See John 6:44] and no man can come to the Father except but by the Son [See John 14:6] then understanding that man doth not live by the scriptures alone but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of the LORD doth man live then those that find God should not be not deceived that whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap.
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Hi Angela,
I understand the issues with Paul's authorship in question. And I can understand some of the problems. But the majority of scholars and laymen alike believe that Paul is the author.
At ask questions dot org they also list some of the problems for Paul's authorship, but they also say:
~~~~~
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words.
~~~~~
Also, Peter wrote in his 2nd letter that Paul had written to the same Hebrew believers he had and that his letters were hard to understand (2 Peter 3:1, 15). Thanks for your comments.
I understand the issues with Paul's authorship in question. And I can understand some of the problems. But the majority of scholars and laymen alike believe that Paul is the author.
At ask questions dot org they also list some of the problems for Paul's authorship, but they also say:
~~~~~
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words.
~~~~~
Also, Peter wrote in his 2nd letter that Paul had written to the same Hebrew believers he had and that his letters were hard to understand (2 Peter 3:1, 15). Thanks for your comments.
No, the majority of scholars do not accept that Paul wrote Hebrews. Here is an excellent article on this. (There is also evidence for Paul writing it, which the article examines first, so please click on the link to read both viewpoints.) However, as I said, the writing is simply not Paul's.
"Reasons Paul did not write Hebrews
In spite of all this evidence for Pauline authorship, few New Testament scholars today believe Paul wrote it.
Both John Calvin and Martin Luther shared this judgment as far as the sixteenth century.
Even centuries earlier in the fourth century, the church of Rome did not believe Paul wrote Hebrews, possibly retaining a latent memory of the actual author (Eusebius, Hist. eccl. 3.3.5; 6.20.3).
In other words, the rejection of Pauline authorship of Hebrews is a long-standing position in the church.
What can we infer from the book of Hebrews itself?
The internal evidence presented by the book of Hebrews itself indicates an author other than Paul.
- The style of Hebrews, except in the closing verses (13:18 – 25), is quite unlike any other writing of Paul’s that has survived.
- In keeping with the style of a person well educated in formal rhetoric, the Greek of Hebrews is highly literary and very ornate.
- The vocabulary is sophisticated, and it includes 150 words that are not found elsewhere in the New Testament and 10 that do not occur in any other Greek writings that have survived for our study.
- The structure of the epistle conforms to conventions found in Greek rhetoric used when a speech was designed to persuade its audience to action. Much of this rhetorical achievement is lost when the original Greek of Hebrews is translated into modern language, but in the original it is elegant and euphonious Greek prose. The high rhetorical quality of Hebrews indicates that its author most likely had the most advanced literary education of any of the New Testament writers.
- The author does not introduce himself as Paul typically did (cf. 2 Cor. 1:1; Gal 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 1 Tim. 1:1; and 2 Tim. 1:1).
- Its theology, though very compatible with that of the Pauline letters, is very distinctive. The apostle Paul, for instance, never alludes to Jesus as a priest, which is the major motif of Hebrews. In fact, Hebrews is the only New Testament writing to expound on Jesus as the Great High Priest and final sacrifice.
The most persuasive argument against Pauline authorship
An even more persuasive argument that the apostle Paul was not the author of Hebrews is the way the author alludes to himself in Hebrews 2:3, stating that the gospel was confirmed “to us” by those who heard the Lord announce salvation.
The apostle Paul always made the point that, even though he wasn’t one of the twelve original disciples who walked with Jesus during his earthly life, he was nonetheless an apostle of Jesus Christ, and usually identifies himself as such in his letters. It seems unlikely that Paul here in 2:3 would refer to himself as simply someone who received the gospel from those who had heard the Lord."
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/who-wrote-the-book-of-hebrews/
Here is another excellent article!
"Question: "Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews?"
Answer: Theologically speaking, scholars generally regard the book of Hebrews to be second in importance only to Paul's letter to the Romans in the New Testament. No other book so eloquently defines Christ as high priest of Christianity, superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. This book presents Christ as the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). However, both the authorship and audience are in question.
The title, "To the Hebrews," which appears in the earliest known copy of the epistle is not a part of the original manuscript. There is no salutation, the letter simply begins with the assertion that Jesus, the Son of God, has appeared, atoned for our sins, and is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-4).
The letter closes with the words "Grace be with you all" (Hebrews 13:25), which is the same closing found in each of Paul's known letters (see Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; and Philemon 25). However, it should be noted that Peter (1 Peter 5:14; 2 Peter 3:18) used similar—though not identical—closings. Possibly that it was simply customary to close letters like this with the words "Grace be with you all" during this time period.
Church tradition teaches that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, and until the 1800s, that issue was closed. However, though a vast majority of Christians—both and scholars and the laity—still believe Paul wrote the book, there are some tempting reasons to think otherwise.
First and foremost is the lack of a salutation. Some sort of personal salutation from Paul appears in all of his letters. So it would seem that writing anonymously is not his usual method; therefore, the reasoning goes, Hebrews cannot be one of his letters. Second, the overall composition and style is of a person who is a very sophisticated writer. Even though he was certainly a sophisticated communicator, Paul stated that he purposely did not speak with a commanding vocabulary (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:6).
The book of Hebrews quotes extensively from the Old Testament. Paul, as a Pharisee, would have been familiar with the Scripture in its original Hebrew language. In other letters, Paul either quotes the Masoretic Text (the original Hebrew) or paraphrases it. However, all of the quotes in this epistle are taken out of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), which is inconsistent with Paul's usage. Finally, Paul was an apostle who claimed to receive his revelations directly from the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23; Galatians 1:12). The writer of Hebrews specifically says that he was taught by an apostle (Hebrews 2:3).
If Paul didn't write the letter, who did? The most plausible suggestion is that this was actually a sermon Paul gave and it was transcribed later by Luke, a person who would have had the command of the Greek language which the writer shows. Barnabas is another likely prospect, since he was a Levite and would have been speaking on a subject that he knew much about. Martin Luther suggested Apollos, since he would have had the education the writer of this letter must have had. Priscilla and Clemet of Rome have been suggested by other scholars.
However, there is still much evidence that Paul wrote the letter. The most compelling comes from Scripture itself. Remember that Peter wrote to the Hebrews (that is, the Jews; see Galatians 2:7, 9 and 1 Peter 1:1). Peter wrote: "...just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him [emphasis added]" (2 Peter 3:15). In that last verse, Peter is confirming that Paul had also written a letter to the Hebrews!
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words."
https://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html
Again, for me, actually reading the books in Greek really has shown me the differences between different authors of the books of the NT. Style, vocabulary, emphasis are all so important. And none of that comes through well in English. I certainly never noticed the differences all the years I read the Bible in English. In fact, it has just been in the last year the discernible differences between authors became tangible, with studying more advanced Greek.
I guess in the end, we will have to agree to disagree! And that is ok, on an issue like this!
"Question: "Who wrote the Book of Hebrews? Who was the author of Hebrews?"
Answer: Theologically speaking, scholars generally regard the book of Hebrews to be second in importance only to Paul's letter to the Romans in the New Testament. No other book so eloquently defines Christ as high priest of Christianity, superior to the Aaronic priesthood, and the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. This book presents Christ as the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). However, both the authorship and audience are in question.
The title, "To the Hebrews," which appears in the earliest known copy of the epistle is not a part of the original manuscript. There is no salutation, the letter simply begins with the assertion that Jesus, the Son of God, has appeared, atoned for our sins, and is now seated at the right hand of God in heaven (Hebrews 1:1-4).
The letter closes with the words "Grace be with you all" (Hebrews 13:25), which is the same closing found in each of Paul's known letters (see Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; and Philemon 25). However, it should be noted that Peter (1 Peter 5:14; 2 Peter 3:18) used similar—though not identical—closings. Possibly that it was simply customary to close letters like this with the words "Grace be with you all" during this time period.
Church tradition teaches that Paul wrote the book of Hebrews, and until the 1800s, that issue was closed. However, though a vast majority of Christians—both and scholars and the laity—still believe Paul wrote the book, there are some tempting reasons to think otherwise.
First and foremost is the lack of a salutation. Some sort of personal salutation from Paul appears in all of his letters. So it would seem that writing anonymously is not his usual method; therefore, the reasoning goes, Hebrews cannot be one of his letters. Second, the overall composition and style is of a person who is a very sophisticated writer. Even though he was certainly a sophisticated communicator, Paul stated that he purposely did not speak with a commanding vocabulary (1 Corinthians 1:17; 2:1; 2 Corinthians 11:6).
The book of Hebrews quotes extensively from the Old Testament. Paul, as a Pharisee, would have been familiar with the Scripture in its original Hebrew language. In other letters, Paul either quotes the Masoretic Text (the original Hebrew) or paraphrases it. However, all of the quotes in this epistle are taken out of the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), which is inconsistent with Paul's usage. Finally, Paul was an apostle who claimed to receive his revelations directly from the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:23; Galatians 1:12). The writer of Hebrews specifically says that he was taught by an apostle (Hebrews 2:3).
If Paul didn't write the letter, who did? The most plausible suggestion is that this was actually a sermon Paul gave and it was transcribed later by Luke, a person who would have had the command of the Greek language which the writer shows. Barnabas is another likely prospect, since he was a Levite and would have been speaking on a subject that he knew much about. Martin Luther suggested Apollos, since he would have had the education the writer of this letter must have had. Priscilla and Clemet of Rome have been suggested by other scholars.
However, there is still much evidence that Paul wrote the letter. The most compelling comes from Scripture itself. Remember that Peter wrote to the Hebrews (that is, the Jews; see Galatians 2:7, 9 and 1 Peter 1:1). Peter wrote: "...just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him [emphasis added]" (2 Peter 3:15). In that last verse, Peter is confirming that Paul had also written a letter to the Hebrews!
The theology presented in Hebrews is consistent with Paul's. Paul was a proponent of salvation by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8, 9), and that message is strongly communicated in this epistle (Hebrews 4:2, 6:12, 10:19-22, 10:37-39, and 11:1-40). Either Paul wrote the epistle, or the writer was trained by Paul. Although it is a small detail, this epistle makes mention of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23), and Paul is the only apostle known to have ever done that in any letter.
So, who actually wrote Hebrews? The letter fills a needed space in Scripture and both outlines our faith and defines faith itself in the same way that Romans defines the tenets of Christian living. It closes the chapters of faith alone and serves as a prelude to the chapters on good works built on a foundation of faith in God. In short, this book belongs in the Bible. Therefore, its human author is unimportant. What is important is to treat the book as inspired Scripture as defined in 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Holy Spirit was the divine author of Hebrews, and of all Scripture, even though we don't know who put the physical pen to the physical paper and traced the words."
https://www.gotquestions.org/author-Hebrews.html
Again, for me, actually reading the books in Greek really has shown me the differences between different authors of the books of the NT. Style, vocabulary, emphasis are all so important. And none of that comes through well in English. I certainly never noticed the differences all the years I read the Bible in English. In fact, it has just been in the last year the discernible differences between authors became tangible, with studying more advanced Greek.
I guess in the end, we will have to agree to disagree! And that is ok, on an issue like this!
Scripture says faith is believing GOD is and He is a rewarder. It's about God."
your leaving out the our part though cee im not sure if you are purposely doing that or not But Heres the scripture you are referring to
hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. <<<< thats who is rewarded, those who diligently seek Him
so that would be our part. faith doesnt believe half a verse both of those principles are true. God is very good, so Good that He gave His Son to call us to diligence in His things, His word is where He is found. Notice the above scripture when you look at romans 2 where paul says this of Judgement
romans 2:6-10 "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: <<< those who diligently seek Him will be rewarded faith is not a belief that doesnt act, its belief that always results in action thats faith to be diligent because we believe He is telling us the truth.
im sure many do not like to see what Happens when a person refuses to do that but....as Paul continues here
8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: "
we need to accept the truth of this, so we can take it seriously and prepare as God wills, His word is true and His Word is GOOD as He is. we see it as not good because were not right in our Hearts with Him. the solution is to seek after what He taught and anyone who does that will see Him teaching us to do those things. thats what produces diligence understanding were workers for God in a field where the harvest is plentiful, but those willing to work are few. regardless of what we argue and teach others, God will stick to what His word says always, we Know we must all face the same Judgement according to our works whether good or Bad. its throughout the Gospel. the truth of this brings the importance of it its about eternity and where we will spend it and where others we speak to will spend it.
we shouldnt assume weve already attained God, but everyday One day seek Him and if He gives us another day we should forget yesterday and seek Him One more day, because He really is that Good He is worth our Lives being dedicated to Him in word, deed and truth.
your leaving out the our part though cee im not sure if you are purposely doing that or not But Heres the scripture you are referring to
hebrews 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. <<<< thats who is rewarded, those who diligently seek Him
so that would be our part. faith doesnt believe half a verse both of those principles are true. God is very good, so Good that He gave His Son to call us to diligence in His things, His word is where He is found. Notice the above scripture when you look at romans 2 where paul says this of Judgement
romans 2:6-10 "Who will render to every man according to his deeds:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: <<< those who diligently seek Him will be rewarded faith is not a belief that doesnt act, its belief that always results in action thats faith to be diligent because we believe He is telling us the truth.
im sure many do not like to see what Happens when a person refuses to do that but....as Paul continues here
8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: "
we need to accept the truth of this, so we can take it seriously and prepare as God wills, His word is true and His Word is GOOD as He is. we see it as not good because were not right in our Hearts with Him. the solution is to seek after what He taught and anyone who does that will see Him teaching us to do those things. thats what produces diligence understanding were workers for God in a field where the harvest is plentiful, but those willing to work are few. regardless of what we argue and teach others, God will stick to what His word says always, we Know we must all face the same Judgement according to our works whether good or Bad. its throughout the Gospel. the truth of this brings the importance of it its about eternity and where we will spend it and where others we speak to will spend it.
we shouldnt assume weve already attained God, but everyday One day seek Him and if He gives us another day we should forget yesterday and seek Him One more day, because He really is that Good He is worth our Lives being dedicated to Him in word, deed and truth.
A
Yes, God is good both in happy days and in bad days too. Most of the bad days, God is teaching me a lesson. Though there are days when I doubt if He is there, I just keep holding on until He shows me why. I just tell myself not to lose patience in waiting for God's answer. In the end, I would realize the goodness of God in that situation. No matter what situation we are in, God remains God. He knows what is best for us though we do not agree sometime, He will show us why in the end. We will be thankful that we followed Him.