Hebrews, the author
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I shoul little more explain this topic ...
Epistle to the Hebrews is in the Bible (Kralice,and I believe also your KJV and others too) listed as last letter of Paul.
But it hardly fits into epistles, in Hebrews we missing habitually epistolary introduction and the whole sheet .. mmm.. it has more of the character of disquisition or preaching, than letter.
Similarly dubious is also Paul’s authorship.
Why?
- no mention about Paul's name (and remember? Paul is always scrupulous about that… as we can see in all of his other epistles)
- absent of typical introduction and conclusion
- sleek literary Greek (language), which is significantly different from vernacular (sorry I didn’t find better word for it) Greek in other Paul's epistles ... and also tougher speech , to which we are accustomed from Paul
- different expressions, character
- also theological differences are very apparent
(for example, belief or excuse are explained differently and idea of high priesthood of Christ, in the Hebrews so central , it is at most indistinct in other Paul letters)
Because of these and similar difference is not surprising that in the old church was this letter attributed to other authors , such as Barnabas, Luke, Clement of Rome....
Even Luther and Calvin knew and without embarrassment asserted that Paul cannot be the author of this file. (In the old German Luther Bible is Hebrews Epistle not included among the Paul's letters.)
Nowadays (to my knowledge) is also among theologians (rare) consensus, that Paul is not the author (even Catholic theologies recognizes this - not all of them, but still)
Attempts to find the author (at least hypothetically) is not progressed very well.
Today the most discussed name are Priscilla and Barnabas.
Origen, the largest early Christian scholar (died in 254) said that only God alone knows who the writer of the Hebrews letter was.
So,
is it (was it)?
Barnabas
Priscilla
Luke
Paul
John Mark
Clement of Rome
James
Peter
Apollo
Other
I am also open to new suggestions, name
You can explain your reasoning, or not, it is up to you.
be blessed, and I am sorry for en
guest
Epistle to the Hebrews is in the Bible (Kralice,and I believe also your KJV and others too) listed as last letter of Paul.
But it hardly fits into epistles, in Hebrews we missing habitually epistolary introduction and the whole sheet .. mmm.. it has more of the character of disquisition or preaching, than letter.
Similarly dubious is also Paul’s authorship.
Why?
- no mention about Paul's name (and remember? Paul is always scrupulous about that… as we can see in all of his other epistles)
- absent of typical introduction and conclusion
- sleek literary Greek (language), which is significantly different from vernacular (sorry I didn’t find better word for it) Greek in other Paul's epistles ... and also tougher speech , to which we are accustomed from Paul
- different expressions, character
- also theological differences are very apparent
(for example, belief or excuse are explained differently and idea of high priesthood of Christ, in the Hebrews so central , it is at most indistinct in other Paul letters)
Because of these and similar difference is not surprising that in the old church was this letter attributed to other authors , such as Barnabas, Luke, Clement of Rome....
Even Luther and Calvin knew and without embarrassment asserted that Paul cannot be the author of this file. (In the old German Luther Bible is Hebrews Epistle not included among the Paul's letters.)
Nowadays (to my knowledge) is also among theologians (rare) consensus, that Paul is not the author (even Catholic theologies recognizes this - not all of them, but still)
Attempts to find the author (at least hypothetically) is not progressed very well.
Today the most discussed name are Priscilla and Barnabas.
Origen, the largest early Christian scholar (died in 254) said that only God alone knows who the writer of the Hebrews letter was.
So,
is it (was it)?
Barnabas
Priscilla
Luke
Paul
John Mark
Clement of Rome
James
Peter
Apollo
Other
I am also open to new suggestions, name
You can explain your reasoning, or not, it is up to you.
be blessed, and I am sorry for en
guest
- A. Proposed possibilities include such candidates as Aristian, Jude, Barnabas, Silas, Silvanus, Aquilla, Philip, Stephen, Mark, Apollos, Luke, Philo, or Timothy. It has even been suggested by some that perhaps Clement of Rome may have been the author of the letter but, for the most part, he is not given very serious consideration among most scholars. This would account for the later dating of the book. The three most likely considerations in this list seem to be Paul, Luke, and, Apollos.
1. The most popular of the three yet, the candidate least likely is the apostle Paul.
a. Arguments for Paul are internal only.
* The mention of Timothy in 13:23.
Problem:Assumption by association. Timothy had very close working relationships with a great many teachers such as Sylvanus, Titus, Epaphraditus, Tertius, Gaius, and possibly even Apollos, 1Cor. 16:10.
* The extensive knowledge of the Law and the Levitical System demonstrated by the author.
Problem: Paul is certainly not the only person possessing such depth of knowledge in this area.
b. Arguments against Paul.
* Historically his was not seriously considered as the author until the 4[SUP]th [/SUP] century A.D. The suggestion that Paul may have been the author originated in Alexandria. Neither the Muratorium Canon, Irenaeus, Hippolytus, Gaius of Rome, nor Eusebius (all from the fourth century.) believed that Paul was the author of the letter.
- Pauline authorship was not given official acceptance until the Sixth Synod of Carthage in A.D. 419. This was the first time that the book of Hebrews was
listed among the Pauline letters.
- Among those pushing for Pauline authorship included Jerome and Augustine, yet neither of them actually believe Paul to be the author. So, why the push? Canonicity dispute. The inspiration of the book was called into question. Jerome and Augustine believed the book to be inspired, and in order for them to convince the Synod they had to first convince them that the book was the work of the apostle Paul.
* No MSS copies exist bearing his name.
* Paul was not an eloquent speaker. The Hebrew letter is written in the most eloquent Greek. No other letter in scripture can compare with this letter in its level of eloquence. Could this then have been a one-time author? This is hardly conclusive since there are a good many people who demonstrate poor verbal communication skills but prove to be most eloquent when putting their thoughts on paper. The truth is that Paul did not say that he was not eloquent, 1 Cor. 2:1; only that he did not come to them with eloquence of speech or of wisdom. In other words he did use eloquence or human wisdom (4) as a drawing card for the preaching of the gospel. There is certainly no lack of eloquence in any of the letters that we know are from Paul. Yet nothing to compare with the eloquence of Hebrews.
* The author’s disassociation with the apostles, 2:3-4. Milligan attempts to sidestep the argument (Introduction p. 14) “To win the hearts of his readers and soften his own ambitions” he identifies with them. He compares 2:3-4 with 6:1.
Problem: In 6:1 the writer is addressing his readers from a student/teacher relationship. He cannot proceed with more mature instruction since his readers are unable to follow. In 2:3-4 he places himself in an historical setting in relationship to a communication continuum. He does not take his place among those were appointed to confirm the Word of God, but accepts the position as a recipient of the confirmed word just like his readers. Thus, whoever this author is, it is unlikely that he is an apostle.
2. The second most likely candidate is Luke.
a. Arguments in favor of Luke.
* Not an apostle
* Well educated – but not formally educated in the Law of Moses – he is a gentile.
* Close companion of Paul
Problem – assumption by reason of association.
b. Argument against Luke - the literary style is very different from Luke’s gospel and the book of Acts.
Problems:
* John’s gospel and his epistles are vastly different from that of the book of Revelation. Yet, the same author wrote both books.
* The books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy - both written by Moses yet are vastly different in style.
c. No real evidence either internally or externally in support of Luke. There is only speculation connected to his association
with Paul.
3. The best supporting textual evidence seems to favor Apollos of 1Cor. 3:4; Acts 18:14-19:1. It is possible that the book of Hebrews is Apollos’ letter to the church at Corinth between A.D. 52-54 from Ephesus. Arguments in favor of Apollos.\
a. Eloquence
b. Mighty in the scriptures – O.T. scriptures. Accurate in his teaching.
c. Apollos lived and worked in Corinth.
d. He had strong ties to the Church at Corinth
e. He was a powerful debater against the Jews in the synagogue.
f. He was well educated. In his commentary on the book of Hebrews, Montefiore gives an excellent analysis of the internal evidence that seems to tie the Hebrew letter to 1Corinthians.
Thank you oldhermit 
this was really interesting reading for me...
and yes, Timothy, I forgot about him... (and many others, which you mentioned in your post and which I didn't even know about)
I am closer to think that it was (maybe) Apollo we know, that he was smart and good at scripture
...and if it was Apollo, he had to be genius.. I mean he was really smart... and I would like to meet him once
I should put him on my list (who I want to meet and speak in heaven)
I really love Hebrews epistle
be blessed and thank you
this was really interesting reading for me...
and yes, Timothy, I forgot about him... (and many others, which you mentioned in your post and which I didn't even know about)
I am closer to think that it was (maybe) Apollo
we know, that he was smart and good at scripture...and if it was Apollo, he had to be genius.. I mean he was really smart... and I would like to meet him once
I should put him on my list (who I want to meet and speak in heaven)
I really love Hebrews epistle
be blessed and thank you
commentary above by oldhermit I would give an A+.
I believe the reason Hebrews made the canon was because it was believed to have been written by Paul, but to me it is so unlike the epistles written by Paul, that I find it hard to believe he is the author. The irony is without the belief that Paul wrote it most likely it would of not made the canon. Who ever wrote it was jewish and had a very good knowledge of the OT and jewish tradition.
I believe the reason Hebrews made the canon was because it was believed to have been written by Paul, but to me it is so unlike the epistles written by Paul, that I find it hard to believe he is the author. The irony is without the belief that Paul wrote it most likely it would of not made the canon. Who ever wrote it was jewish and had a very good knowledge of the OT and jewish tradition.
E
Paul may not have been an eloquent speaker but his writings were. It's Paul as the early Church believed.
I would agree with this, Paul had a special heart for his people. We know this by reading romans 11, As he would be willing to give up his eternal life if that would save all his nation.
Since most of pauls letters were written to the gentile church, His way of writting would be in a way they could understand. As he used greek and roman symbols and tone in his writtings,
However, in a letter to his own people, he would have written in a different tone, One in which they could understand.
However, there are still alot of what alot like to call paulisms, in the letter to the hebrew people.
Paul may not have been an eloquent speaker but his writings were. It's Paul as the early Church believed.
I know, that I should respect your opinion, but why.. why…why do you think it is Paul?[/FONT]
I mean you wrote it down why, I know… but I would be soooooo glad if you change your mind, sir
Also, you know, in the early early Church they did attributed this file to other authors, not Paul (said my bible dictionary from Novotny and I believe it)
It was just later, when was apostolic authorship considered as a condition for canonization (except in case of ev. Luke and Mark) when had begun this search for Apostol writer and they found him in Paul, but probably only because the previously mentioned verse (13, 23 which mentions Timothy) by Oldhermit
But even then church remained in doubt, especially (or only?) the Latin part of the Church and in the reformation was Paul's authorship again abandoned ….
And also, oldhermit explained it so well…
Let me know please if you change your mind, sir ... I hope, you will
hmmmm.... but, but!
As regards the determination of recipients (of Hebrews epistles), it is also debatable, you know ...
Designation (for) "Jews" is not in the original text, nor not been, it has been added later and only in the title ... not into text ...
and it was much much later!
well, not really, I mean I don't know how much later .... I kinda just don't see Paul as the author, so Ill be honest, I am maybe looking for reasons, why he is not... [FONT="][/FONT][FONT="][/FONT]
As regards the determination of recipients (of Hebrews epistles), it is also debatable, you know ...
Designation (for) "Jews" is not in the original text, nor not been, it has been added later and only in the title ... not into text ...
and it was much much later!
well, not really, I mean I don't know how much later .... I kinda just don't see Paul as the author, so Ill be honest, I am maybe looking for reasons, why he is not... [FONT="][/FONT][FONT="][/FONT]
Paul may not have been an eloquent speaker but his writings were. It's Paul as the early Church believed.
Because it is not written as a letter really proves nothing. It was written by someone who knew everything about OT writings, and knew everything about what and how Christ changed everything. That is the kind of man God would use for Hebrews. 0
Paul wrote Hebrews
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
He uses Racing a lot in his letters
1 Cor 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
Heb 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
He uses Racing a lot in his letters
1 Cor 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Paul
Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
(Rom 15:27 KJV) It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
(1 Cor 9:10 KJV) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
(1 Cor 9:12 KJV) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
(1 Cor 9:13 KJV) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
(1 Cor 9:23 KJV) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
(1 Cor 10:17 KJV) For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
(1 Cor 10:18 KJV) Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
(1 Cor 10:21 KJV) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
(1 Cor 10:30 KJV) For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
(2 Cor 1:7 KJV) And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
(Eph 3:6 KJV) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(Eph 5:7 KJV) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(Phil 1:7 KJV) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
(Col 1:12 KJV) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(1 Tim 5:22 KJV) Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
(1 Tim 6:2 KJV) And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
(2 Tim 1:8 KJV) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Tim 2:6 KJV) The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
(Heb 2:14 KJV) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
(Heb 3:1 KJV) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
(Heb 3:14 KJV) For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
(Heb 6:4 KJV) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(Heb 12:8 KJV) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
(Heb 12:10 KJV) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Without any doubt at all it is Paul
Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Paul
Heb 5:10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
(Rom 15:27 KJV) It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
(1 Cor 9:10 KJV) Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.
(1 Cor 9:12 KJV) If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
(1 Cor 9:13 KJV) Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of the things of the temple? and they which wait at the altar are partakers with the altar?
(1 Cor 9:23 KJV) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
(1 Cor 10:17 KJV) For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
(1 Cor 10:18 KJV) Behold Israel after the flesh: are not they which eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar?
(1 Cor 10:21 KJV) Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
(1 Cor 10:30 KJV) For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?
(2 Cor 1:7 KJV) And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
(Eph 3:6 KJV) That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
(Eph 5:7 KJV) Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
(Phil 1:7 KJV) Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
(Col 1:12 KJV) Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
(1 Tim 5:22 KJV) Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
(1 Tim 6:2 KJV) And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
(2 Tim 1:8 KJV) Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
(2 Tim 2:6 KJV) The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
(Heb 2:14 KJV) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
(Heb 3:1 KJV) Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
(Heb 3:14 KJV) For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
(Heb 6:4 KJV) For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,
(Heb 12:8 KJV) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
(Heb 12:10 KJV) For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
Without any doubt at all it is Paul
T
I believe it was Apollos, who was a Jew , but also refuted the Jews in public even more than Paul. Priscilla and Aquila also showed Apollos the way of God adequately. As Jew, Apollos would have known about the sacrifices, etc.
It should also be noted that he was still very much alive and Possibly the Bishop of the church at Corinth after Paul was executed.
The largest reason I don't think it was Paul, is something very simple, Paul used a salutation and greeting in every one of his Epistles, that is not so in Hebrews.
It should also be noted that he was still very much alive and Possibly the Bishop of the church at Corinth after Paul was executed.
The largest reason I don't think it was Paul, is something very simple, Paul used a salutation and greeting in every one of his Epistles, that is not so in Hebrews.
E
Of course it is, There is no way to know for sure, No matter what anyone says it would be opinion not based on fact., So this subject should not divide the church or anyone else. It is fine to have disagreements on things like this without being so dogmatic and legalistic.
I think the designation jews (I would rather say Hebrew or Israel) pertains to the subject matter. No other people had a problem with the topic of the epistle. It is just what I call a reasoning,
I would say there is much more proof this was written to Israel christians than there is even it was written by paul.
Designation (for) "Jews" is not in the original text, nor not been, it has been added later and only in the title ... not into text ...
and it was much much later!
well, not really, I mean I don't know how much later .... I kinda just don't see Paul as the author, so Ill be honest, I am maybe looking for reasons, why he is not...
and it was much much later!
well, not really, I mean I don't know how much later .... I kinda just don't see Paul as the author, so Ill be honest, I am maybe looking for reasons, why he is not...
I would say there is much more proof this was written to Israel christians than there is even it was written by paul.
As an example here is a case laid out for Paul as the author.
Fred's Bible Talk - Who Wrote Hebrews? A Defense of Pauline Authorship
Fred's Bible Talk - Who Wrote Hebrews? A Defense of Pauline Authorship
Thank you gentleman's (vernon, And, posthuman, highwayman, eternall ..., crossnote) for your opinions
Redtent, always pleasure, I respect your view
[FONT="] [/FONT]
crossnote, sir, I admit that I was kinda hoping that you will see difference between hebrews and other letters too, you know, maybe because I can usually agree with your (btw, same goes for redtent) views ..posts so…
But don’t be afraid, I leave you alone, I mean I leave you with your op inion
everyone, I appreciate your posts
be blessed
Redtent, always pleasure, I respect your view
[FONT="] [/FONT]
crossnote, sir, I admit that I was kinda hoping that you will see difference between hebrews and other letters too, you know, maybe because I can usually agree with your (btw, same goes for redtent) views ..posts so…
But don’t be afraid, I leave you alone, I mean I leave you with your op inion
everyone, I appreciate your posts
be blessed