Paul Did Write Hebrews

[Enow]

There are some believers out there that thinks Paul did not write Hebrews.

Compare Hebrews 12:1-2 with 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

Hebrews 12:1Wherefore 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, [SUP]2 [/SUP]Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Corinthians 9:[SUP]24 [/SUP]Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. [SUP]25 [/SUP]And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. [SUP]26 [/SUP]I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: [SUP]27 [/SUP]But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

Also Hebrews 13:22-24 testify of writing in prison from Italy with Timothy at liberty as he is known as Paul's travelling companion.

Hebrews 13:[SUP]22 [/SUP]And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words. [SUP]23 [/SUP]Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty; with whom, if he come shortly, I will see you. [SUP]24 [/SUP]Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

 

[DragonSlayer]

Paul signed every letter by his name in the beginning. It's not the case with the letter to the Hebrews.
Paul didn't create Christianity and he was not the only one to write many letters to the believers, as some believers think.

Jesus created Christianity, and the one who wrote the letter to the Hebrews was the disciple Jesus loved. It's the apostle John. If you see how the beginning of the Gospel of John and the beginning of the Hebrews are closely related, there is no doubt John did write Hebrews !

Not everything revolves around the apostle Paul in Christianity.

The other apostles did write many letters also !

 

[Enow]

Paul signed every letter by his name in the beginning. It's not the case with the letter to the Hebrews.
Paul didn't create Christianity and he was not the only one to write many letters to the believers, as some believers think.

Jesus created Christianity, and the one who wrote the letter to the Hebrews was the disciple Jesus loved. It's the apostle John. If you see how the beginning of the Gospel of John and the beginning of the Hebrews are closely related, there is no doubt John did write Hebrews !

Not everything revolves around the apostle Paul in Christianity.

The other apostles did write many letters also !

Explain the reference between Hebrews 12:1-2 & 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 as not being of Paul because they relate far more than how you relate John 1 with Hebrews 1 with the apostle John.

And explain how Timothy was a known travelling companion of Paul & not John in Hebrews 13:22-27. John never spoke of a travelling companion and he would never bother telling anyone to salute another for him, but Paul has. So do reconsider.

Just because Paul did not sign his name at the beginning of Hebrews does not automatically make it not his.

 

[iamsoandso]

the author of Hebrews is curious to ponder,i also have looked at the same issue. the more we research the matter even the 1st and 2nd century church members seemed not to agree on it's author, some say Barnabas others James,others Paul. but it was never concluded who was the author from the beginning.

in act's. 15;23-30 the apostles gave a letter to Barnabas and Paul and they were then sent to Antioch(acts 15;22) as a form of missionary work under the authority of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem(see acts 16;4) that is they were sent to deliver the decrees ordained by the apostles at Jerusalem(only,that is the things written in the letter mentioned in acts 15;23-30). In (acts 16;6),they Barnabas,Paul, were forbidden to preach the word in Asia.

so as for that time-frame(acts 11-16) they(Barnabas and Paul) were sent to do several types of works to deliver the letter and decrees given them (acts 16;4) before this (acts.11;29-30) but restricted to this area and not permitted to preach in Asia(acts 16;6) the primary focus seems to be that discussed about Paul as a converted christian and the decrees of the gentiles given in acts (15;23-30),so as to backtrack from Jerusalem to Antioch and set at ease those who did not no whether to trust Paul or not. and to correct the decrees of circumcision among the gentiles ect.

now at the ending of Hebrews(heb.13;23-24) timothy is set at liberty(he was in prison and has now been set free verse23) and the author is in (Italy),,,,,which brings another possible author into play,,,,(the word "our" in heb.13;23) that is as we know it is in italics which we were all taught are words that "did not appear in the original manuscript",so if we read the same verse removing the word "our"

then we have(bear in mind the way Greek particles need be examined),,,,,"know ye that brother timothy is set at liberty,with whom if he come shortly,i will see you",so "he and i",,,so did he say "whom if i come shortly(because he was released),will see you",,,?,,,and timothy who traveled with Paul and took dictation for Paul would also write with the same like manner.

also i think it is curious for Paul (appointed the apostle to the gentiles as we know) to be writing a letter to the "Hebrews" when he knew he was set apart as "the apostle to the gentiles",,,and that the 12 apostles were from Jerusalem delivering the Gospel to the Hebrews.

on the other hand acts.16;1 Timotheus/timothy of a Jewess mother and Greek father ,circumcised as an Hebrew would be at liberty to be the author of Hebrews. but then there are also the 2 men named Barnabas(joses and judas)and also James to consider,,,,,

 

[posthuman]

And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

(2 Peter 3:15-16)


what letter is Peter talking about here?

 

[LT]

The writing style is wholly different than the letters of Paul. The writer was obviously a close associate of Paul, or at least well acquainted with Paul's letters.
Apollos is the man that I believe wrote it, but what does it matter? Regardless of the writer, what Christian can read through that book and deny that it is Scripture?

 

[iamsoandso]

yes i agree,,,(posthuman)it could very well be the letter peter is referring to.(Lt) and or someone very closely associated with Paul. i have kept in my mind over the years as i studied to find some type clue to apply,but it always seems i end up going "but what if in my mind" Paul may have dictated it to Luke of timothy or another.

it doesn't seem to be an issue only with the present church (2013) as to the author Early Church Fathers even from the beginning there was always a discussion of who the author was. but it was widely accepted as inspired until about 400ad. after the roman empire became christian 313-380ad christian books as to what was are was not inspired books ,i call it the foggy grey area from their on. but 2nd,3rd gen church members often quote from Hebrews and other books.

because of this i myself tend to pay more attention to the first few generations of the church(letters),,,it occurs to me that from a certain point in history what we now refer to as the catholic church we tend to look at certain doctrines as with skepticism. but as i say if we look at this matter of skepticism and apply it to doctrine then we should also apply it to what we refer to as "the cannon of the new and old testament",that is we do not consider that these same decided to drop some books and add others,,,Hebrews i believe to be valid and inspired,,,,,,

 

[oldhermit]

The following material is an excerpt from a commentary I wrote a number of years ago on the book of Hebrews. This is part of the introductory material that I used to address the question of authorship. Perhaps it will be of some help.

III. Authorship – Unknown:
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 4thcentury 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 4th cent.) 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 link the Hebrew letter to 1Corinthians

 

[iamsoandso]

i agree it could have been any number of authors. if it was written first in the Hebrew language then interpreted to Greek as the early church members state. and then in around 400ad into Latin,,,then even the textus receptus might then come to play. Hebrews 13 - Interlinear Westcott & Hort WH Original Greek New Testament GNT Literal English Translation Strong's Concordance Online Parallel Bible Study ,,,in Hebrews 13;23,,,,examining each word it could also mean timothy your brother being loosed you will behold i will to you,,,if so then timothy signed the book of Hebrews.

but then again if it was Hebrew at first might be opposite,and again from textus receptus when these were interpreted from textus receptus to English they had to jump from one manuscript to the other (some were degraded more than others),,when this was written the autograph of Hebrews could have been book or parchment(both were in usage)in secod tim.4;13 paul request timothy bring "the books,and especially the parchments"

but i agree it could be any one in the list you provided and maybe someone we may have missed,,,luke himself in the Gospel of Luke states to theophilus in luke 1;2 that the accounts he was writing were delivered to him by those who were eyewitnesses,that is Luke himself was not but as he states to theophilus he had perfect knowledge of it,and then so was resiting what he had been taught by the eyewitnesses. again in his second letter(acts)he begins by stating "in the former treaties",so including acts as the same as the first letter(luke) but continuing where he left off.

he continues this recanting of what was taught to him by the eyewitnesses until he gets to verse 16 of acts. from chapter 16 of acts backwards to the beginning of Luke,,Luke always uses the wording "they,them ect." denoting that he was not traveling with them and that this portion of his letters(luke 1-acts,16) ware the portion he was given by the eyewitnesses. then from (acts 16;11) Luke then changes from telling theophilus the things they/them had told him,and shifted his wording to "we,us" denoting at this point in the book of acts he himself(Luke) was then an eyewitness,traveling with Paul throughout the remainder of his ministry.

 

[iamsoandso]

ok in the 4th paragraph i missed correcting the word "recanting",,,,,it should be "reciting",,,spell-check fought with me and well,i lost

 

[posthuman]

Apollos as the author makes a lot of sense to me.

like other comments ^^
regardless of authorship i believe it's inspired

 

[breno785au]

At the end of the day, it was Holy Spirit who inspired the words of Hebrews, one of my favourite of the epistles. To me that's all that matters, Jesus' half brothers cousins mother could have written it for all i care lol

 

[LT]

At the end of the day, it was Holy Spirit who inspired the words of Hebrews, one of my favourite of the epistles. To me that's all that matters, Jesus' half brothers cousins mother could have written it for all i care lol

I'm pretty sure Elizabeth didn't write the Book of Hebrews, but your point is solid.
(Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist who was Jesus' half brothers cousin.)

 

[breno785au]

I'm pretty sure Elizabeth didn't write the Book of Hebrews, but your point is solid.
(Elizabeth was the mother of John the Baptist who was Jesus' half brothers cousin.)

Haha in glad you picked up on that! After i posted and thought about it, i was like...thats Jesus' aunty, which is Marys sister, which is Elizabeth! Lol

 

[LT]

Haha in glad you picked up on that! After i posted and thought about it, i was like...thats Jesus' aunty, which is Marys sister, which is Elizabeth! Lol

I was like, wait... I actually know who that is! XD

 

[Enow]

Probably why Jesus Christ should only be our Good Shepherd; and not Church "Fathers" or our best guesses.

Take it before that throne of grace for wisdom in discerning the author of Hebrews, and although not really a selling point since Paul or any author of Hebrews was led by the Good Shepherd through the Holy Spirit in that author to write it. Still, when dealing with some believers that think Paul was a false apostle or that he wrote another gospel different from the twelve disciples, it should be important then, but it is up to the Lord to make it so and apparent too in any discussion.

Matthew 23:9And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

2 Timothy 3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free....36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.

 

[iamsoandso]

do you believe me to be a catholic and that i refer to any of the early church members as fathers?

 

[iamsoandso]

i am not if in any post i led you to believe so,i have gone to a catholic church once about 25 years ago. the letters i often cite are referred to as "church fathers",,,but as well as i did not name Rome ,Rome(not being born then),i did not name the group of letters known as "early church fathers",,,,

so seeing they were called this by all the different christian denominations i was compelled to also refer to them as such lest no man then would understand what letters i was referring to. we could find these same letters online at many church denominations web pages, i in fact oney use the new advent page because it is free and has been proven over the years to be fairly accurate interpretations of these early christian books.

 

[4enlightment]

The word Hebrew is describing a certain type of social status like nomads or Gypsies. The Hebrew( Habiru or wanderers) didn't had a nation in those days, and since Moses was raise in Egypt, He use Egyptian's wording or phrases. While creating the first books in the Bible. The person that has written the book must of been a Jew that was raised in Egypt. There are other books is not in the correct order like Revelation; Paul had talk about John in one of his letters. So the Bible was compose by assumptions, not actually facts. So I believe that the Book of Revelations isn't the last Book.

2 Corinthians 12:2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.

 

[LT]

The word Hebrew is describing a certain type of social status like nomads or Gypsies. The Hebrew( Habiru or wanderers) didn't had a nation in those days, and since Moses was raise in Egypt, He use Egyptian's wording or phrases. While creating the first books in the Bible. The person that has written the book must of been a Jew that was raised in Egypt. There are other books is not in the correct order like Revelation; Paul had talk about John in one of his letters. So the Bible was compose by assumptions, not actually facts. So I believe that the Book of Revelations isn't the last Book.

2 Corinthians 12:2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.

Hebrew means descended from Eber. I'm not sure who told you that it has to do with being nomadic... but that is not true.
The word Habiru is just how the Egyptians pronounced Hebrew. They used the word later on to mean "like the Hebrews" referring to all Semitic people.