Just A Question
Since I have several people that read this blog that are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, I would like to ask a question and see what you think. So here we go...
There is much debate concerning who the author of the book of Hebrews is. At this time, I hold to the traditional view (well, according to whom you ask) that Paul is the author of Hebrews. Who do you think is the author of Hebrews and why? I would really like to see if someone differs on this, or if you agree, why you believe Paul to be the author.
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1 hour ago
4 comments:
The traditional view is not Paul, it is unknown. As for me, my answer is that of all the possibilities, Paul cannot be it.
Why? Besides completely different emphasis, style, and thought patterns, in Hebrews 2:3 the author says the salvation "was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard".
The author seems to be a second generation believer, he heard from those who heard the message from Jesus himself.
If this is Paul, refering to himself in this way would seem to contradict what he says in letters known to be by him.
Gal. 1:12 (and following) - " For I did not receive it [the gospel] from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ."
Also, 1 Cor. 15 Paul notes that the risen Christ appeared to the apostles, and to him also.
For Paul the good news of salvation was not attested to him by those who heard it from Jesus, rather he had himself heard it from the risen Lord.
i agree that it's not paul's style.
my "guess" is that it might have been written by apollos (based largely on the passage below and the clue in hebrews discussed by michael) under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit...and probably was endorsed as scripture under paul's apostolic authority.
acts18:24Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
27When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. On arriving, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures [this would most likely have been from the OT...just like hebrews, BTW] that Jesus was the Christ.
Let me restate one point in my post. I said that the traditional view of the author of Hebrews to be Paul (I also said it was according to whom you asked). I would like to clarify that this is a traditional view among many groups, however, it is not held as a "widespread" belief. There are many groups who deny this as well. So, I meant that from the authors that I am most familiar with, they state Paul as the author. Now, I know it is hotly debated, but for now I go with Paul.
But it is interesting what you say about Apollos. And regardless of who wrote Hebrews...it is a great book!
I'm with Michael in believing that it probably wasn't Paul because of the two Scriptures given. These are not COMPLETE PROOF, but enough of a clue to reasonably doubt him.
The subject of "style" often comes into this debate, but I think it's probably not that relevant. I've written much prose, poetry, and song in MANY styles - depending on the intended audience. The subject of intended audience can be used when examining the style, and I'll leave that up to the Greek scholars to give some insight. "Not my bag, baby, YEAH!" I'd like to think that it was one of the more well known of the first century Christians such as Apollos, but we just don't know. We do know that it lines up well with other Scripture. That's good enough for me.
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