Monday, June 22, 2009, 09:59 PM
Yes, I like to chase "rabbits," sometimes I catch one! Here's an example.
During a recent re-reading of the Epistle to the Hebrews, I think I saw new evidence for Paul being the author. I can't really take seriously the defense of Apollos as the author, and that means that unless it was written by Paul, then I would have to consider it anonymous. That would be hard to defend, given the apostolic authority implied and the attitude toward the "Hebrew" readers. (I know... even the title was assumed.) I have long thought that the nature seemed unique, but couldn't say why. Here is my new idea. The teachings are thoroughly compatible with Paul. And Paul often wrote as if he were disappointed with the spiritual maturity of his readers, as he does in Chapter 6. But why would Paul ever write a letter to Jewish Believers? And just exactly where were they? I believe that Hebrews 10:32-34 is the best description in the New Testament of the persecutions of the Jerusalem church at the beginning, involving Paul. And Paul would only have written this letter if Peter were dead. Well, if this was written in the time between the executions of Peter and Paul, then a letter like this is exactly what the Hebrew Believers in Jerusalem needed. And it may have been the last good news they ever received, since the Jewish Revolt happened shortly afterwards. Maybe you could ask God to help you to get a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and read it with these things in mind.
Richard
During a recent re-reading of the Epistle to the Hebrews, I think I saw new evidence for Paul being the author. I can't really take seriously the defense of Apollos as the author, and that means that unless it was written by Paul, then I would have to consider it anonymous. That would be hard to defend, given the apostolic authority implied and the attitude toward the "Hebrew" readers. (I know... even the title was assumed.) I have long thought that the nature seemed unique, but couldn't say why. Here is my new idea. The teachings are thoroughly compatible with Paul. And Paul often wrote as if he were disappointed with the spiritual maturity of his readers, as he does in Chapter 6. But why would Paul ever write a letter to Jewish Believers? And just exactly where were they? I believe that Hebrews 10:32-34 is the best description in the New Testament of the persecutions of the Jerusalem church at the beginning, involving Paul. And Paul would only have written this letter if Peter were dead. Well, if this was written in the time between the executions of Peter and Paul, then a letter like this is exactly what the Hebrew Believers in Jerusalem needed. And it may have been the last good news they ever received, since the Jewish Revolt happened shortly afterwards. Maybe you could ask God to help you to get a better understanding of the book of Hebrews, and read it with these things in mind.
Richard
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