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It is written:
Hebrews 13:22-And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
One of the fascinating discussions within the realm of serious Bible study deals with the authorship of the Book of Hebrews. Through the centuries, there has been much speculation about whether or not the Apostle Paul wrote this great Epistle. Other authors have been proposed as well, including (but not limited to) Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Luke, and even Aquila. In this brief study, we will notice some of the major arguments in favor of Paul being the author of Hebrews, as well as some of the major arguments against his being the author.
Some of the major arguments in favor of Paul being the author of Hebrews include the following.
The first is the textual evidence. Our knowledge of the New Testament Scriptures comes from three sources: the manuscripts (copies of the original Books of the Apostles); the versions (translations of the New Testament into other languages); and the quotations from the church fathers (citations of the New Testament from the Christians who lived especially between the second and fourth centuries A.D.).
Regarding the textual evidence, one researcher has noted:
“Papyrus 46 (P46) can be used to lend credibility to early Pauline authorship. The Chester Beatty P46 holds 14 epistles (which includes the epistle of Hebrews), and “it is the oldest known copy of the Pauline Epistles,”[ 130] Albert Barnes remarks that the ancient inscription “The epistle of Paul the apostle to the Hebrews” is affixed to all of our present Greek manuscripts and nearly all of the ancient versions, such as the Peshito, the Old Syriac Version, made very early in the second century, and in the Old Italic version. The P46 (200 A.D.) is the oldest manuscript that contains the epistle of Hebrews with its familiar title. Trobisch says, “The thing we learn from the four oldest existing manuscripts of the New Testament is that the letter to the Hebrews is treated as a letter of Paul. This letter is always copied as one of the letters of Paul; it is not situated as one of the general letters.”[ 131] Since this inscription reveals the ancient tradition of the early Church fathers, we can use this testimony to give some weight of support for Pauline authorship.”[ 132] Thompson writes, “Hebrews has been included among the letters of Paul since ancient times. As early as the second century, Christians attributed the letter to Paul. The oldest complete extant manuscript of Hebrews, P46, placed Hebrews in the collection of Pauline writings, as did numerous later manuscripts. “Hebrews has been included among the letters of Paul since ancient times. No evidence is available to suggest that Hebrews ever circulated independently or in any collection other than that of Paul.”[ 133] Indeed, no evidence is available to suggest that Hebrews ever circulated independently or in any collection other than that of Paul.”[ 134] P46 represented the Pauline Corpus (Paul’s epistles). Early Christians in the East considered the book of Hebrews to be part of the Pauline writings. So Hebrews was included in the Pauline Corpus. This is evident in the second-century manuscript P46.”[ 135] Goodwin writes, “Quite noteworthy is the Chester Beatty Papyrus No. 2 (P46) believed to be from about 200 A.D. It has 86 leaves out of a codex that probably had 104 leaves; Romans, Hebrews, First Corinthians, Second Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, First Thessalonians and Hebrews is included in this early codex. P46 indicates that in about 200 A.D. Hebrews was accepted by early Christians as an inspired writing of the apostle Paul.”[ 136] Metzger affirms that the “Corpus Paulinum (P46) does include the Epistle to the Hebrews,”[ 137] and also affirms that the total number of the Pauline Epistles was fourteen.”[ 138] It is most likely that after Paul’s death that Timothy or Luke collected Paul’s epistles into one corpus (P46) which is known to include the book of Hebrews. Timothy was the one that Paul directed to get his books, most especially the parchments, and bring them to Paul while he was in prison (2 Tim. 4: 13). It is possible that Timothy did not get to Paul before his execution. This would mean that Timothy would be the keeper of Paul’s book and writings. Even if he did get to Paul in time, he most likely would be the one to keep up with Paul’s epistles and get them to the churches for circulation.”[ 139] The “Greek structures of Pauline titles in P46 suggests that it probably was added when Hebrews began to circulate as part of collection of Pauline epistles.”[ 140] This would be as earlier, as when Paul was no longer able to travel and incarcerated or was no longer alive. “The thing we learn from the four oldest existing manuscripts of the New Testament is that the letter to the Hebrews is treated as a letter of Paul. This letter is always copied as one of the letters of Paul; it is not situated as one of the general letters.”[ 141] Comfort writes, “The epistle to the Hebrews occupies a distinctive place in the New Testament canon. It is by tradition associated with the Pauline corpus in Papyrus 46. “P46, one of the oldest New Testament manuscripts, contains the last eight chapters of Romans; all of Hebrews; virtually all of 1–2 Corinthians; all of Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and two chapters of First Thessalonians. Scholar Young Kyu Kim dated Papyrus 46 to the first century before the reign of Domitian (pre 81 A.D.),[ 142] According to Comfort, he places the date of this manuscript even earlier, he says, “P46 is the earliest manuscript of the Pauline corpus, and was written some time before the reign of the emperor Domitian—that is, before A.D. 81.”[ 143] Ancient Bible Versions Barnes notes that the ancient inscription, which is, “The epistle of Paul the apostle to the Hebrews” is affixed to all of our present Greek manuscripts and nearly all of the ancient versions, such as the Peshito Bible A.D. 150, the Old Italic Bible A.D. 157, dating very earlier as in the second century, and the Old Syriac Version A.D. 400…. Albert Barnes notes that the ancient inscription ‘The epistle of Paul the apostle to the Hebrews’ is affixed to nearly all of the ancient versions.”[147] The ancient versions of the Bible are solid and undeniable proof that Paul is the author of the book of Hebrews. Nearly “all Greek manuscripts”[148] testifies to this fact and that is why nearly every ancient version has it in the title because they were translated from those very manuscripts. The title is certainly very ancient; it is found in all the MSS. which contain the Epistle (with some variations, which may be seen in Scholz’ New Test.); it is found in the Syriac, and the Latin versions before Jerome; and the Fathers of the second and third centuries constantly refer to the Epistle as that to the Hebrews.[ 144].” (Joseph Wells, Jr., Pauline Authorship: Author For The Book Of Hebrews, 88-94 (Kindle Edition): CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
A second evidence in favor of Pauline authorship deals with the grouping of Hebrews in early Christian tradition with Paul’s other Epistles, showing a strong tradition from very early that the Apostle to the Gentiles wrote this Letter.
“The manuscript tradition bears witness both to the early inclusion of Hebrews in the Pauline corpus and also to varying assessments of its status.18 Hebrews is included in collections of Pauline letters from p46 (c. 200) onwards, wards, but in various positions, namely: 1. Hebrews is placed among the epistles addressed to churches: a. It is placed after Romans in p46, in a Syrian canon of c. 400,19 and in six minuscules from the eleventh century (103) or later (455, 1961, 1964, 1977, 1994). This arrangement suggests that Hebrews was considered in some areas, especially Egypt in the third century, as second in importance, as it is second in length, to Romans. b. It appears after 2 Corinthians in the late minuscules 1930 and 1978, and in a codex (Codex 2248) containing the commentary of Theophylact on the Pauline epistles in the Sahidic (earliest Coptic) version. This arrangement suggests the same high view of Hebrews as a., but coupled with a reluctance to separate 1 and 2 Corinthians. c. Hebrews is placed after Galatians in an archetype of B, as shown by the chapter numbers in B. d. Two lesser witnesses place Hebrews respectively after Ephesians (606) and after Colossians.20 2. Hebrews is placed immediately after the letters to churches and before those written to individuals in ?Z A B C H I P 0150 0151 and at least 60 minuscules, some Bohairic codices, Athanasius’s thirty-ninth Festal Letter (367), Euthalius (fl. before 350?), Jerome,21 probably Cyril of Alexandria,22 and other witnesses. This tradition was known to Epiphanius, and probably originated in Alexandria. 3. Hebrews is found after Philemon, at the end of the Pauline canon, in D E K L and most minuscules; probably in the NT recension of Lucian of Antioch (c. 300); in Amphilochius of Iconium (c. 340-395), and in one of two traditions known to Epiphanius (cf. 2 above). Western influence was eventually decisive in imposing this order.” (Paul Ellingworth, The Epistle to the Hebrews (New International Greek Testament Commentary (NIGTC)), 1267-1278 (Kindle Edition): Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company)
A third proof of Pauline authorship of Hebrews that is often put forward comes from the Scripture used at the introduction of this study ( e.g., Hebrews 13:22). The phraseology used there strongly hints at Paul.
“To these facts we may add one final observation. It is good to bear in mind the descriptive title the author of Hebrews has given to the letter: tou logou tēs paraklēseōs (“ word of exhortation,” 13: 22). It is noteworthy that the noun paraklēsis is confined to Luke (6 times), Paul (20 times), and this letter (3 times). Of special interest is Acts 13: 15, where Paul and Barnabas enter the synagogue of Pisidian Antioch and are invited to give a logos paraklēseōs. It was Paul and not Barnabas who delivered this “word of exhortation,” which itself (Acts 13: 16-41) shows numerous parallels with Hebrews. This is perhaps a clue, though a small one, that an epistle that calls itself a logos paraklēseōs is not alien to the mind of the apostle Paul.” (David Alan Black, The Authorship of Hebrews: The Case for Paul (Topical Line Drives Book 1), 19 (Kindle Edition): Gonzalez, FL: Energion Publications)
Fourth, the similarities between Hebrews and other Epistles of Paul suggest strongly that he penned this Epistle.
“Arguments for Pauline authorship, from internal evidence, include: (1) The historical circumstances alluded to in the letter (see the historical allusions in chapter 13) certainly fit Paul. (2) There are many terms and phrases similar to those found throughout Paul’s writings.64 Some of the main parallels noted in the past65 in defense of the Pauline authorship of Hebrews include: Hebrews 1:5 and Acts 13:33 – The Old Testament verse “Thou art my Son, today I have begotten thee” is used with reference to Christ. This use of this Old Testament verse is found only in Paul and in Hebrews. Hebrews 2:4 and 1 Corinthians 12:11 – Both speak of the distribution of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 2:10 and Romans 11:36 or Colossians 1:16 or 1 Corinthians 8:6 – All speak of God as the One “for whom and through whom” all things exist. Hebrews 2:16 and Galatians 3:29 or 3:7 or Romans 4:16 – The only passages in the New Testament that designate the family of faith as being descendants or sons of Abraham are either all Paul or in Hebrews. Hebrews 4:12 and Ephesians 6:17 – The comparison of the Word of God to a sword is found only in Paul and in Hebrews. Hebrews 6:3 and 1 Corinthians 16:7 – These are the only places in the New Testament where the phrase “If God permits” occurs. Hebrews 10:19 and Romans 5:2 or Ephesians 2:18 or 3:12 – Only in Paul or in Hebrews do we find the idea “access” or “introduction” into God’s very presence so explained. (3) The doctrinal content of Hebrews has been shown to be similar to Paul.66 The person and work of Christ are similarly presented in Paul and in Hebrews. The Old Testament is considered to be temporary and a shadow of things to come, both in Paul (e.g., Colossians 2:17) and in Hebrews. The Pauline triad – faith, hope, and love – show up in Hebrews 10:22-24.” (Gareth Reese, New Testament Epistles: Hebrews-A Critical And Exegetical Commentary, 719-742 (Kindle Edition): Moberly, MI: Scripture Exposition Books, LLC)
Fifth, the early church fathers strongly testify of Pauline authorship of Hebrews. Examples include the Synod of Antioch, Methodius, Gregory Thaumaturgus, Eusebius of Caesarea, Victorinus of Pettau, Hilary of Poitiers, Augustine, and Jerome. (However, some early Christians rejected the Pauline authorship including Irenaeus, Hippolytus, and Gaius of Rome).
Here are the primary reasons why some have rejected the Pauline authorship of Hebrews.
First, it is anonymous. This is a problem for those who hold to the Pauline authorship, since Paul signed his other Epistles (1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17). Some of the early Christians tried to explain this as Paul being modest and not wanting to take away honor from Jesus.
“Cockerill writes, “Paul had not affixed his name because he was only the apostle to the Gentiles, while “the Lord” was the “Apostle” (cf. Heb 3: 1) to the Jews (Hist. eccl. 6.14.4).”[ 43] There are actually several primary sources that have preserved this very account that Cockerill has written that has come up to us from antiquity. Clement of Alexandria, being one of these, writes, “And now, as the blessed Presbyter used to say,[ 44] “since the Lord, being the Apostle of the Almighty, was sent to the Hebrews, it was out of modesty that Paul, as having been sent to the Gentiles,[ 45] did not subscribe himself apostle of the Hebrews, from reverence for the Lord, and because he was the herald and apostle of the Gentiles, and wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews in addition to his proper work.”[ 46] Eusebius of Caesarea, also being another who recorded this same testimony wrote, “But now, as the blessed presbyter said, since the Lord being the apostle of the Almighty, was sent to the Hebrews, Paul, as sent to the Gentiles, on account of his modesty did not subscribe himself an apostle of the Hebrews, through respect for the Lord, and because being a herald and apostle of the Gentiles he wrote to the Hebrews out of his superabundance.”[ 47]”. (Joseph Wells, Jr., Pauline Authorship: Author For The Book Of Hebrews, 39-40 (Kindle Edition): CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform)
A second objection is that the writer of Hebrews seems to suggest that he was not an Apostle (based on one interpretation of Hebrews 2:1-4). However, others believe that the writer is not disavowing receiving the revelation of God from Jesus. Instead, they believe that the writer is affirming he was not one of the original Apostles (which was true of Paul), and that after receiving the Word of God had it confirmed through the other Apostles.
“It is to be noted that 2:1-4 does not speak of initial impartation of the message (cf. Gal 1:12) but of confirmation. Thus Paul, though an apostle himself, could refer to specific apostolic traditions that he had received secondhand (cf. 1 Cor 11:2; 15:1). See also Pitts and Walker, “The Authorship of Hebrews,” who write (referring to 2:3-4): “So, on the assumption of a Pauline origin for the speech to the Hebrews, Paul seems to be communicating that after having received his message from Jesus, it was confirmed by the apostles and also through signs and wonders” (p. 182).” (David Alan Black, The Authorship of Hebrews: The Case for Paul (Topical Line Drives Book 1), 20 (Kindle Edition): Gonzalez, FL: Energion Publications)
There can be no doubt that the vast majority of evidence favors the Apostle Paul being the author of Hebrews. However, lack of his personal autograph is (in my humble opinion) the strongest argument against this Book being penned by him. While I lean towards the belief that Paul wrote Hebrews, I am not dogmatic on the subject and understand why some have doubts on the matter. Regardless of who actually wrote Hebrews, it is clear that the themes and language of the Book are in strong harmony with Paul’s uncontested Epistles, which is why I personally don’t lose any sleep over the matter.
One of the great lessons from this Book is the amazing Example that Jesus sets for us.
Hebrews 12:1-2-Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
May we all have the courage and determination to finish the race that is set before us.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.