Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2
The letter to the Hebrews has been the source of much debate over the centuries since it was written and sent. Do you see why?
I cannot begin gemming this letter in the same way I have any other letters of the New Testament. Simply because the letter does not start with the standard introduction of a normal Greek letter. Compare this letter with the beginning of Romans (Gem 134) , Ephesians (Gem 596 & 597) or Philippians (Gem 1904). A normal Greek letter has the clear statement as to who wrote the letter and who the letter was intended for. This letter contains none of those standard features. There is no written indication of who wrote the letter, neither is there any statement in the body of the letter as to the recipients. However, there was a title given to the early copies of the letter:-
[prós Hebraı́ous] meaning “To the Hebrews”
But even that is debated. What does it mean?
- Was the letter meant for those who are of Jewish descent?
- Was the letter for those who spoke Hebrew? i.e. members of the Jewish nation who believed they were specially chosen by God?
- Was the letter written for Jewish Christians?
- Was the letter meant for Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians who were Hellenists, i.e. read the Old Testament in Greek.
Who do you think wrote the Letter to the Hebrews?
Take time before the next Gem to consider for yourself who you think the author was. Here are the suggestions from others over the intervening years.
The Options
- Paul
- Barnabas
- Apollos
- Luke
- Clement of Rome
- Silas
- Priscilla and Aquila
- Priscilla
- Philip the deacon
- Aristion
- Anonymous
- Only God Knows
The contents of the letter itself excludes Timothy and Titus.
Take time to consider the question for yourself. Who have you always thought wrote Hebrews?
Do a little research! See what you can find out before the next Gem.
It is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.
Winston Churchill regarding Russia
Some older versions of the King James translations of the Bible call it “the Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews”.
Fact
No writing can be admitted into the Canon unless it has an apostle for its author.
Athanasius of Alexandria
A question to prompt you: Why is “The Epistle to the Hebrews in the position it is in your Bible?
Ian Vail
Dear Pak Ian,
1. Did not find Titus name in Hebrew book.
2. Since Hebrew book have been canonized and included in New Testament, this book purposed to all Christians, not just for Hebrew people.
3. Still not understand, who gave name this book title as Hebrew. Was this mentioned in original manuscript?
Hi Pak Suryadi,
1. Timothy is mentioned in Hebrews 13:23 and Titus is inferred if indeed the city the writer is referring to is Rome as is most likely. I.e. Titus is the “you” referred to in the verse.
2. We will deal with the issue of who the Letter is addressed to in a subsequent Gem. Yes there is indeed debate as to whether Hellenists or Hebrew speaking Christians are referred to or both.
3. In the very earlier Greek documents of the letter “To the Hebrews” is in the title, not in the body of that letter.