Introduction to Hebrews

Transcription

1 1 Introduction to Hebrews

2 2 Introduction to Hebrews Author: I. The author of Hebrews is not named within the book. II. Milligan wrote that the authorship of Hebrews has been ascribed to Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Silas, Apollos, Aguila, Mark, and Paul. III. Milligan believed Paul to be the only one worthy of serious consideration as the author of Hebrews because: A. Hebrew s authorship is ascribed to Paul by many early Christian Fathers including Pantaenus, Clement of Alexandria, Orian, The Council of Antioch, Eusebius, the Council of Hippo, and the third Council of Carthage. B. There is much in the style, phraseology and logical structure of the Epistle which very much resembles the other writings of Paul. IV. Coffman concurred that Paul is the author of Hebrews although he noted the diversity that exists in regard to the question of authorship. V. Girdwood and Verkruyse, however, point to the fact that few defend Paul s authorship of Hebrews today, but conclude that the weight of evidence, both historical and textured, is far from clear. They conclude in the words of Origin, Who wrote the Epistle, God only knows the truth. VI. Girdwood and Verkuyse wrote that the author was probably a Hellenistic Jew both steeped in the (Septuagint) LXX and possessed of an excellent vocabulary on a polished style for writing the Greek language.

3 3 To Whom Written: I. Milligan wrote, Nearly all agree that the Epistle was written primarily for the benefit of certain Jews who had become followers of Christ, and who were then in danger of apostatizing, through the manifold trials and temptations which they were at that time enduring. II. Although there is a diversity of opinion about which group of Jews was addressed, Milligan wrote, the majority of writers believe it was intended primarily for those Jewish converts to Christianity who were then living in Palestine. Why Written: I. The primary reason for the writing of the epistle was to urge those addressed to remain faithful to Christ and not to fall back into Judaism. (Milligan) II. Coffman wrote, The purpose of Hebrews is evident in the work itself. The Christian community addressed by the author had Jewish ancestry and associations, or were themselves converts from Judaism, and were at the time of the epistle in danger of a massive falling away from the faith. The letter was written to prevent their apostasy. When Written: I. Milligan wrote that Hebrews was penned some years after the church was established, but before, near the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. II. Coffman agreed with Milligan in regard to the time of writing and cited many references in the letter indicating that temple services were still being conducted at the time the book was written.

4 4 III. Girdwood and Verkruyse suggest that, if Hebrews had been written after the A.D. 70 destruction of Jerusalem, this catastrophic event would certainly have been mentioned in the epistle. A. They venture the opinion that Hebrews may have been written from Italy. In What Language Written: I. Some early scholars assumed this epistle was written in Hebrew or in Aramaic, the common language of Palestine at that time. (Milligan) II. It is now believed that this epistle was originally written in Greek. Its Canonicity, Place in Scripture: I. Milligan wrote, This Epistle was quoted in Scripture, as used in the churches, for many years previous to the cessation of miraculous gifts; proving beyond a doubt that it was written by an inspired man, and that it was also frequently used and endorsed by those who had the gift of inspiration. II. Hebrews is found in the oldest versions of the New Testament. (Milligan) III. Hebrews is found in all the ancient Catalogues of the Canonical Books of the New Testament. (Milligan) IV. The epistle is in perfect harmony with all other canonical writings. (Milligan) V. Hebrews speaks with typical convinced authority and depth of meaning characteristic of inspired writings. (Milligan) VI. Coffman noted that Hebrews is universally accepted as inspired, canonical by the Christian world.

5 5 Coffman outlines Hebrews as Follows: I. Christ is better than angels (1:1-2:18) II. Christ is better than Moses. (3:1-4:13) III. Christ is a better high priest. (4:14-7:10) IV. Christ is the author of a better covenant. (7:11-8:13) V. Christ provides a better sacrifice. (9:1-10:39) VI. Christ provides better blessings for his followers. (11:1-40) VII. Christ expects better service from his followers. (12:1-13:25)

6 6 References Hebrews, James Burton Coffman Commentaries, Volume 10. Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, Hebrews, New Testament Commentaries, Robert Milligan. Gospel Advocate Company, Nashville, Tennessee, Hebrews, The College Press NIV Commentary, Jim Girdwood and Peter Verkruyse. College Press Publishing Company, Joplin, Missouri, 1997.

7 7 Questions 1. Who wrote the epistle of Hebrews? Give reasons for your answer. 2. To whom was Hebrews written? 3. Why was Hebrews written? What was the purpose for which Hebrews was written? 4. When and where was Hebrews written?

8 8 5. In what language was Hebrews written? What is the significance of this? 6. Why is Hebrews place in Scripture secure? 7. is better than,, the Levitical. 8. is the of a. 9. provides a and. 10. expects from his..