Extract for Bart Ehrman’s Post here.
AT A GLANCE: Hebrews
- The book of Hebrews is anonymous, although it was eventually admitted into the canon by Christians who thought Paul had written it. Modern scholars are unified in thinking that he did not.
- The book was probably produced sometime near the end of the first century.
- It is frequently called an “epistle,” but it appears in fact to be a Christian homily or sermon—the earliest one we have, outside of those in the book of Acts.
- It is written for a group of Christians who have experienced persecution. Despite the book’s title (“To the Hebrews”), the recipients appear to have been Gentiles.
- The author’s purpose is to convince his listeners not to convert to Judaism.
- To accomplish this goal, he stresses that Christ and faith in him are superior to anything that Judaism can offer.
- The author maintains that the Old Testament and the religion it presents are mere foreshadowings of the reality that came into being with Christ.
Extracts from Hugo Mendez’s course slides, Lesson 23: In Paul’s Name, II: More Disputed Letters (…and Hebrews ?)
Hebrews is indeed a rhetorically and stylistically sophisticated work.
- Even the style of the letter is different than that of Paul’s other writings—something even ancient Christians noticed. Origen (early 3rd c.): “In the epistle entitled To The Hebrews the diction does not exhibit the characteristic roughness of speech or phraseology admitted by the Apostle [Paul] himself, the construction of the sentences is closer to the Greek usage, as anyone capable of recognizing
differences of style would agree.” (quoted in Eusebius, HE 6.25) - Wide, wide vocabulary (150 Greek words found nowhere else in the NT; 10 found nowhere
else in ancient literature), alliteration, anaphora (repetition of the opening words of
sentences), word play, rhythmic balance in successive clauses, rich use of metaphors, etc. - What is Hebrews About?
- Hebrews urges these (Jewish) Christians to remain faithful in their adherence to Jesus.
- “Therefore, we must pay closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” (Hebrews 2:1)
- “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering… we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and keep their souls.” (Hebrews 10:23, 35, 39)
- Scholars believe the letter might reflect a fear that some Jewish Christians would renounce
Jesus and revert (“apostatize”) to Judaism. Hebrews develops an extended argument for the superiority of Jesus vis-à-vis famous figures in the Jewish imaginary (biblical prophets, Moses, Joshua, Levi) and vis-à-vis covenant and cultic rites (Sabbath, Temple, priesthood, animal sacrifices).
- Hebrews urges these (Jewish) Christians to remain faithful in their adherence to Jesus.
All text below is from ChatGPT unless in square brackets.
The authorship and context of the Book of Hebrews remain a subject of considerable debate among biblical scholars. Here’s a summary of key scholarly perspectives on your questions:
1. Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?
- Anonymous authorship: The book does not identify its author, making it unique among New Testament writings.
- Traditional attributions:
- Paul: Early church tradition sometimes attributed it to Paul, particularly in the Eastern Church. However, most scholars today reject Pauline authorship due to significant differences in style, vocabulary, and theology. For more details on this issue go to the page on this site here.
- Other candidates: Over the centuries, various figures have been proposed, including:
- Apollos: Suggested by Martin Luther, based on Apollos’s description as eloquent and knowledgeable in the Scriptures (Acts 18:24–28).
- Barnabas: Proposed by Tertullian due to his connection to early Christian teaching and encouragement.
- Priscilla: Some modern scholars have suggested Priscilla, emphasizing her theological depth and the anonymity possibly reflecting her status as a woman in a patriarchal context.
- Luke, Clement of Rome, or others: These remain speculative without direct evidence.
2. When was Hebrews written?
- Most scholars date Hebrews to 60–95 CE, with a range of reasoning:
- Before 70 CE: Some argue for an earlier date because Hebrews discusses the sacrificial system in the present tense, possibly implying the Jerusalem Temple was still standing.
- After 70 CE: Others believe it was written after the Temple’s destruction (70 CE), interpreting its lack of mention of this event as intentional rather than circumstantial.
- The later first century (80–95 CE) is a popular estimate based on its theological development and parallels with writings like 1 Clement (ca. 96 CE), which quotes Hebrews.
3. Were there Jesus movements the author was opposing?
- Hebrews was likely addressing:
- Jewish-Christian communities: Many scholars believe the audience consisted of Jewish Christians tempted to revert to traditional Judaism to avoid persecution or societal pressure.
- Opposition to returning to the old covenant: The author emphasizes the superiority of Jesus over angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the sacrificial system, likely countering movements that minimized Christ’s role or sought to re-establish Torah-based practices as central to salvation.
- Gnosticism and other proto-heretical views: While less direct than in other New Testament writings, the emphasis on Jesus’ full humanity and heavenly priesthood may suggest an implicit response to early dualistic tendencies.
4. When was it first called the Book of Hebrews?
- Title origin: The title “To the Hebrews” (Greek: Pros Hebraious) appears in early Christian tradition, likely reflecting the belief that it was written to a Jewish-Christian audience.
- Earliest attestation:
- The title was known by the time of Clement of Alexandria (late 2nd century) and Origen (early 3rd century), who both referenced the text as written to “Hebrews.”
- Origen famously remarked: “Who wrote the epistle, only God knows.”
- Canonical recognition: By the 4th century, the title and the book itself were widely recognized in Christian canon lists like those of Athanasius and the Council of Carthage.
In sum, the Book of Hebrews reflects a deeply theological response to challenges within early Jewish-Christian communities and attempts to exalt the person and work of Jesus Christ. While its author and specific historical context remain debated, its profound theological insights have ensured its central place in Christian scripture.
Is it Sarah’s or Abraham’s Faith in Hebrews 11:11?
From https://margmowczko.com/sarah-abraham-faith-hebrews-11/. Which is the correct way to understand this [Hebrew 11:11]? There are a few things to consider when interpreting Hebrews 11:11. In this article, [Marg] briefly looks at some of these factors to determine who the subject is. Is it Abraham or Sarah?
English Standard Version (ESV) translates this verse. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered [God] faithful who had promised.
The New English Translation (NET) makes verse 11 primarily about Abraham. – By faith, even though Sarah herself was barren and he was too old, he received the ability to procreate, because he regarded the one who had given the promise to be trustworthy.
The 1984 edition of the New International Version (NIV) adds Abraham’s name and makes Sarah almost parenthetical. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age―and Sarah herself was barren―was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise.
Four other translations from https://www.bible.com/
NRSV – 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised.
ASV – 11 By faith even Sarah herself received power to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised:
Youngs Literal Translation – 11 By faith also Sarah herself did receive power to conceive seed, and she bare after the time of life, seeing she did judge Him faithful who did promise;
KJV – 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
