Who Wrote Book of Hebrews

@John of Japan , I'm sure you ran across this. What do you think the "written by Timothy" at the end of Hebrews means? (And is it considered a part of Scripture?)

 

Dude......I'm fixated. Why Luke instead of Timothy?

It seems that given Timothy is in the KJV, and TR, that there has to be some tradition that Timothy wrote it or dictated it.

But why is it a newer view?

I don't get it.

It seems that the debate would be over Timothy writing it vs recording it. But we don't typically see Timothy listed as a possibility either way.

The Early Church favored Clement, some thought Barnabas, some Luke, and particularly later on Paul or Apollos. But not Timothy.

Am I the only one who finds this strange?

 

There are a few theories, and I have heard this one too. It is plausible.

I have heard also that it could have been Luke having been discipled by Paul.

I'm just not sure since Hebrews does not sound like Paul. And it really doesn't matter.


It is strange to me that some find it important that Paul wrote Hebrews. I don't really get why. Tradition?

I'm still thinking about Timothy listed as the writer in the KJV.


Oh....and I perfected my cheesecake! Being on short term disability until Jan has its benefits.

 

I believe that passage is referring to Paul fully preaching God's Word to the people. (Also, I do not believe Paul's epistles were the last written Scripture).

What do you think about the comment about Timothy in Hebrews 13:25 (in the KJV)?

 

Hebrews 13:24–25 KJV : Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen. Written to the Hebrews from Italy by Timothy.

(Pull out your hard copy)


Here's the KJV 1611:

 

I believe it means that Tertius wrote down Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome.

The problem with Hebrews is those words are not identified as being Paul's words.

I have no issue with the claim that Timothy recorded the author's words. But why suppose it is Paul's words?

Paul used Tertius to record an epistle, but that epistle is written like the epistle we know Paul penned himself. Hebrews, on the other hand, does not appear (by structure and theology) to be written by Paul. Another issue is Paul describes himself as the Apostle to the Gentiles (Hebrews is uniquely Jewish).

But it could be Paul. There is simply no evidence that it is. The Early Church didn't think it was. But it could have been.

My question is why Timothy is not normal identified as the writer (or recorder) given that the KJV states he was.

It seems at least Timothy would be suggested the most.

 

I believe it was a note, but mainly wondered what KJVO people thought of it because that note made it into the KJV. It is in the 1611 edition at least to the 1900 edition (the one I referenced).

That leads to other questions - if the KJV was wrong to include that ending (it is in the TR) then how many extra-biblical notes could have made it into the KJV?

Personally, I believe it was an added note somewhere in transcription as it is not in earlier manuscripts. I also believe the writer of Hebrews is known only to God as God would have been able to have the writer identify himself (like with all Pauline epistles) had He wanted the identity known.

 

I disagree with Pink

First, Paul describing himself as the Apostle to the Gentiles is a good reason to question a Pauline authorship, but it would not exclude Paul from writing to any Christian congregation or group.

Second, in his epistles Paul never conceded to prejudice. In fact, Paul often relied on his former "of man" to strengthen his testimony. Also, Paul in his epistles Paul writes specifically under his authority as an apostle (pointing to his version). All of this is packing in Hebrews.

Third, the supreme purpose of ALL Scripture is to exalt Christ. Pink is saying things that sound good to the ear, but are not really relevant to the topic (he is not trying to persuade but to hold those who believe a specific thing in check).


The biggest question is why, if God wanted us to know the writer of Hebrews, He failed so miserably when He was very clear in the Pauline epistles, in John's letters, and in Peters words?

I believe we are to stand behind what Scripture teaches and stop where Scripture stops, as best we can.


Do I believe Paul wrote Hebrews? No. Hebrews does not fit into what we know of Paul. But that is my opinion. Just like everyone here I do not know who wrote Hebrews because the Bible does not say who wrote Hebrews and I wasn't present when it was composed (I'm not that old ).