| | The '''Epistle to the Hebrews''' is one of the greatest mysteries in all of intellectual history: the authorship of this brilliant work is unknown, and was certainly not [[Saint Paul]]. It contains much [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge]], such as foreshadowing the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] by explaining that the "universe" shall "wear out" like a "garment", i.e., [[entropy]] is always increasing.<ref>[[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#1:10-11|Hebrews 1:10-11]].</ref> This book is the only one to state that Jesus was tempted in every way possible "as we are,"<ref>Hebrews 4:15 ([[ESV]]).</ref> and only this book explains Jesus's relationship to [[angel]]s,<ref>Hebrews 1:4,5,6,7, and 13.</ref> picking up on the discussion at Luke 24:23 ([[Road to Emmaus]]). This Epistle may have inspired the [[Gospel of Luke]]. | | The '''Epistle to the Hebrews''' is one of the greatest mysteries in all of intellectual history: the authorship of this brilliant work is unknown, and was certainly not [[Saint Paul]]. It contains much [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge]], such as foreshadowing the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] by explaining that the "universe" shall "wear out" like a "garment", i.e., [[entropy]] is always increasing.<ref>[[Epistle to the Hebrews (Translated)#1:10-11|Hebrews 1:10-11]].</ref> This book is the only one to state that Jesus was tempted in every way possible "as we are,"<ref>Hebrews 4:15 ([[ESV]]).</ref> and only this book explains Jesus's relationship to [[angel]]s,<ref>Hebrews 1:4,5,6,7, and 13.</ref> picking up on the discussion at Luke 24:23 ([[Road to Emmaus]]). This Epistle may have inspired the [[Gospel of Luke]]. |
| − | This Epistle was written perfectly at the highest level of the Greek language. "It would be difficult to find anywhere passages more exact and pregnant in expression than i. 1-4; ii. 14-18; vii, 26-28; xii, 18-24."<ref>''The Epistle to the Hebrews: The Greek Texts with Notes and Essays'' (edited by Brooke Foss Westcott), xlvi</ref> This short book demonstrates a phenomenal knowledge of scriptures, and draws an analogy between the new concept of [[Christian]] [[faith]] and the sacrifice of [[Isaac]] in the [[Old Testament]].<ref>Saldarini, Anthony J. [http://mb-soft.com/believe/txs/hebrews.htm ''Epistle to the Hebrews''] Believe. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref><ref>Pawson, J. David ''Unlocking The Bible'' p.1113 (London, Collins; 2003) ISBN 978 0 00 716666 4</ref> It contains a record number of words (154) that do not appear anywhere else in the New Testament,<ref>https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/how-any-words-are-in-the-greek-new-testament/</ref> and a striking absence of five words commonly used elsewhere. | + | This Epistle was written perfectly at the highest level of the Greek language. "It would be difficult to find anywhere passages more exact and pregnant in expression than i. 1-4; ii. 14-18; vii, 26-28; xii, 18-24."<ref>''The Epistle to the Hebrews: The Greek Texts with Notes and Essays'' (edited by Brooke Foss Westcott), xlvi</ref> This short book demonstrates a phenomenal knowledge of scriptures, and draws an analogy between the new concept of [[Christian]] [[faith]] and the sacrifice of [[Isaac]] in the [[Old Testament]].<ref>Saldarini, Anthony J. [http://mb-soft.com/believe/txs/hebrews.htm ''Epistle to the Hebrews''] Believe. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref><ref>Pawson, J. David ''Unlocking The Bible'' p.1113 (London, Collins; 2003) ISBN 978 0 00 716666 4</ref> It contains a record number of words (154) that do not appear anywhere else in the New Testament,<ref>https://www.neverthirsty.org/bible-qa/qa-archives/question/how-any-words-are-in-the-greek-new-testament/</ref> and a striking absence of five words commonly used elsewhere. This also contains a favorite verse of athletes: "let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."<ref>{{bibleref|Hebrews|12|1}}</ref> |
| | This epistle is not a letter to the Hebrews, but a detailed explanation to everyone of the reasons behind Jesus's life and [[Passion of Christ|Passion]], and how [[God]] did not fail to intervene as many mistakenly think. Unlike the actual letters in the New Testament, this book is not introduced by the name of its author. Its title of "Hebrews" is itself a misnomer, as the explanation in the book is plainly for everyone. The only hint we have about its author is Hebrews 13:19, where the author urges the audience to [[prayer|pray]] "in order that I [''i.e.'', [[Jesus]]] may be restored to you the sooner."<ref>ESV quoted here.</ref> | | This epistle is not a letter to the Hebrews, but a detailed explanation to everyone of the reasons behind Jesus's life and [[Passion of Christ|Passion]], and how [[God]] did not fail to intervene as many mistakenly think. Unlike the actual letters in the New Testament, this book is not introduced by the name of its author. Its title of "Hebrews" is itself a misnomer, as the explanation in the book is plainly for everyone. The only hint we have about its author is Hebrews 13:19, where the author urges the audience to [[prayer|pray]] "in order that I [''i.e.'', [[Jesus]]] may be restored to you the sooner."<ref>ESV quoted here.</ref> |