Changes

The identity of the author of the epistle has been called "the riddle of the New Testament"<ref>Scott, E. F. [http://www.archive.org/stream/MN41537ucmf_9/MN41537ucmf_9_djvu.txt ''The Epistle of the Hebrews: Its Doctrine and Significance''] (Edinburgh; T and T Clarke; 1922) full text online. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref> It remains the only New Testament book whose authorship is definitely unknown. The earliest translations of the [[King James Bible]] call it "the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews", but this is conjecture, and also a position that was not adopted by the church until the [[Middle Ages]]. By the time of the [[Reformation]], this authorship was being questioned. While commonly attributed to [[Paul]], a comparison of the language and style with his other writings seems to indicate that he was not the author, although the ideas expressed within it certainly follow Pauline thought, suggesting that the author had been a pupil of his.  

The identity of the author of the epistle has been called "the riddle of the New Testament"<ref>Scott, E. F. [http://www.archive.org/stream/MN41537ucmf_9/MN41537ucmf_9_djvu.txt ''The Epistle of the Hebrews: Its Doctrine and Significance''] (Edinburgh; T and T Clarke; 1922) full text online. Accessed 15 March 2008</ref> It remains the only New Testament book whose authorship is definitely unknown. The earliest translations of the [[King James Bible]] call it "the Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews", but this is conjecture, and also a position that was not adopted by the church until the [[Middle Ages]]. By the time of the [[Reformation]], this authorship was being questioned. While commonly attributed to [[Paul]], a comparison of the language and style with his other writings seems to indicate that he was not the author, although the ideas expressed within it certainly follow Pauline thought, suggesting that the author had been a pupil of his.  

Attridge<ref>Attridge, Harold W. ''Epistle to the Hebrews'' Anchor Bible Dictionary</ref> writes: "Although Hebrews is included in the Pauline corpus and was part of that corpus in its earliest attested form ([eg papyrus] ''P46''), it is certainly not a work of the apostle. This fact was recognized, largely on sytlistic grounds, even in antiquity. Some patristic authors defended the traditional Pauline attribution with theories of scribal assistants such as [[Clement]] of Rome or Luke, but such hypotheses do not do justice to the very un-Pauline treatment of key themes, particularly those of law and faith. Numerous alternative candidates for authorship have been proposed. The most prominent have been [[Barnabas]], to whom [[Tertullian]] assigned the work; [[Apollos]], defended by [[Martin Luther|Luther]] and many moderns; [[Priscilla]], suggested by von Harnack; [[Epaphras]]; and [[Silas]]. Arguments for none are decisive, and [[Origen|Origen's]] judgment that "''God only knows''" who composed the work is sound."

Attridge<ref>Attridge, Harold W. ''Epistle to the Hebrews'' Anchor Bible Dictionary</ref> writes: "Although Hebrews is included in the Pauline corpus and was part of that corpus in its earliest attested form ([eg papyrus] ''P46''), it is certainly not a work of the apostle. This fact was recognized, largely on stylistic grounds, even in antiquity. Some patristic authors defended the traditional Pauline attribution with theories of scribal assistants such as [[Clement]] of Rome or Luke, but such hypotheses do not do justice to the very un-Pauline treatment of key themes, particularly those of law and faith. Numerous alternative candidates for authorship have been proposed. The most prominent have been [[Barnabas]], to whom [[Tertullian]] assigned the work; [[Apollos]], defended by [[Martin Luther|Luther]] and many moderns; [[Priscilla]], suggested by von Harnack; [[Epaphras]]; and [[Silas]]. Arguments for none are decisive, and [[Origen|Origen's]] judgment that "''God only knows''" who composed the work is sound."

==Provenance==

==Provenance==

*the old sanctuary had its closed [[tabernacle]] - the new sanctuary has its open throne: all are able to enter the Holy of Holies through Jesus as mediator between man and God.

*the old sanctuary had its closed [[tabernacle]] - the new sanctuary has its open throne: all are able to enter the Holy of Holies through Jesus as mediator between man and God.

The writer uses the allusion of "substance and shadows" - while the ''shadow'' of Jesus is written throughout<ref>Hodgkin, A. M. [http://www.thebookwurm.com/amh_tc.htm ''Christ in All the Scriptures''] (Westwood, NJ; Barbour and Co. Inc; 1989) full text online. Accessed 16 March 2008</ref> the Old Testament, now the ''substance'' has been shown to the people. The epistle is supremely Christ-centred, and it is the only book of the Bible which focuses on his priesthood and his "present" work as intercessor - leading to some scholars to describe it as the "Fifth Gospel" because of its emphasis on His work in the present.<ref>Pawson, J. David, op cit p.1142</ref>

The writer uses the allusion of "substance and shadows" - while the ''shadow'' of Jesus is written throughout<ref>Hodgkin, A. M. [http://www.thebookwurm.com/amh_tc.htm ''Christ in All the Scriptures''] (Westwood, NJ; Barbour and Co. Inc; 1989) full text online. Accessed 16 March 2008</ref> the Old Testament, now the ''substance'' has been shown to the people. The epistle is supremely Christ-centered, and it is the only book of the Bible which focuses on his priesthood and his "present" work as intercessor - leading to some scholars to describe it as the "Fifth Gospel" because of its emphasis on His work in the present.<ref>Pawson, J. David, op cit p.1142</ref>

Chapter 11 of the epistle concentrates on [[faith]], and looks back to the great heroes of faith in the Old Testament, using them to inspire and to act as models. Also, there are warnings about losing faith and "backsliding". The warnings are severe, and describe two stages: drifting away, neglecting fellowship with other believers and neglecting faith; and wilful, deliberate [[apostacy]] and the denial of Jesus. Fellowship is rightly magnified by the epistle, given the circumstances in which it was written and first meant to be read. It emphasizes that there is safety in fellowship, and that the devil will pick off Christians on their own. When being persecuted, it is important to focus on Jesus, and look to the church "family" for comfort - this message remains as valid for Christians today as it was for the early church under the persecution of Nero.

Chapter 11 of the epistle concentrates on [[faith]], and looks back to the great heroes of faith in the Old Testament, using them to inspire and to act as models. Also, there are warnings about losing faith and "backsliding". The warnings are severe, and describe two stages: drifting away, neglecting fellowship with other believers and neglecting faith; and willful, deliberate [[apostasy]] and the denial of Jesus. Fellowship is rightly magnified by the epistle, given the circumstances in which it was written and first meant to be read. It emphasizes that there is safety in fellowship, and that the devil will pick off Christians on their own. When being persecuted, it is important to focus on Jesus, and look to the church "family" for comfort - this message remains as valid for Christians today as it was for the early church under the persecution of Nero.

==See also==

==See also==