The Epistle was written before any persecution of the disciples, because there is a reference to their lack of their physical suffering yet; this makes it likely the Epistle was written prior to the [[Ascension]]. The Epistle also uses a same distinctive phrase once used by Jesus, which reinforces his likely authorship. | The Epistle was written before any persecution of the disciples, because there is a reference to their lack of their physical suffering yet; this makes it likely the Epistle was written prior to the [[Ascension]]. The Epistle also uses a same distinctive phrase once used by Jesus, which reinforces his likely authorship. |