Changes

The '''Epistle to the Hebrews''' is a book in the [[New Testament]], a flawless masterpiece superior in elegance and language purity to all of [[Greek]] literature. Extraordinarily persuasive and perfectly logical, this may have inspired the [[Gospel of Luke]]. '''''Only 4,953 words long, it's a life-changer to read'''''.

The '''Epistle to the Hebrews''' is a book in the [[New Testament]], a flawless masterpiece superior in elegance and language purity to all of [[Greek]] literature. Extraordinarily persuasive and perfectly logical, this may have inspired the [[Gospel of Luke]]. '''''Only 4,953 words long, it's a life-changer to read'''''.

Its authorship is one of the greatest mysteries in intellectual history. Baffled, many mislabeled its author as [[Paul]].

The authorship of this intellectual gem is one of the greatest mysteries in world history. Baffled, many mislabeled its author as [[Paul]]. Very few had the ability to write such a treasure in [[Greek]].

'''''This Epistle 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>, and three times using the modern concept of [[infinity]] millennia before its acceptance. 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 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>, and three times using the modern concept of [[infinity]] millennia before its acceptance. 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 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 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 uses many compound words.

This epistle is actually 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 actually not a letter to the Hebrews or anyone, but a homily or treatise on 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, the nineteenth book of the [[New Testament]], was likely written soon after Jesus's [[Resurrection]], because it implies that none of the disciples have shed blood yet ({{bibleref|Hebrews|12|4}}), and refers to worship practices under the old covenant in the present tense ({{bibleref|Hebrews|8|4-5}}, {{bibleref|Hebrews|10|1-3}}).<ref>Compare Hebrews 10:32-34 and Acts 8:1-3. It is not impossible that this Epistle could also have been written at ''any'' time during those 37 years, even as late as February A.D. 70 (A.D. 33 + 37 years = A.D. 70). The Temple was taken in March of that year and burned in August. See the following historical documentation.

This Epistle, the nineteenth book of the [[New Testament]], was likely written soon after Jesus's [[Resurrection]], because it implies that none of the disciples have shed blood yet ({{bibleref|Hebrews|12|4}}), and refers to worship practices under the old covenant in the present tense ({{bibleref|Hebrews|8|4-5}}, {{bibleref|Hebrews|10|1-3}}).<ref>Compare Hebrews 10:32-34 and Acts 8:1-3. It is not impossible that this Epistle could also have been written at ''any'' time during those 37 years, even as late as February A.D. 70 (A.D. 33 + 37 years = A.D. 70). The Temple was taken in March of that year and burned in August. See the following historical documentation.