Bible Question:
Who wrote this letter? My old AV calls Hebrews "The Epistle of Paul to the Hebrews," but no one seems to ascribe it to Paul anymore. I have heard Barnabas suggested as the author, and seem to recall the argument was convincing (but I didn't take any notes). Is anyone aware of sound reasons to ascribe this letter to one particular author? |
Bible Answer: I do not know the arguments. I have also heard that Mark might have possibly been the author. It is certainly a "heavenly" letter as are Paul's are, but it's style doesn't seem to me -- at least in its English translations -- to be similar to either Paul or Mark. So, I suppose that's why it could be Barnabas or someone else. I believe its canonicity was sometimes disputed over the centuries and I'm not sure, but I wonder if this authorship question could be part of the reason. This shouldn't be a hindrance though. There are many books in the Old Testament for whom we are also unsure as to who was the author. Anyway, Hebrews is properly a canonical book and, being part of Scripture, was therefore ultimately written through "whoever" by the Holy Spirit. So God, being the ultimate author, should give us assurance as to its truths. |