This is the final section of my topic on the subject of the Apostle Paul being the author of the Epistle of Hebrews.

There are other minor details that point to Paul being the author. Consider the mark of grace at the end of the epistle, but that could not conclusively prove Paul’s authorship. It is a compelling attribute that seems to tie Hebrews to Paul. The closing “Grace be with you all” in Hebrews 13:25 is the same closing found in all of Paul’s other epistles. (Romans 16:20; 1 Corinthians 16:23; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 6:18; Ephesians 6:24; Philippians 4:23; Colossians 4:18; 1 Thessalonians 5:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15; and Philemon 25). Peter did use a similar closing. And it could have been a customary closing. It just clearly appears to be Pauline.

Another indication would be Hebrews 10. Hebrews 10:34 “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Which other New Testament writer ever spoke this way about their bonds? Granted, Luke could have as he was incarcerated with Paul.

I’ve given plenty of clear reasons why I believe Paul is the writer of Hebrews. Here is a plain fact. There is no evidence of the contrary of Paul being the author of Hebrews. Many would disagree with my simple presentation. There are others who go even deeper in agreement.  I have seen no attribution of anyone else possibly being the author with any substance. There is simply no one else historically or logically that could have written the book of Hebrews. On top of that, for most of church history, most have believed the writer to be the Apostle Paul. Origen is said to have been one of the main ones to have questioned it, yet even he admitted the style was Pauline. He believed that others were involved in the writing. Most that question it, as stated, do so with the motive of saying that the Epistle is not for us in the church. That position is contrary to what I believe about the Bible as a whole. The question would remain, to which epistle does Peter refer in 2 Peter 3?

The Bible is inspired by God. It is the Book of Truth. It is a Book of structure. Because of this, there is one more thing I want to share that speaks to the continuity of the Scriptures. For me, it speaks to authorship. But this is an amazing trilogy in the New Testament that I have seen others mention in my studies. This is not necessarily proof. At the very least this is interesting. A phrase Habakkuk 2:4 is quoted three times in the New Testament, “the just shall live by his faith.”

(1) Romans - The book of Justification - Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

(2) Galatians - The book deals with living, giving us the works of the flesh vs. the Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

These were written by Paul. Would it surprise you to see the conclusion of this trilogy in Hebrews?

(3) Hebrews - By Faith - Just before the “Faith Chapter” of Hebrews 11 - Hebrews 10:38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.

At the very least, this hints at a structure that holds a commonality in the writing.

Many that would argue against my position would have valid points, without any evidence pointing to another author.

Why is it Anonymous? We can’t be sure. If someone else wrote it, they were also anonymous. The question would remain and if that is reason to doubt it would cast doubt on any possible writer. The possibilities that I’ve read begin with the idea that Paul did not give his name, through inspiration, so the book would be accepted by early Christian Jews. He had persecuted them and some did not accept him at first. Many did not trust him. The style is one of writing to an educated Jewish audience, not a newly saved Gentile church. The office of the one writing is not magnified, but the better Priest, Christ, is exalted. It was not written based on his apostleship but on the basis of his training. It is based on Truth. I believe Paul wrote it, not as an apostle, but as a fellow Jewish believer. He had a great burden for Israel (Romans 9:3 he was willing to be accursed for them). He was an Apostle to the Gentiles and a fellow Christian to the Jewish Christians that were scattered. The doctrine of salvation in Christ alone is clear in the writings of this letter.

I have read some that go much deeper than I have in my writings. They come to the same conclusion that the author is Paul. Let me be clear if you have not already figured it out, I believe the author is Paul. But let me tell you what I know: the book of Hebrews is the Word of God! If Paul were not the writer, Hebrews is still the inspired, preserved Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 is still true. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

There are other doctrines where good men disagree. Doctrine is not based on the authorship of a book. That position would not hold any Biblical substantiation. The Gospels are for us, Acts is for us, and the New Testament is for us. Do we recognize that God has dealt with mankind in different ways throughout history? Yes. But, salvation has always been by God’s grace, through faith. Are there areas of the Scripture that speak of the past and parts of the Law fulfilled? Yes. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:17, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” But does that mean nothing in the Old Testament is still for us? No. The Law is our “schoolmaster” to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24-25). Lost men are under the Law until they believe on Christ! The Law convicts us as sinners. We would not know sin if it were not for the Law (Romans 7:7). Paul wrote both of those passages. There are Old Testament prophecies yet to be fulfilled and no doubt some things we do not understand. The key is for us to “rightly divide” all of God’s Word (2 Timothy 2:15). That does not mean segmenting it into sections. It means to make a straight path, studying the Word of God for yourselves, and teaching the truth directly and correctly. When Paul wrote 2 Timothy, the only Scriptures Timothy would have had was the Old Testament. Timothy was told to continue studying, preaching, and teaching the Old Testament, but in doing so, study and teach it correctly after Christ had fulfilled the ceremonial elements of the Law. Make the paths straight. Hebrews explains those fulfilments accurately and beautifully. In no way is this close to being exhaustive on the subject.

We have a better priest and a better Saviour! If you are not assured of a personal relationship with Christ, would you believe on Him today? Would you pray and accept His salvation? Do not hesitate to contact me if you make that decision.

Hebrews 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, 27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: 29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

Well, these three articles are my first attempt at blogging. Doctrine matters. God bless you.

Pastor Rodney Kelley
1 Corinthians 15:58