Who Wrote Hebrews?
George Burnside
The Early Church said Paul wrote Hebrews. Their testimony was unanimous. Clement of Alexandria said Paul wrote Hebrews.
The writer of this article has visited, on several occasions, the remains of Clement’s chapel in Rome. It is not far from the Colliseum and built over an old Naithra temple.
Clement wrote about the end of the first century and refers to Hebrews more than any other book of the Bible. He gives “Hebrews” the term “Scripture,” which term he elsewhere reserves for the Old Testament. The New Testament was just being compiled.
It is not difficult to account for the fact that Paul’s name as author is not given.
Paul was hated by the Jews and so he wrote the book of Hebrews anonymously. He longed to reach his fellow country-men. Clement’s testimony on this point is also clear. He says that seeing the Hebrews were prejudiced against Paul, he prudently omitted putting his name as writer of this wonderful book.
Further, not one of the early Greek writers ascribe “Hebrews” to any writer other than Paul.
Authorship of Hebrews is being challenged today. What isn’t? Doubt and criticism is fashionable and thought to be scholarly. But really, are not the critics a bit late in their challenge. Surely those who lived in the early years-and in the same area are the better authorities.
Today it is fashionable to doubt. As Bible prophecy foretold, “They are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7.
Origen, Augustine, Ambrose, Jerome and Eusebius - these all claimed Paul was the author of Hebrews. Their testimony was uniform. They lived close to where it was written. In view of all this, it is amazing that Paul’s authorship of Hebrews, was ever questioned by the critics.
Did the Apostle Paul write Hebrews? The Spirit of prophecy says “Yes!” But his fellow critics say “No!” Dr. Ford said this when he was listing what he claimed were mistakes in the Spirit of Prophecy. His statement was made before a score of ministers and laity and it is recorded on tape in the Australasian Division Headquarters at Wahroonga.
Notice the clear and definite statements from the “Testimony of Jesus.”
Great Controversy, page 347. “The Kingdom of grace is brought to view by Paul in the Epistle to Hebrews.” (Hebrews 4:16)
Great Controversy, page 411 “The apostle Paul, in the Epistle to the Hebrews, says:” (Hebrews 9:1-5 quoted), “The Sanctuary to which Paul here refers was the tabernacle built by Moses at the command of God.”
Great Controversy, pages 412, 413. “This was declared by Paul to be the sanctuary of the first covenant. The book of Hebrews implied in the words of Paul. Paul has before made mention of this sanctuary. Paul says that the first tabernacle was a figure for the time then present.”
Great Controversy, page 415 “Paul teaches that that pattern was the true sanctuary which is in heaven.” (Compare p. 414 reference to John the Revelator. The assertion of the Pauline authorship of Hebrews is made with the same freedom and positiveness as the Johannine authorship of Revelation!)
Great Controversy, page 420. “Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.”‘ (Hebrews 9:24).
Great Controversy, page 512. “The apostle Paul declared them (the angels) ‘an innumerable company.”‘ (Hebrews 12:22).
Patriarchs and Prophets, page 357 “Paul declares that ‘the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry’, when completed, were ‘the patterns of things in the heavens.”‘ (Hebrews 9:21, 23). “Says Paul, ‘Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands.”‘ (Hebrews 9:24).
Sons and Daughters, page 24 “The apostle Paul writes, ‘In all things it behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren, etc.”‘ (Hebrews 2:17 and 4:15 quoted).
1 Testimonies, page 679 “Paul exhorts the Hebrews, ‘Let brotherly love continue.”‘ (Hebrews 13:1).
5 Testimonies, p.651 “Paul, in his epistle to the Hebrews, says: ‘For he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.”‘ (Hebrews 12:12-15 quoted).
8 Testimonies, pages 79, 80 “This (strengthening the weak) is the very work the apostle Paul charges the churches to do.” (Hebrews 12:12-15 quoted).
Who is right, Dr. Ford or the inspired “Servant of the Lord?” They both cannot be right. Does Dr. Ford accept of these writings only what suits his theories?
This is only one of many reasons why a growing number of ministers and laity are opposed to Dr. Ford’s teachings and those of his followers.
Notice this relevant statement from the pen of inspiration:
“You who have been educating yourselves and others in a spirit of criticism and accusing, remember that you are imitating the example of Satan. When it suits your purpose, you treat the Testimonies as if you believed them, quoting from them to strengthen any statement you wish to have prevail. But how is it when light is given to correct your errors? Do you then accept the light? When the Testimonies speak contrary to your ideas, you treat them very lightly.”