Who is the author of Hebrews?
I believe Peter wrote Hebrews based on these reasons.
- Apart from similar style in writing and quoting Scriptures in Acts 2 and the letters of Peter, the closing in 1 Peter is very similar and is written from the same location.
22 But I urge you, brethren, bear with this word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 Take notice that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom, if he comes soon, I will see you. 24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you. (Hebrews 13:22-24)
12 Through Silvanus, our faithful brother (for so I regard him), I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it! 13 She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you greetings, and so does my son, Mark. (1 Peter 5:12-13)
- Galatians 2:7 says that Paul was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. However, Peter was the one who went to Cornelius which is when the Holy Spirit first fell on the Gentiles, or the uncircumcised. If this verse is regarding who they wrote to, Paul wrote to the Gentiles, the churches, and if Peter wrote Hebrews, he wrote to the circumcised, the Jews.
7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (Galatians 2:7)
45 All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. (Acts 10:45)
- During the transfiguration, Peter became focused on Jesus, Moses, and Elijah. God told him to focus on Jesus. Here I believe was God granting the desires of his heart, but shifting his focus from Elijah to Melchizedek. Hebrews also includes writing about the tabernacle and these writings are imperishable.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (Matthew 17:4-5)
3 For He has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, by just so much as the builder of the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God. (Hebrews 3:3-4)
- Peter challenged the identity of Jesus when He walked on water. I believe not having his identity disclosed in Hebrews was his rebuke.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
28 Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” (Matthew 14:25-28)
Importance? If true, this shows the nature of how God rebukes His disciples. Even something as simple as challenging His identity after He already said who He was is forgiven. And the reward was to write arguably the deepest theological book of the New Testament and never have his part in it disclosed until Jesus’ return.
References
Hebrews 13:22-24
1 Peter 5:12-13
Galatians 2:7
Acts 10:45
Matthew 17:4-5
Hebrews 3:3-4
Matthew 14:25-28
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