This is a wonderful essay. Yet it is easy to fall into the modernist trap of diminishing Paul as the author of Hebrews, "In The Epistle to the Hebrews, the author connects Jesus to the priest-king figure of Melchizedek. " It is common with modernist writers to ignore the name the author as PAUL. Clement of Alexandria confirms that Paul was indeed the author of Hebrews. Perhaps others know better than Clement. It makes a big difference because it helps sever the toxic co-dependent connection between Lord Christ and the Hebrews who are not involved and should be left to their own traditions. It is Melchizedek who we as Christians are connected not the dubious spirit of Abraham.
Thank you, and yes I agree Paul is probably the author of Hebrews, but if not... then I would suggest a close disciple of Paul. I guess my reservation is simply because it lacks Paul’s usual style of writing. We know from other letters that followers of Paul would write on his behalf. But if Clement says it was penned by Paul, then I would trust his judgment over my own! I am glad you enjoyed the article 😊
I don't recall the his words exactly but Clement says it was written by Paul but may have been translated by disciples, an common practice which has created a great deal of work for scholars. Clement's approval and the contemporary controversary tell us a lot on the meta level of understanding.
This is a wonderful essay. Yet it is easy to fall into the modernist trap of diminishing Paul as the author of Hebrews, "In The Epistle to the Hebrews, the author connects Jesus to the priest-king figure of Melchizedek. " It is common with modernist writers to ignore the name the author as PAUL. Clement of Alexandria confirms that Paul was indeed the author of Hebrews. Perhaps others know better than Clement. It makes a big difference because it helps sever the toxic co-dependent connection between Lord Christ and the Hebrews who are not involved and should be left to their own traditions. It is Melchizedek who we as Christians are connected not the dubious spirit of Abraham.
Thank you, and yes I agree Paul is probably the author of Hebrews, but if not... then I would suggest a close disciple of Paul. I guess my reservation is simply because it lacks Paul’s usual style of writing. We know from other letters that followers of Paul would write on his behalf. But if Clement says it was penned by Paul, then I would trust his judgment over my own! I am glad you enjoyed the article 😊
I don't recall the his words exactly but Clement says it was written by Paul but may have been translated by disciples, an common practice which has created a great deal of work for scholars. Clement's approval and the contemporary controversary tell us a lot on the meta level of understanding.
There's also possibility that Clement was wrong about authorship of Hebrews.
Thank you for your opinion.