The book of Hebrews is unique in that it does not identify its author as most epistles in the New Testament do. There is much speculation by Bible scholars as to who the authored this letter. Most tend to believe it was the Apostle Paul. In addition to similar writing style and other considerations, a few verses within the letter suggest Paul was the author: Seven of the translations of verse 10:34 speak of the author being in bonds or chains (while the others speak of “those in prison”). And in verse 13:19, the author asks for the recipients’ prayers that he be “unrestrained and able to come back” to those who are addressed in his letter. Most believe the constraint he seeks restoration from is imprisonment – again suggesting Paul as the author. If not Paul, it was certainly written by someone with a deep theological background comparable to his. Several Bible scholars opine that the reason that the identity of its author is conspicuously absent is because it is addressed to a Jewish audience; and many Jews were so bitterly opposed to Paul and his Christian doctrine, that had he identified himself, as he does in the other Pauline letters, many Jews - if not most - would never have accepted or read the contents of the letter we know as the “Book of Hebrews.” It is a treasure trove of Christian theology, regardless of its authorship. Most English translations of verse 1:4 and 1:6 have renderings that could be misinterpreted as saying that Christ was made or became better than the angels, as if that was not His original state or attribute. For example, the King James has: “4Being made so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Most - 30 of the 33 translations examined - speak of ‘being made’ or ‘having become’ in verse 4, a rendering that might suggest to some a transition in Christ’s character or status and implying that Christ was elevated to a new status, as opposed to a restoration to His original state. Any such interpretation would be in direct conflict with all that Scripture tells us of Christ. The “when he had” in Verse 3 might even add to the problem. Verses 3-6 do not suggest a conflict if they are viewed as referring to His restoration to His initial rightful glory, after voluntarily “being made a little lower than the angels for His earthly ministry and suffering of death”, as it is better expressed in verse 9 of the next chapter: “9But we see Jesus, Who was for a brief period made a little lower than the angels, that He, by the grace of God, might suffer death for everyone, now crowned with glory and honor.” Verses 3-6 should be viewed within that context, which speaks of His being “crowned with glory and honor” – as the restoration to His rightful glory after He had humbled himself as our Sacrificial Lamb. Christ is (and has always been) part of the Holy Trinity. He is not a created being like the angels – in fact, He was God’s “Agent” of creation. Nor is Christ in any way evolving! The NLT is one of only three translations that do not seem to imply this transition in Christ’s character. Nearly all translations of verse 1:6 speak of “bringing (Him) into the world”, suggesting birth, which can be seen as a form of creation; and it, too, could be better worded. This version of God’s Word will renders verses 4 and 6, as seen in the text below, to avoid any such possible errant inferences. 1God, Who in the past at different times and in various ways spoke to our ancestors by the prophets, 2Has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, Whom God has appointed heir of all things - His Son Who also created the universe. 3The Son radiates God’s glory, and expresses the very character of God, and sustains it all by the power of His word. When He had by Himself provided us a means of being cleansed from our sins, He sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in heaven on high, 4Thereby demonstrating that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name that God gave Him is greater than their names. 5For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are My Son, this day I have begotten You” (Ps.2:7)? And again, “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son.”? 6And again, when He introduces His Firstborn to the world, He says, “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7And regarding angels, God says, “He makes His angels spirits, and His ministers flames of fire.” (Ps.104:4). 8But to the Son God says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom.” (Ps.45:6-7). 9“You (Christ) have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness; therefore, God, Your God, has anointed You above anyone else with the oil of joy.” (Ps.45:7) 10And, “In the beginning, You, Lord, have laid the foundations of the earth; and the heavens are the works of Your hands.” (Ps.102:25) 11“They (heavens and earth (Is.34:4 & 51:6)) shall perish; You shall remain forever; but they shall all wear out like an old garment.” 12And like a robe You shall fold them up, and they shall be changed; but You remain the same, and Your years shall never end” (Ps.102:26). 13To which of the angels did God ever say at any time, “Sit on My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”? (Ps.110:1) 14Are not all angels ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who shall inherit salvation?
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