Lessons

The lesson on May 16, 2021 was part 15 of the “Acts – When and Why?” study. In this lesson, Wayne quickly reviewed what we learned last time and then introduced Hebrews that was written during Acts by the Apostle Paul. There is no proof that Paul definitely wrote it but Wayne presented evidence through this lesson that he is the most likely author. We looked at the common themes Paul used, one of which is comparing good, better and best when it comes to blessings and resurrections. Wayne took us through Hebrews where the “better” comparison was used (Heb. 1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24). Then Wayne presented parallel passages in scripture where offered them up as evidence of Paul’s authorship. This covered Run the race: Gal 5:7″ – Hebrews 12;1 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Philippians 3:13-15. The New Covenant – Galatians 3:17; 4:22-31 compared to Hebrews 8:6-13; 9:15-20; 10:16; 12:24. Christ the mediator: Galatians 3:19,20 to Hebrews 8:6; 9:15; 12:24. New Jerusalem: Galatians. 4:26 to Hebrews 11:10; 12:22. Perfection: Galatians 3:3 to Hebrews 6:1. Also the theme of Baby to Adult: 1 Corinthians. 3:1,2 to Hebrews 5:12-14; Ephesians 4:13,14; and 1 Corinthians 14:20. Hebrews 12:1,2; to Philippians 3:12-15; and 2Timothy 4:7,8. Wayne concluded with a mathematical argument of 21 = 3 times 7. It is very symmetrical to attribute Hebrews to Paul because that would establish three series of seven books. Seven were written by Paul before Acts 28 (Galatians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Hebrews and Romans). Seven written after Acts 28 (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, 1 Timothy, Titus, Philemon and 2 Timothy). And seven books written by others (1 Peter, 2 Peter, James, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude). The scripture reading was from Hebrews 1:1-6 KJV

“1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,  2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; 3 Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; 4 Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. 5 For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? 6 And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.”