Page 6 - November 2023 - Truth & Tidings

n this series of articles, we will con- and vice versa. For example, the writer
sider five warnings and selected asks the recipients to “pray for us” (13:18).
Iexhortations in the letter to the He- Specifically, he urges them earnestly to
brews. The series is not intended to be a pray that he might “be restored” to them
thorough exposition of the letter, and so speedily (v19). This may indicate that he
some precious truths will be left aside or was once one of their members or had
handled in an introductory way. To the enjoyed close fellowship with them. From
end that we appreciate the purpose of 13:23, we learn that the writer had a com-
the warnings, the series will begin with mon fellowship with “brother Timothy,”
a two-part introduction that reviews the who he announces has just been released
circumstances of the people to whom the from prison, and with whom he hopes
letter was written and the evident reasons to visit them very soon. In his closing
for writing to them. Recognising there salutations, the writer sends them greet-
are differing views on these warnings, ings from believers “of Italy” (v24). A
we trust that whatever view one takes, similar expression with the preposition
this series will invoke prayerful study, apo (“of” or, lit. “away from”) in Acts
personal application and a closer walk 18:2 may indicate the writer was among
with the Lord Jesus Christ. Italian believers, not living in Italy, who
The Penman of God also knew them. Recognising that most
Great effort has been given to identify- OT quotations are from the Septuagint,
it is plausible the recipients were Jews
ing the unnamed writer of the letter to the who had settled in a Greek-speaking (or
Hebrews. Tradition, speculation and opin- Hellenist) country.
ion down through the centuries have led
to a lengthy list of candidates. However, Earlier in the letter, the writer assures
we do not have sufficient evidence to fix them of his confidence in their salvation,
with any certainty who the writer was. At despite having to warn them so solemnly.
best, pursuing it is a matter of conjecture. His confidence is based on his knowledge
For this reason, we are content to ascribe of their “work and labour of love” which
authorship to God, as the opening verses they showed toward “his [God’s] name”
in the letter affirm. Our contentment is in serving “the saints” and were continu-
strengthened by the fact that all Old Testa- ing to do so (6:9,10). The writer appears
ment quotations are cited without refer- to have knowledge of the time they were
encing the book or its writer. That both the saved (i.e., “illuminated,” 10:32), and
potentially heard the message of salva-
writer of the letter and its OT quotations tion through the same band of witnesses
are anonymous simply emphasise that (i.e., “us” and “them,” 2:3) who heard
God is speaking (cf. 12:25). Accordingly, the Lord Jesus, and through whom God
may we be content and willing to hear “his confirmed His word by “signs and won-
voice” – today (3:7,15; 4:7). ders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of
The People in Mind the Holy Ghost” (2:4). The writer is also
1
As with the writer, the location and aware of their endurance in the face of
identity of the recipients of the letter can- great persecution, affliction and suffering
not be determined. However, it is evident ¹ Bible quotations in this article are from the
the recipients were known to the writer KJV.

326 TRUTH kTidings November 2023