A Brief Summary Of This Study: Silas Wrote Hebrews
https://www.incpu.org/Intro-Silas-Wrote-Hebrews.htm
https://www.incpu.org/Intro-Silas-Wrote-Hebrews.pdf
And on RestoreMBI
https://www.RestoreMBI.com/Intro-Silas-Wrote-Hebrews.htm
https://www.RestoreMBI.com/Intro-Silas-Wrote-Hebrews.pdf
Hello
friends, brethren and fellow Bible students, (September 2021)
We
wrote a quick list of 130 important facts about Silas wrote Hebrews and the history
surrounding Hebrews, for those who are in a hurry. That list starts on page 3
of this Bible study. As you read the 55 pages of this Bible study, you will
notice we show you the verses explaining the ministry stages of Peter's life
and Paul's life. Also there are many additional side studies to strengthen
ministry leaders along the way because the Holy Spirit moved me to explain
additional subjects that are interesting & important to Christians.
The
Book of Hebrews tells many details about the writer. The first few pages of
this Bible study give a quick overview; then the remainder of this study works
through the early Church and Peter's leadership then Paul's leadership, with
many Scriptures. All of those details point to one person who wrote Hebrews.
Silas was a prophet from Jerusalem; he was close friends with the apostles,
especially Peter. Then Paul chose Silas to join him on his 2nd missionary
journey. They started their journey at the previously established Churches from
Paul's 1st missionary journey with Barnabas. They strengthened many Churches
and shared the Jerusalem Councils letter that Silas helped write. Then they
went to Derbe and found Timothy doing ministry, and he joined the team to
replace Barnabas. God sent their team to Philippi in Acts 16:12-40, and the
Philippians were illuminated by hearing the gospel. Some pagans or
unbelieving Jews started a riot, and they arranged a severe beating for Paul
and Silas, then jail with chains in Acts 16:24-26. While Paul and Silas were
praying and singing hymns to God, around midnight God sent an earthquake to
release their chains. The other prisoners were listening too. The jailer got
saved that night and surely the other prisoners got saved too. Then 16 years
later Silas reminded the Philippian Church of the riot, looting, and his chains
in Hebrews 10:32-34.
Paul,
Silas and team established Churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens
and Corinth. But in Corinth the leaders at the Hebrew speaking synagogue
persecuted Paul and Silas and forced their team into silence. Their team met
Aquila & Priscilla, they had great positive
influence for Paul and Silas. In previous cities with dangerous persecution,
their team went to the next city Silas wanted the team to leave Corinth and
find a better city, but Paul felt he needed to stay in Corinth. With that,
Silas' training was complete after 2 years with Paul. God sent Silas back to
Jerusalem to study the Septuagint, looking for interesting sermons from the Old
Testament, aimed to reach Greek speaking Jews. Then when Peter was humble with
maturity, God sent Peter and Silas and their wives on a 12-14 year missionary
journey described in 1st Peter 1:1 to Pontus,
Galatia, Cappodicea, Asia and Bithynia. We can prove Peter and
Silas were successful by the quality of teaching in 1st and 2nd Peter and
Hebrews. That is when the apostle Peter became the greatly respected apostle
Peter. While Peter and Silas were on their missionary journey, Paul's team had
a 3rd missionary journey focused on Ephesus and Asia. After that Paul spent 4
1/2 years on a humiliating 'prison journey' to Jerusalem, Judea, then Rome.
Paul was released from Rome in 62 or 63 AD.
Paul
had a 4th missionary journey for about 4 1/2 years. At the end of the 4 1/2
years, when Paul's team went back through Ephesus again, Alexander the copper
smith was ready with a legal attack. Paul was captured by Nero's troops and
transported back to Rome for the 2nd time. Then Paul knew his life on earth was
coming to the end. So Paul wrote the letter called 2nd Timothy asking Timothy
and Mark to come to Rome and say good-bye and receive final instructions.
Timothy and Mark told Peter and Silas, so Peter and Silas also came on the same
trade ship to Rome. When Timothy and Mark went to see Paul in Rome Timothy was
captured by Nero's troops, but Paul's prayers got Timothy released a few weeks
later. During that same time Peter and Silas wrote the letter called 1st Peter
among the Rome Church brethren; they used Silas' Greek name Silvanus. Then
Nero's troops captured Peter and his wife. Silas helped Peter write the letter
called 2nd Peter, but Silas didn't include his name in 2nd Peter. Silas didn't
want himself and his wife to be captured, tortured and murdered by Nero's
troops. Silas was his Hebrew name, and Luke always used that name. But Paul's
writings and Peter's writings used his Greek name Silvanus.
Just
before Paul's death, he was making arrangements for Timothy after his death. We
believe Paul already planned to send Timothy, Mark and Luke to Philippi so they
could grieve in a safe place, and adjust their lives after Paul's death. But
when Timothy arrived in Rome, something notified Paul that Timothy was deeply
troubled about Paul's impending death. Another important event on that ship to
Rome Timothy was glad to see Silas again, so Paul decided to send Silas too. We
found no evidence that Silas went to see Paul because it was very dangerous. So
Paul probably sent his plans for Silas by a messenger (maybe Mark) telling
Silas to write a letter to Philippi, to re-establish his leadership at the
Philippian Church. Silas collected his best sermons to Jews; that is the
majority of the Book of Hebrews. And Silas personalized his letter using the
updated info he got from Timothy while they traveled on the trade ship to Rome.
Those personalized details in Hebrews were aimed to challenge the failing
spiritual condition in Philippi, some Philippians were
going back to the old temple system. In his letter called Hebrews, Silas also
requested prayer for their safety: Pray for
us... that I may be restored to you the sooner ...our brother Timothy has been
released... Apparently the Philippians had heard that Timothy was
captured by Nero's troops. So Silas wanted them to know Timothy was set free.
Silas
didn't give his name in the letters called 2nd Peter or Hebrews. The Christians
in Rome were afraid of Nero's cruel persecution. When you join various
unexplained phrases in the New Testament and look for their intended meaning,
they give valuable info to explain unknown events in early Church history.
Those verses are found in; Galatians, Romans, Philippians, 1st & 2nd
Timothy, Titus and Hebrews. A simple example; we are never told that Silas got
married, but we see Paul's indirect criticism in 1st Cor.9:5 & Philippians
2:21 "for all seek their own".
But we also find that Silas didn't want to minister any more as a single
missionary after Thessalonica and Corinth. We see Aquila & Priscilla were a
wonderful example of a married team. We also found a hidden comment that Paul
thought about getting married to Phoebe from Cenchrea. We found that by looking
into the vow Paul took in Cenchrea. Why did Paul take that vow? The only answer
in Scripture is several years later, Paul put his authority on Phoebe to rebuke
pastors in Rome, in Romans 16:1-2. We are sure that Paul thought about getting
married to Phoebe, then took a vow not to get married
to Phoebe. Also from that we find Aquila & Priscilla had a strong influence
on Paul, and also Silas God gave us a helpful clue that Silas got married in
Hebrews 13:4 "Marriage is honorable".
I have already gotten comments that this Bible study is interesting and
valuable in many ways. We can list over 100 verses that prove our findings, but
those details make more sense as you understand their life stories and
interpersonal relationships. This Bible study brings those pieces together.
These
paragraphs explained why a great Bible teaching called Hebrews was not signed,
and it explains why Book of Hebrews has similarities to Paul's writings and
similar to 1st & 2nd Peter. There were 4 Books of Scripture written in Rome
about 67 AD within a few months of each other during Nero's cruel persecution:
2nd Timothy, 1st & 2nd Peter and Hebrews. All the personal details in
Hebrews eliminate the other names some people have hypothesized as the author
of the letter called Hebrews.
The
following is a list of 160 important points to give the general story of the
early Church Age and this Bible study. Some critics don't want normal
Christians to understand the Bible, they want Christians to walk away confused.
Harsh critics might say we filled in parts we can't prove, we believe we give
evidence for all of these points in the long study. We know this list of points
is over simplified, and we skipped many smaller details that we include in the
remainder of this Bible study, after this list. We include many more verses in
the longer study below. We know most of our friends will appreciate these
points in a condensed list, and we ask our friends to graciously overlook the
limitations and imperfections of a condensed list. The truths in this Bible
study have already blessed me, we are sure it will bless many of our friends.
If this looks like a book to you, we are sure that you will value these
teachings. Try reading several pages at a time.
>> 160 key points
1=
Jesus trained 12 apostles Acts 4:13 + 70 others in Luke 10:1, both are called
apostles in Acts 14:14
2=
Peter humiliated himself by denying Jesus 3 times. Humble Peter is Church
leader, Acts chpts 1-5
3=
Peter became proud by many miracles, division in Jerusalem, God raised
deacon/prophet Stephen
4=
Stephen was leader in Jerusalem, Acts 6-7, but Hebrew speaking temple leaders
lied & killed him
5=
Saul/Paul was point man in persecution until Jesus confronted him on road to
Damascus, Acts 8-9
6=
Jesus trained Paul 10 years. God gave Paul parts of Peter's leadership,
including most NT writings
7=
Then Philip became spiritual leader briefly in the Church Age, then back to
Peter Acts 8:4-40
8=
Humble Peter preached to Gentile Cornelius, Judiazers criticized Peter & he
stumbled Acts 10-11
9=
God gave Peter a vision; unclean animals on a sheet, it's a mystery of all
Jesus' blood cleansed
10=
Peter stuck in the mud called pride, then humility lessons until Silas finished
training in 51 AD
11=
Paul judged James his Judaizer friends, Peter in Galatians 2:1-16, Herod killed
James Acts 12
12=
God moved Luke & Book of Acts to leave Peter & instead follow Paul from
Acts 13:1 28:31
13=
apostles gave Barnabas a ministry assignment Acts 11:22-12:25, Barnabas took
Paul to Antioch
14=
Hebrew speaking Jews used Paul to persecute Christians, so God made Paul keep
opposing them
15=
Antioch Church elders sent Paul & Barnabas on Paul's 1st Missionary
Journey, Acts 13-14
16=
After that 1st journey, Judiazers came to Antioch
trying to force Gentiles to obey Laws of Moses
17=Antioch
Church elders sent Paul, Barnabas to Jerusalem Council; apostles ruled against
Judiazers
18=
Silas wrote Jerusalem Council's report, Acts 15:22-29. That was Silas' 1st
writings in Scripture.
19=
Barnabas became proud from telling miracle stories, confidently trusting self , Acts 15:36-39.
20=
Barnabas resisted Paul's authority & took Mark to Cyprus trusting self
strength, Acts 15:39
21=
Antioch Church blessed Paul & Silas on Paul's 2nd journey to Hebrew
speaking Jews, Acts 15:40
22=
Paul, Silas took Council's letter to previous Churches, strengthening Churches" Acts 15:40-16:5
23=
They found Timothy in Derbe learning to do ministry,
he became Paul's spiritual son Acts 16:1-3
24=
Paul's team slept in tents, made tents to sell while preaching at markets I
Thess. 2:9, II Thess. 3:8
25=
God sent Paul, Silas, Timothy, Luke to Philippi, Acts 16:9-40, that became
their favorite Church
26=
Lydia & her servant girls got saved and baptized, Acts 16:14-15. Paul's
team stayed at her house.
27=
Paul made strong statements; the team is staying single for ministry Acts
16:15, Hebrews 13:4
28=
Paul cast out a fortune telling demon, so slave owners started a riot &
persecution, Acts 16:15-21
29=
Philippian city leaders gave Paul & Silas a severe beating, then prison in
chains, Acts 16:22-24.
30=
Paul & Silas praying & worshiping God. Midnight earthquake released
chains, Acts 16:25-34.
31=
Then 16 yrs later Silas reminded Philippians of the chains & their
compassion in Hebrews 10:34.
32=
The chains in Acts 16:26 & Hebrews 10:34 connect
Paul's disciple Silas as the writer of Hebrews
33=
Timothy, Luke saw the riots & looting in the city till midnight mentioned
in Hebrews 10:32-34
34=
The earthquake shook Philippi, city leaders release
them, Paul warned; don't persecute Christians
35=
Philippi was Paul's favorite Church; generous Phil. 4:15-16, a safe place Acts
20:1-3, Phil. 2:24.
36=
Paul and Silas were both Roman citizens Acts 16:37, and both spoke the Hebrew
language.
37=
Paul's strategy; big cities, busy trade routes. Merchants spread good stories
& maybe the gospel
38=
Next to Thessalonica "great multitude
joined" Acts 17:4. Paul taught Silas the missionary work
39=
Paul's strategy; Hebrew speaking Jews fear God, saved Jews are ready to grow
& start a Church.
40=
Thessalonica f 3 Sabbaths, many saved, became strong Church. Silas named in I & II Thess. 1:1
41=
Saved Jews quit synagogue, quit tithes; bad Jews get embarrassed - panic &
start persecutions
42=
Paul & Silas both contended against apostate Jews as shown in 1st
Thessalonians 2:16.
43=
Paul & Silas learned to hide; Acts 17:5-6, then Berea, Acts 17:13, then
Corinth Acts 18:9-10
44=
Paul, Silas & team went to Berea by night Acts 17:10-15 "many of them believed"
45=
Bereans changed schedules, meet daily to hear the gospel of Jesus from Paul,
Silas and Timothy
46=
Bereans were fair minded to search Scriptures for truth. A great Church ready
to learn & grow
47=
Merchants told Thessalonica Jews; Paul & Silas are preaching in Berea; riot
in Berea Acts 17:13
48=
Silas & Timothy stayed in Berea. Silas helped train Timothy for ministry in
Acts 17:14-15 & 18:5
49=
Brothers took Paul to Athens, open door. Paul sent them home, & send Silas, Timothy to Athens
50=
Most Christians won't become great because they don't like God's strong
commands, Acts 17:15
51=
While waiting, Holy Spirit moved Paul to preach. Paul rediscovered God's power
on him Acts 17
52=
strength training in Athens helped Paul later, to stay in Corinth & seal
his apostleship I Cor. 9:2
53=
Paul & Luke at Areopagus, then Silas & Timothy arrived, told Paul
persecution in Thessalonica
54=
Paul & Silas sent Timothy, check on Thessalonica, he returned with good
news & their questions
55=
Paul answered their questions, sent Silas & Timothy with I Thess. while
Paul went to Corinth.
56=
Paul likes his team, he didn't know he was training Silas to train Peter &
it's almost completed
57=
In Corinth Paul meets Aquila & Priscilla; Silas' replacement; also tent
makers, he stays with them
58=
Aquila & Priscilla told Paul about Jews persecuting Christians in Rome.
Paul wanted to go there.
59=
Aquila preached softly, then Silas & Timothy arrived Paul preached boldly,
Jews stir persecution
60=
All of them became silent Acts 18:9-11. Silas wanted to go to next city, Paul
knew he must stay
61=
Silas wasn't a quitter, stayed until 2nd Thess. 1:1, then returned to Jerusalem
to Peter & apostles.
62=
God needed prophet Silas to leave. Paul stood alone in Christ to seal his
apostleship in Corinth.
63=
Last mention of Silas is Acts 18:5. Later we find Silas & Peter on a 12-14
yr missionary journey
64=
Silas stayed at Mary Mark's home, studied Septuagint for sermons to Greek
speaking Jews 51 AD
65=
Silas hated being a single missionary in pagan cities, Heb. 13:4. Aquila &
Priscilla a good team
66=
The apostles or Mary knew the perfect lady for Silas
to join him for missionary work.
67=
We know that Silas studied Septuagint because of the
many quotes in the Book of Hebrews.
68=
Barnabas visited cousin Mary's home, Silas told Barnabas how to find Paul
hiding in I Cor. 9:3-6
69=
Paul named Barnabas in 1 Cor.9:3-6 proving he went to Corinth & apologized.
It's a great sermon
70=
Barnabas gave Paul updated info that Silas was making changes for future
ministry to Greek Jews
71=
We are sure Silas didn't work while studying &
Peter studied with him I Peter 3:20, II Peter 2:4-11
72=
Paul disrespected the Septuagint as inferior, & Paul disrespected Silas for
studying the Septuagint
73=
Paul missed Silas for many years, Phil. 2:19-22. Silas felt Paul's rejection
until after I Peter 5:12.
74=
God's wisdom kept Paul's pride from knowing he was greatest & he trained
Silas to train Peter
75=
Both Paul and Silas felt the stress because of God's plan, until near the end
of Paul's life
76=
Silas & Peter criticized Paul "those
who examine me" 1 Cor 9:3 Paul asked, Barnabas answered
77=
Paul criticized Silas; quitting in Corinth, not working while studying Septuagint
& he got married
78=
Remember Paul publicly rebuked Peter in Galatians 2:11-14. And Paul became
leader, not Peter
79=
After Silas left Corinth Paul needed wisdom; Jesus
promised safety, told Paul speak Acts 18:9-11
80=
Paul's team stayed in Corinth almost 2 years Acts 18:1-18. Cenchrea &
Phoebe are near Corinth
81=
Aquila & Priscilla were a great example as a ministry team. Priscilla was
as important as Aquila
82=
So Paul thought about getting married to Phoebe in Cenchrea, then vowed not to
in Acts 18:18
83=
Phoebe had strong faith; later Paul gave his authority to her, to correct
pastors in Romans 16:1-2
84=
Paul & Timothy went to Jerusalem & Antioch, starting Paul's 3rd
missionary journey Acts 18:22.
85=
Ephesus was tough "many adversaries"
1 Cor.16:9 "all in Asia heard the word" Acts 19:10-20:1
86=
God did unusual miracles through Paul, many burned witchcraft junk worth 50,000
silver coins
87=
God used Paul to tear down the sexual sins in Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth
& Ephesus
88=
God took things because of Peter's pride. God must prevent Paul from getting
proud
89=
Paul's pride, then a riot in Ephesus Acts 19:23, Priscilla & Aquila were
heroic, Rom 16:3-4
90=
Paul's prayers finally open door to see Rome & Spain, planned as free man
Romans 1:10, 15:23
91=
No, it's 4 1/2 years of humility training, Paul expected to die in Jerusalem or
Rome, but he went
92=
devil opposed Paul's trip to Rome, feared preaching would destroy Roman empire,
Rom.1:10-13
93=
Paul gave Phoebe authority over pastors in Romans 16:1-4, she worked with
Aquila & Priscilla
94=
Paul 'prison journey' to Judea then Rome was predicted by Jesus in Acts 9:15
95=
Christians plead with Paul no to go to Jerusalem and Rome, Acts 20:12 & 21:12
96=
Jerusalem all apostles gone out into ministries, evil temple leaders try to
kill Paul Acts 21:30-31
97=
Commander Lysias allowed Paul to preach to Jews, then to temple leaders Acts
21:37 -23:10
98=
Paul preached to Roman govt leaders Acts 24:2-23 & 25:6-12 & 26:1-32,
as Jesus said Acts 9:15
99=
Shipwreck off Malta, the court accusations lost at sea, and all 276 souls got
saved Acts 27:4
100= Paul healed Publius' dad, so Publius gave money to Julius for Paul to
rent a house outside Rome
101=
Centurion Julius used his authority & money for Paul's rented house with
guards, Acts 28
102=
All 276 older & new Christians in Puteoli Italy, 7 days of heavenly
fellowship, then Rome
103=
temple witnesses sent to condemn Paul only said good things to Rome synagogue,
Acts 28:21 2
104=
Rome synagogue leaders hear Paul preach gospel to them Acts 28:17-27
105=
Eventually Jerusalem sent copy of charges against Paul 62 AD or 63 AD. Paul
preached to Nero
106=
Luke ended Acts for court evidence, proving Paul didn't cause riots, Hebrew
speaking Jews did
107=
Paul preached "with all confidence, no one
forbidding him" Acts 28:30-31. Charges dropped
108=
Paul's prison journey included 2 1/2 years in Judea and 2 years in Rome, about
4 1/2 years.
109=
Paul didn't believe Peter & Silas were having great success in "Pontus, Galatia... Asia, Bithynia"
110= Proof Peter & Silas were successful, see the strength of 1 &
2 Peter & Hebrews' sermon topics
111=
Paul had 4th missionary journey; described in I Timothy, Titus & II Timothy
about 63AD-67AD
112=
Paul's 4th missionary journey lasted about a 4 ½ starting with the Philippians
2:19-24.
113=
Pastors aren't Levites; devil needed new tricks, false doctrines, false
teachers to attack Churches
114=
Paul spent most of 4th journey solving problems in his Church plants, predicted
in Acts 20:29
115=
Later Paul's team spent many months on Crete and then Nicopolis, Titus 1:5,
3:12
116=
64AD Nero burned Rome to rebuild eternal city; carved marble, to steal land for
a larger palace
117=
Nero got caught, citizens were mad. Nero blamed Christians, Nero searched to
kill all Christians
118=
Paul's team went back through cities in Asia Minor, as listed in 2nd Timothy 4.
119=
Paul had trouble with Alexander 3 times; Acts 19:33 & 1st Tim. 1:20 &
2nd Tim. 4:14 in 67AD
120= Then back to Ephesus, but Alexander attacked with legal charges, both
were shipped to Rome.
121=
a cruel capture; Timothy cried II Tim.1:4, most of Paul's team fled for safety
II Tim. 4:6-16
122=
Paul's race is won, 2nd Tim. calls Timothy & Mark to Rome say good-bye,
they told Peter, Silas
123=
Peter & Silas came on same ship. Timothy & Silas shared stories about
Philippi Hebrews 5:12
124=
Nero expected a daring rescue so he kept Paul in a secret & secure dungeon,
2 Tim.1:17.
125=
Rome brothers took Timothy, Mark to Paul. Alexander had pastor Timothy captured
Heb 13:23
126=
Paul noticed Timothy needed extra support, Mark told Paul how Silas gave
comfort on the ship
127=
Mark probably told Paul about Silas & Peter's successes; Paul started to
rethink about Silas.
128=
Peter & Silas stayed among Rome Church they wrote 1st Peter 5:12-13 calling
Rome "Babylon"
129=
1 Peter 5:12 "By Silas our faithful brother as I consider him"
Everyone respected Silas but Paul
130= Then Peter & wife went to see Paul, were spotted & captured
by Nero's troops, 2nd Peter 1:14.
131=
Peter learned many tough lessons before he complemented Paul in 2 Peter 3:15-16
132=
Peter with Silas wrote 2 Peter 2:14 as "a
reminder" proves Silas promised to deliver 1 & 2 Peter
133=
Only Silas knew how to find those Churches, we believe
he did go back to those Churches
134=
Paul realized he trained Silas for Peter, Silas & wife were honorable, and
a comfort to Timothy
135=
Paul is greatest elder sitting on 1 of 24 thrones. God needed Paul to reconcile
with Silas
136=
Paul didn't write any more or it was destroyed immediately. Maybe Paul messaged
by Mark
137=
Paul planned Timothy, Mark & Luke to Philippi, then added Silas to help
Timothy, Heb. 12:23.
138=
And Paul wanted Silas to watch over his favorite Church, the Philippians,
Hebrews 13:19
139=
Silas wrote Hebrews to restore his authority over Philippian Church leaders
140= God rewarded Silas with the Book of Hebrews after much grief &
with Paul's + Peter's blessings
141=
We find 4 Books written in Rome in Nero's persecution;
2nd Timothy, 1 & 2 Peter & Hebrews
142=
We count 8 saints wrote NT Scripture, including Silas.
Not very many options were in Rome
143=
Hebrews was written in Italy; "those from
Italy greet you". Other evidence proves Rome, Italy.
144=
Silas was in Rome when he wrote 1 & 2 Peter, then Hebrews during Nero's
persecution
145=
Silas didn't criticize Paul but simply announced marriage is God's holy plan in
Hebrews 13:4
146=
Topics in Hebrews were fascinating to Jews. Hebrews is Silas' sermons to Greek
speaking Jews
147=
Silas was known for long sermons, Acts 15:32 and Hebrews 11:32 & 13:22.
148=
Paul was in a dungeon to be killed 2 Tim 4:6-8. Silas planned to visit
Philippians with Timothy.
149=
Paul was ready to die, Paul didn't request prayer for safety in Hebrews 13:18,
that was Silas
150= Paul didn't tell Philippians that I
may be restored to you. Silas was being restored to Philippi
151=
Silas didn't know Timothy's schedule "if he
comes shortly" because it was Paul's plan, not his.
152=
Hebrews was written before the temple destruction 70AD; Hebrews 5:1-4, 8:3,
13:10
153=
Silas was from Jerusalem and familiar with the temple systems, Acts 15:22
154=
Silas had a good conscience Heb.13:18, but Paul had a stronger conscience, 1
Cor. 4:3.
155=
Silas knew the Philippians; Hebrews 10:34 "you
had compassion on me in my chains"
156=
Silas tells us there were angel sighting to save some Christians from Nero;
Hebrews 13:2
157=
Writer of Hebrews didn't learn the gospel from Jesus; Hebrews 2:3, so he can't
be an apostle
158=
The apostle Paul saw Jesus, and learned the gospel by
revelation from Jesus; Galatians 1:11-12.
159=
We believe Silas & wife, Timothy, Mark & Luke
went to Philippi for a time to cry & recover
160= We are confident that Silas went back to the
Churches he and Peter established, because God let Peter use the word "reminder". We believe God kept Silas'
promise to deliver Peter's "reminder"
of 1 & 2 Peter to the Churches they established. That is the end of what we
have found in God's Word about the early Church Age. We believe many of the
Church history books about the early Church Age contain fiction. Maybe you can
compare the verses we found and double check their stories.
Looking deeper
Congratulations
to you and me. Why? We you and me must be the smartest Christians in the
last 400 years because we figured out who wrote the Book of Hebrews. OR Maybe
there has been a big religious enemy acting like a government who has destroyed
other Bible studies like this, and they try to block or hide real studies to prevented that information from getting known. Jesus
prophesied about the Roman catholic cult "You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead."
Revelation 3:1. Why would they hide Hebrews studies? The Book of Hebrews
describes Jesus as the eternal High Priest, and Jesus is active right now. The
pope has no place in Jesus' Churches. Instead, the catholic cult is actively
trying to ruin the real Church being led by Jesus. The catholic cult doesn't
want you to read or understand the Book of Hebrews.
>> The Writer Of Hebrews Can't Be An Apostle.
Silas,
the writer of Hebrews, tells us he didn't get trained by Jesus in Hebrews 2:3, and he didn't get his gospel message directly from Jesus
Himself, ...salvation...which at the first
began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.
That verse proves that Hebrews was not written by an apostle. Genuine apostles
heard the gospel from Jesus directly, and they were trained by Jesus. That is
an essential requirement for all apostles. Paul saw Jesus in Acts 9:3-6. Paul
was discipled by Jesus through the voice of His
mouth Acts 22:14 which was also called special revelations in
Galatians 1:11-12: ...the gospel which was
preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor
was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.
And 1st Corinthians 11:23 For I received from
the Lord that which I also delivered to you... And Paul claimed to
be an apostle 15 times or more in his writings. Silas was not discipled by
Jesus, but he was discipled by the apostles in Jerusalem, then 2 more years of
training from Paul. And then 12-14 more years on his missionary journey with
Peter before he wrote Hebrews.
Someone
has named Barnabas as the possible writer of Hebrews. Luke tells us that
Barnabas was also an apostle in Acts 14:4 & 14:14 ...when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this ...
Luke called Barnabas an apostle. That means Barnabas was trained by Jesus, so
he was among the 70 disciples Jesus sent out in Luke 10:1. Their authority of
the 70 is described in Luke 10:17. They went and preached the gospel with
authority from Jesus. The early Church called the seventy others as apostles
too. But they didn't have as much authority as the 12 apostles, Luke 22:28-30.
Another fact that eliminates Barnabas is there is no evidence that Barnabas
ever went to Italy. But Hebrews 13:24 says Those
from Italy greet you..
Someone
has put forward that maybe Apollos wrote Hebrews. We have no evidence that
Apollos was ever in Rome. There is no evidence that Apollos ever wrote any
Scripture. Beyond that, the personal details in Hebrews line up with the facts
we see on Paul's 2nd missionary journey in Acts 16-18. And
also the other writings from Paul and Peter. Those facts lead directly
to Silas, and no one else.
The
Bible, in 1st Peter 5:12, gives strong proof that Silas/Silvanus was in Rome,
Italy when Hebrews was written. The Greek name for Silas is Silvanus. Silvanus
helped Peter write 1st Peter 5:12 ... by
Silvanus our faithful brother.... Then
Silas helped write the letter called 2nd Peter while visiting Peter in a Roman
prison. Then the book of Hebrews was written soon after. We know Silas was from
Jerusalem, so he understood the temple ceremonies. Hebrews was written about 67
AD or 68 AD, while the temple was still performing sacrificial ceremonies Silas
described the temple ceremonies as still existing in Hebrews 5:1-4 & 8:3
&10:11 & 13:10. That indicates Hebrews was written before Roman general
Titus destroyed the temple and Jerusalem in 70 AD as predicted by Jesus in
Matt. 24:2, Mark 13:2 & Luke 21:6. The writer of Hebrews is a fellow Jew
leading his Jewish brethren to Jesus by using the words we and us in
Hebrews 4:3 we who have believed do enter that
rest. & 13:10-15; We have an
altar... let us go forth to Him... here we have no continuing city... let us
continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God...
Silas
gives strong rebukes to the Jewish believers in Hebrews 3:6-19 & 4:6-13
& 5:12-14 & 6:4-8 & .10:26-39 & 12:3-11. And Hebrews quotes
God's criticism of the temple system in Hebrews 8:8-12 ...not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers... because they did not continue in My covenant... this is the covenant
I will make with the house if Israel after those days... &
Hebrews 10:1-10 ...it is not possible that the
blood of bulls and goats could take away sins... every priest stands
ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never
take away sins.... Also Hebrews quotes the Septuagint the Greek
translation of the Old Testament almost 30 times. Paul never quoted the
Septuagint. Paul memorized the Hebrew Scriptures in his youth at the feet of Gamaliel - Acts 22:3. So Paul
only quoted the Hebrew Scriptures in his writings. And we can be sure Paul had
a negative view of the Septuagint, because it was not perfect like the Hebrew
Scriptures. After Silas left Paul, he studied the Septuagint back in Jerusalem
to reach the Greek speaking Jews.
Someone
mentioned maybe Luke the Gentile historian wrote the book called Hebrews. We
have many samples of Luke's writing style in the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
Luke's writings are very gentle; that is completely different from the strong
teachings and rebukes in Hebrews. Luke would not rebuke Jews like the Book of
Hebrews did. Nor would Luke presume to teach Jews about their temple
ceremonies, nor would Luke repeat God's criticism of the temple system. Luke
called those Jerusalem temple students who cried out "crucify Him" in John 19:6 & 15, but
Luke called them "devout men from every
nation..." in Acts 2:5. Luke was not even strong enough to
blame the argument in Acts 15:39 on Barnabas only. Luke's pattern was to gently
report, not to rebuke with authority, as apostles and prophets did. Luke could
not write Hebrews.
Someone
named Aquila as a possible writer since Aquila and Priscilla were Paul's
ministry companions, but Acts 18:4 shows us that Aquila's teaching style was
soft spoken. Aquila didn't have the strength to write Hebrews. Paul identifies
Priscilla as stronger than Aquila by naming her first in Romans 16:3-4 and 2
Tim. 4:19. But Priscilla would not dare rebuke Jewish men as Hebrews does. Also
Priscilla and Aquila stayed in Ephesus when Paul was captured for the last time
in 67 A.D, but Hebrews was written in Rome Hebrews 13:24. Remember, Aquila and
Priscilla helped Paul establish the Ephesus Church in Acts 18:22-26. They came
back later during Paul's 4th missionary journey to help Timothy. They stayed
there when Paul was captured in 67 AD. They kept Ephesus from falling back to
the devil. And they were still in Ephesus when Paul wrote 2nd Timothy 4:19. So
they were in Ephesus when Hebrews was written; they were not in Rome.
>> Silas Was The High Quality Christian Leader Paul Wanted For A
Ministry Team.
The
teaching style in Hebrews and some phrases in Hebrews sound similar to Paul for
many reasons: (1) Paul and Silas were both Jews. They grew up and were trained
under the Laws of Moses; both of them got saved later in life. (2) Both grew up
among the Greek culture, and they were Roman citizens as stated in Acts
16:37-38. (3) Both had a strong goal to preach the gospel to Gentiles Acts
15. (4) Everyone on Paul's team had serious prayer times together daily, as
explained in Acts 14:23. Those prayer times bound their hearts to have the same
goals and directives. (5) Paul and Silas worked together for 2 years from Acts
15:34-18:8. They preached by day, and made tents late into the night 1st Cor.
4:12, 1st Thess. 2:9, 2nd Thess. 3:8. (6) Both Paul and Silas were comfortable
preaching the gospel in big cities because they came from big cities. (7) Paul
and Silas and team slept in their tents outside of town when they didn't have a
place to stay in the city Acts 16:12, and sold the tents they made in the market
place. The market place was perfect for selling tents and getting
conversations. (8) They traveled together and worked together to transport the
tent-making tools as described in Acts 22:21. (9) They both contended against
apostate Jews in every city, as shown in 1st Thessalonians 2:16. (10) They both
had a severe beating in Philippi Acts 16:19-23. After that, they both learned
when to hide while the persecution was hunting them in Thessalonica, as
described in Acts 17:5-6, then Berea in Acts 17:13, and Corinth in Acts
18:9-10. (11) Paul and Silas were a close team facing life and death together
in the ministry. Silas respected Paul and Paul respected Silas until Silas left
Paul in Corinth, when Silas changed to a different ministry approach. (12) Both
Paul and Silas were analytical thinkers, which shows
in their teachings like Romans and Hebrews. (13) All through Silas's life he
was trying to practice many things he learned from Paul. And those lessons
guided Silas and Peter on their great missionary journey. These notes explain
why Paul and Silas sound similar to each other. Silas worked with Paul to train
Timothy for ministry, Acts 17:14-15 & 18:5.
When
Silas wrote Hebrew 13:18-19, he gave us several interesting clues about
himself: Pray for us; for we are confident that
we have a good conscience... But I especially urge you to do this, that I may
be restored to you the sooner... (1) Pray
for us; Silas was afraid of Nero. Paul
never asked for prayers for his safety after Acts 18:9-10. Why would Paul ask
for prayers for his safety when he was ready to die in Rome? Paul knew it was
his time to die at Rome as he stated in 2nd Timothy 4:6-8 "the time of my departure is at hand".
That was Silas who asked for prayers for his safety. (2) for we
are confident we have a good conscience That says Silas
double-checked his conscience while writing Hebrews. Silas had a good clean
conscience, better than most people you will ever meet. But Silas' good
conscience was not as strong as Paul's conscience as described in 1st
Corinthians 4:3 ...it is a very small thing
that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even need
to judge myself. For I know of nothing against myself... So Silas
wrote that note about his clean conscience, not Paul. (3) But I especially urge you to pray for us,
that I may be restored to you the sooner. Paul wasn't
planning to leave Rome. Paul didn't need to be restored
to the Philippian Church, because Paul stayed in close contact with them many
times during those 16 years. But Silas didn't see the Philippians during the 16
years after he left Paul in Corinth. (4) Silas was looking forward to being restored to you the sooner. And add to those
facts; Silas knew Philippi was much safer than Rome. Silas wanted to get out of
Rome as soon as possible. Also, on their missionary journey, God sent Paul and
Silas to Philippi as shown in Acts 16:12-40. God planned for Philippi to be
their favorite Church. Philippi became a safe place for them after the illegal
beating they got, and the great earthquake God sent across Philippi, and then
gave the city leaders a stern warning; Do not persecute the Christians, as
recorded in Acts 16:37-39.
We
get more interesting clues about Silas in Hebrews 13:22-24: bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to
you in few words. Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I
shall see you if he comes shortly. (4) exhortation...
few words; Silas was known for strong exhortations and many words,
Acts 15:32 ...exhorted and strengthened the
brethren with many words., see also Hebrews 11:32 & 13:22. As
you analyze the Book of Hebrews it is one of the longer letters in the New
Testament, and it has many exhortations with encouragements. That is the real
Silas. (5) Know that our brother Timothy has
been set free... That is a clue that the Philippian Church knew
Timothy had been captured. Apparently there were messengers taking updated info
out of Rome to important places like Philippi. Silas wanted them to know Timothy
was released. (6) ..with whom I shall see you... That phrase with whom proves Silas had a trusted and
close relationship with Paul and Timothy, because he had Paul's approval to
take Timothy with him. (7) Then Silas wrote
if
he comes shortly. Why didn't Silas know where Timothy was, or when
Timothy would get to where Silas was hiding? Because Silas didn't make those
travel plans. That was Paul's plan. (8) The phrase if
he comes shortly also indicates Silas was trying to wait patiently
for Timothy to come to him, but if he comes
shortly also indicates Silas wanted to get out of Rome alive as
soon as possible. Silas was considering traveling to Philippi without Timothy,
if that became necessary. (9) Silas called Timothy; ...our brother Timothy.... Most
of the times Paul referred to Timothy as his son, but there were three times
Paul called Timothy his brother, in Colossians 1:1, 1 Thess. 3:2 and Philemon
1:1. (10) There was a reason why Paul was sending Silas, Timothy, Mark and Luke
to Philippi. Because Philippi was always a safe place for Paul after a tough
trial, Acts 20:1-5 & Philippians 2:24. So Philippi was a safe place for
Silas and his wife, Timothy, Mark & Luke to cry after Paul's death and
Peter's death. There are many more personal details that identify Silas as the
writer of Hebrews, but those details only make sense when you know more about
the lives and interpersonal relationships of Silas, Paul, and their friends.
This
is the end of our brief introduction. This Bible study has a Part 2 with 45
more pages that explain more details of the quick note you just read. The
longer study says it is 55 pages, but you already read the first 9 pages, so
you might want to skip down to the Chapter "A Jet Tour of Church
History" around page 10 or so.
.
See full study for the rest of the notes. Want to find it and cant? Just ask! Steven.H3(at)gmail.com