From an evangelical Christian perspective, the authorship of the Book of Hebrews, including Hebrews 12:28, has been a topic of considerable debate. The author remains anonymous, and various candidates have been proposed over the centuries.
Here are some common viewpoints regarding the possible authorship:
1. **Pauline Authorship**: Some evangelical scholars argue that the Apostle Paul might be the author due to the theological depth and language of Hebrews. They point to the similarities in themes found in Paul’s letters, particularly regarding faith, grace, and the nature of Christ. However, the style and vocabulary differ significantly from Paul’s acknowledged writings, leading many to question this attribution.
2. **Barnabas or Apollos**: Other candidates suggested include Barnabas, a companion of Paul, and Apollos, an eloquent speaker described in the Book of Acts. Barnabas, being a Levite, would have had a deep understanding of the Old Testament and Jewish customs, while Apollos was well-versed in Scripture and could write with theological sophistication.
3. **Luke**: Some propose Luke as the author, mainly because of his background as a physician and his association with Paul. The Greek in Hebrews is more polished than in many of Paul’s letters, which has led to some consideration of a potentially different author.
4. **Clement of Rome**: As another possibility, Clement of Rome is often mentioned due to the connection between his writings and themes found in Hebrews. Some believe he could have been influenced by the text, though this doesn’t necessarily support him being the author.
From a theological standpoint, evangelicals typically emphasize the inspiration of Scripture, regardless of the human author. The focus in Hebrews, including Hebrews 12:28—which encourages believers to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe—reinforces core themes of faith and perseverance common to all of Scripture.
In summary, while there are various opinions about who authored Hebrews, the exact identity of the author remains uncertain, and evangelicals often prioritize the work’s theological content over authorship.