Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 66:2 (Jun 2023)
Article: Theological Controversies And The Canonical Reception Of Hebrews
Author: Benjamin P. Laird

JETS 66:2 (June 2023) p. 247

Theological Controversies
And The Canonical Reception Of Hebrews

Benjamin P. Laird*

^* Benjamin P. Laird is Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, Liberty University, 1971 University Blvd., Lynchburg, VA 24515. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: While the question of authorship was the most significant factor related to the canonical reception of Hebrews, the role that theological disputes played in its early reception was also consequential. This essay considers the close association between Hebrews and movements such as Montanism, Novatianism, and Donatism and why some early Christians appear to have been troubled about its content. After exploring notable theological controversies facing the church of the second, third, and fourth centuries, this essay concludes that reluctance to embrace the canonical status and authority of Hebrews was partly the result of its treatment of controversial subjects and its close association with aberrant movements. Once Christianity became widely established throughout the Roman world and persecution become less frequent, concerns relating to both the authorship and the theological content of Hebrews began to subside.

Key words: Hebrews, New Testament canon, Montanism, Novatianism, Donatism, baptism, Pauline Epistles

Few New Testament writings have elicited as much discussion as the Epistle to the Hebrews, and understandably so. The epistle contains one of the most profound Christological treatments in early Christian literature, canonical or otherwise, and has encouraged and inspired Christian readers throughout the centuries. Far from a treatment of disparate subjects that are of limited relevance to the Christian life, the author’s “word of exhortation” (13:22) conveys a clear concern for the spiritual maturity and well-being of his readers, or, more properly, hearers. Throughout the epistle, he exhorts them to remain faithful to their original commitment to Christ and to patiently endure hardships, knowing that God’s promises are sure and that Christ is the conduit of the many spiritual blessings God has provided for his people.

Interest in Hebrews is certainly not limited to the modern age. The presence of the epistle in several early Greek witnesses to the Pauline letter corpus1 and the

JETS 66:2 (June 2023) p. 248

testimony of numerous early Christian writers indicate that Hebrews has long been widely recognized as an apostolic writing. As the evidence makes plain, the reception of Hebrews as canonical Scripture...