Preface

Saint Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles, as he himself says in the Epistle to the Romans (Rom. 11:13–14). For the Jews could not endure his preaching to them and were hostile toward him more than toward the other apostles, since by his unexpected conversion he proved the invincible power of Christ, who drew to Himself such a mighty persecutor. But therein lies the great proof of the truth of the evangelical preaching, that Paul, the strictest zealot of the law, suddenly turned to Christ. Therefore the Jews were strongly hostile toward him and could not even bear to hear his voice. Moreover, even those Jews who had come to believe did not pay him full attention, since he completely drew them away from the law and freed them from circumcision. Nevertheless, although he was sent as a preacher to the Gentiles, he also writes to the Hebrews. For just as he was not commanded to baptize, yet he did baptize, because it was not forbidden to him either — so too, doing more than what was required, he sends this Epistle to the Hebrews, for he cared greatly for those on whose behalf he even prayed to be accursed (Rom. 9:3). He writes the epistle to those living in Palestine and in Jerusalem. For by the unbelieving Jews they were deprived of their possessions and subjected to countless afflictions. This is why the apostle also took great care concerning alms for them, urging both the Corinthians and the Macedonians to contribute. And having divided the preaching with Peter, he made the poor believing Jews living in Jerusalem a shared responsibility. So out of necessity he writes to them, encouraging them as they were losing heart. For they were greatly troubled by the insults of their own kinsmen, who held sway in Jerusalem and had the authority to judge and cast into prison whomever they wished. This he also shows when he says: "Strengthen the hands that hang down and the feeble knees" (Heb. 12:12). Being Jews and knowing that their fathers had enjoyed blessings during their lifetime, they were greatly disheartened, receiving relief from no one. Therefore the apostle also speaks at length in this epistle about faith and about the saints from eternity who had not yet received the promised blessings, making by this two points: first, that they should bear with magnanimity everything that befalls them; second, that they should assuredly expect recompense. For the Lord will not despise the saints from the ages; consequently, you too will then receive what is yours. The apostle also speaks much about the Old and New Testaments and shows that the law no longer holds great significance; for although the temple was still standing, he gives them to understand that this would be only until a certain time and that our teaching is true. The apostle writes the epistle from Italy. This epistle is older than the Second Epistle to Timothy. In that epistle it is indicated that his life is coming to an end: "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come" (2 Tim. 4:6). In this one, however, he promises the Hebrews that he will see them. "Know," he says, "that our brother Timothy has been released, and together with him, if he comes soon, I will see you" (Heb. 13:23). This probably did happen. For he spent two years in Rome in chains, then was released, as he himself clearly says: "At my first defense no one stood with me..." (2 Tim. 4:16) and: "I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion" (cf. 2 Tim. 4:17), evidently Nero. Then he went to Spain, where he may also have seen the Hebrews. After that he came again to Rome, where he was put to death by order of Nero.