January 14, 2009 7:47 AM
Sam wrote:
Mon-192.4 Tue-191.8 (not 189.8 as I wrote__terrible memory from upstairs to down!! Wed-189.8 (Played 15 holes of golf--that helped) Thur?--we'll see tomorrow. I looked up BFI (Body Fat Index) yesterday and found out that for someone 72inches tall (me) is considered overweight with a BFI of 25. In order to have a BFI less than 25, I must weigh 183 or below. So, this overweight person has a few pounds to go to meet the standards set by someone.
And, speaking of standards set by someone, Hebrews 10 is an interesting chapter. God set standards years and years ago...his primary standard was to 'not sin'. Well, man fell far below that BFI (Better Follow 'I AM')); and in God's eyes was far too 'underweight'. So, after they (man) first fell below that BFI, He used Moses to establish His standards as He wrote them into stone (twice). Well, man continually still could not meet those standards, so He had Moses come up with a set of rules to compensate for their failures. This old Covenent was meant to try to convince people to stop sinning. They sacrificed animals on an annual (at least) basis but God soon found out that doing it one time did not change the people's standards of living. They continued to sin, and fall below the BFI. Then, according to the Hebrew writer, God sent Jesus to die, to sacrifice everything, for us. This new set of rules, this new BFI, did not change God's standard He set for us (that is, He doesn't want us to sin), but it did give us a new starting point. As Christ died, we became cleansed and were started to become holy (v 14). But we are warned that a BFI still exists. Even though our sins are atoned for through the blood of Christ, we "need to persevere so that when you (we) have done the will of God, you (we) will receive what he has promised". (V 36) We still have a goal while on this earth, and this is to not sin deliberately, because, as verse 26 states: "If we deliveratley keep on sinning after we have receive the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sin is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."
My weight goal, as I have stated before, is to reach 175, and remain there through the rest of 2009 (within 5 pounds either way obviously as the human body digests needed food over periods of time). I wnat to be far below a BFI of 25...I don't want to be overweight. My spiritual goals were also written in the blog earlier this month. I think if I can reach, and maintain, those goals, that I can improve my spiritual BFI. I don't want to be considered spiritually 'underweight' in the eyes of God.
Will see all of you Saturday at the IHOP on South Cobb drive near 285 (address provided yesterday)---for RIch and JB, my cell is 770-595-7603). Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:15 AM
Rich wrote:
Saturday at IHOP sounds great. It will be good to see you and anyone else who can join us again. One question: do I have to eat low carb pancakes? That just doesn't sound right! Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:15 AM
Johnbob wrote:
Just to make sure I am on track - are we doing Hebrews 9 today?
v. 14 says -- How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
This is a scripture I have heard a lot. I have committed sins that lead to death and have a terrible conscience about it. But Jesus can cleanse my conscience - so now I can do what I want - which is to serve God. What hope is there to cleanse your conscience once you have sinned? You either harden it or cleanse it. The verse ends with an exclamation - as if we should show some emotion about this fact! --- I wonder if the Hebrew language itself has exclamation points or if the scribes just inserted that. Does anyone know?
Again there is also the theme of Jesus being a mediator between me and God (verses 14 and 24). Mac, to your question yesterday, maybe the reason God set up an imperfect law was so that we can see our need for Jesus more clearly. My tendency is to want a 'law' - to really have a list that I can check off and be done with. Well clearly I don't need to go there now - it has been done and has been found imperfect and insufficient. I am not sure what my line of thought is here, but in order to get someone to the final place where you want them (as a parent, teacher, or coach), you need to ensure that they have building blocks - that they go through certain things so that in the long run, they will be happy, learned, and strong. I am not sure when I woulld be able to study this out more - it is an interesting question. Maybe we should study Romans or Galatians - they have a lot of stuff about the law in it if I recall.
The other thing I like about this chapter is that in v. 28, it tells the reason why Jesus is coming back. I always tended to think it was to destroy the earth a second time (won't be water but fire next time...as the Brothers of Harmony sang it). But this says his goal is to come back to save those people who are waiting for him. Just like Luke 19:10 - the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:19 AM
Rich wrote:
Today is Hebrews 9. Maybe all of the weight that Mac has lost is making him weak in the head! I hope not. That would be a loss to all of us. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:37 AM
Sam wrote:
Ah, you know me....always getting ahead of myself! I'll be back later....want to also try to answer a question I read last night from one of you. AND, 2nd Kings 15 (I mean 14!!!) is also on my plate for today.
Later, ya'll.
PS---I was just joking about the LC Pancakes. If they have bran ones, those are better for you than ones made with white flour. Also, stay away from white bread, even though it may taste better, it is harmful to you...eat bran, whole grain, wheat, etc. That white flour is not only more fattening, it is dangerous to your body. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:44 AM
Rich wrote:
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 9:47 AM
Rich wrote:
(I POSTED THE BELOW A FEW MINUTES AGO AND GOT A MESSAGE THAT SAID "THANK YOU YOUR POST WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR MODERATION." FIRST TIME I EVER SAW THAT. WHEN I CHECKED TO SEE IF IT POSTED, IT DID NOT - AT LEAST NOT RIGHT AWAY SO I AM REPOSTING - FORTUNATELY I COPIED BEFORE SUBMITTING. IF THIS POSTS TWICE, I APOLOGIZE.
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 10:39 AM
Sam wrote:
RICH...as I emailed you, this was ID'd as SPAM..(I approved it, hence it showed up.) I have a good idea why it was identified as Spam (and to prevent my site from stopping THIS Blog, I will only type part of the word), I think it is the word "bon__ge". Reply to this
January 14, 2009 10:10 AM
Rich wrote:
TROUBLE POSTING TODAY. THIS IS THIRD TIME I HAVE TRIED THE MESSAGE BELOW. ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE?
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well. Reply to this
January 14, 2009 10:32 AM
Sam wrote:
To Rich, from yesterday. Chapter 5:11 also starts off with "We", indicating more than one 'author'. The Greek word used there IS the plural (ἡμῖν)---emin, translated properly as 'we'. Hebrews 6:11 also uses the plural: The lexicon ἐπιθυμοῦμεν, which is 'epithumoumen' is translated as 'we desire'. Verse 12 in the NIV uses the term 'we', but in the KJV, this verse just follows 11 and it is 'assumed' that the 'we' is still there. The original Greek does not include a plural possessive 'we' at the beginning of this sentence. The verse to which you refer, 8:1, includes the Greek lexicon λεγομένοις (legomenois), which means 'we have said'.
So, back to your question. Are there more than one author of this book. I dare so no. It appears that the writer, and most certainly could be Paul, and if it is, Paul considered himself to be an Apostle...an Apostle from God, not from man. If this is so, he probably was using the term 'we' to refer to himself and the original 12 (minus Judas), (and maybe plus Matthias). This would make sense so that his readers would have more confidence in the message if it came from reputed 'authors', so to speak.
When I write documents for the Army some time, I use the plural 'we' when referring to my Headquarters', FORSCOM, even though I am singly writing the document. I use that part of speech to show the listeners that I am not speaking for myself, but for FORSCOM. I believe the author, even if it was not Paul, was speaking for either all of the Apostles, or possibly Christian brothers who were already doing well in Christ. Even in Chapter 1, verse 1, the author uses the plural terms 'our' and 'us' and appears to be referring to Christians who have a firm foundation in Christ. He may be including his listeners in this introduction, and he may not. Either way, it is just one person doing the writing (in my opinion) but using others as 'collateral' to bring his points across better. Reply to this
Mon-192.4
Tue-191.8 (not 189.8 as I wrote__terrible memory from upstairs to down!!
Wed-189.8 (Played 15 holes of golf--that helped)
Thur?--we'll see tomorrow.
I looked up BFI (Body Fat Index) yesterday and found out that for someone 72inches tall (me) is considered overweight with a BFI of 25. In order to have a BFI less than 25, I must weigh 183 or below. So, this overweight person has a few pounds to go to meet the standards set by someone.
And, speaking of standards set by someone, Hebrews 10 is an interesting chapter. God set standards years and years ago...his primary standard was to 'not sin'. Well, man fell far below that BFI (Better Follow 'I AM')); and in God's eyes was far too 'underweight'. So, after they (man) first fell below that BFI, He used Moses to establish His standards as He wrote them into stone (twice). Well, man continually still could not meet those standards, so He had Moses come up with a set of rules to compensate for their failures. This old Covenent was meant to try to convince people to stop sinning. They sacrificed animals on an annual (at least) basis but God soon found out that doing it one time did not change the people's standards of living. They continued to sin, and fall below the BFI.
Then, according to the Hebrew writer, God sent Jesus to die, to sacrifice everything, for us. This new set of rules, this new BFI, did not change God's standard He set for us (that is, He doesn't want us to sin), but it did give us a new starting point. As Christ died, we became cleansed and were started to become holy (v 14). But we are warned that a BFI still exists. Even though our sins are atoned for through the blood of Christ, we "need to persevere so that when you (we) have done the will of God, you (we) will receive what he has promised". (V 36)
We still have a goal while on this earth, and this is to not sin deliberately, because, as verse 26 states: "If we deliveratley keep on sinning after we have receive the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sin is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God."
My weight goal, as I have stated before, is to reach 175, and remain there through the rest of 2009 (within 5 pounds either way obviously as the human body digests needed food over periods of time). I wnat to be far below a BFI of 25...I don't want to be overweight.
My spiritual goals were also written in the blog earlier this month. I think if I can reach, and maintain, those goals, that I can improve my spiritual BFI. I don't want to be considered spiritually 'underweight' in the eyes of God.
Will see all of you Saturday at the IHOP on South Cobb drive near 285 (address provided yesterday)---for RIch and JB, my cell is 770-595-7603).
Reply to this
Saturday at IHOP sounds great. It will be good to see you and anyone else who can join us again. One question: do I have to eat low carb pancakes? That just doesn't sound right!
Reply to this
Just to make sure I am on track - are we doing Hebrews 9 today?
v. 14 says -- How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!
This is a scripture I have heard a lot. I have committed sins that lead to death and have a terrible conscience about it. But Jesus can cleanse my conscience - so now I can do what I want - which is to serve God. What hope is there to cleanse your conscience once you have sinned? You either harden it or cleanse it. The verse ends with an exclamation - as if we should show some emotion about this fact! --- I wonder if the Hebrew language itself has exclamation points or if the scribes just inserted that. Does anyone know?
Again there is also the theme of Jesus being a mediator between me and God (verses 14 and 24). Mac, to your question yesterday, maybe the reason God set up an imperfect law was so that we can see our need for Jesus more clearly. My tendency is to want a 'law' - to really have a list that I can check off and be done with. Well clearly I don't need to go there now - it has been done and has been found imperfect and insufficient. I am not sure what my line of thought is here, but in order to get someone to the final place where you want them (as a parent, teacher, or coach), you need to ensure that they have building blocks - that they go through certain things so that in the long run, they will be happy, learned, and strong. I am not sure when I woulld be able to study this out more - it is an interesting question. Maybe we should study Romans or Galatians - they have a lot of stuff about the law in it if I recall.
The other thing I like about this chapter is that in v. 28, it tells the reason why Jesus is coming back. I always tended to think it was to destroy the earth a second time (won't be water but fire next time...as the Brothers of Harmony sang it). But this says his goal is to come back to save those people who are waiting for him. Just like Luke 19:10 - the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.
Reply to this
Today is Hebrews 9. Maybe all of the weight that Mac has lost is making him weak in the head! I hope not. That would be a loss to all of us.
Reply to this
Ah, you know me....always getting ahead of myself!
I'll be back later....want to also try to answer a question I read last night from one of you. AND, 2nd Kings 15 (I mean 14!!!) is also on my plate for today.
Later, ya'll.
PS---I was just joking about the LC Pancakes. If they have bran ones, those are better for you than ones made with white flour. Also, stay away from white bread, even though it may taste better, it is harmful to you...eat bran, whole grain, wheat, etc. That white flour is not only more fattening, it is dangerous to your body.
Reply to this
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well.
Reply to this
(I POSTED THE BELOW A FEW MINUTES AGO AND GOT A MESSAGE THAT SAID "THANK YOU YOUR POST WILL BE CONSIDERED FOR MODERATION." FIRST TIME I EVER SAW THAT. WHEN I CHECKED TO SEE IF IT POSTED, IT DID NOT - AT LEAST NOT RIGHT AWAY SO I AM REPOSTING - FORTUNATELY I COPIED BEFORE SUBMITTING. IF THIS POSTS TWICE, I APOLOGIZE.
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well.
Reply to this
RICH...as I emailed you, this was ID'd as SPAM..(I approved it, hence it showed up.) I have a good idea why it was identified as Spam (and to prevent my site from stopping THIS Blog, I will only type part of the word), I think it is the word "bon__ge".
Reply to this
TROUBLE POSTING TODAY. THIS IS THIRD TIME I HAVE TRIED THE MESSAGE BELOW. ANYONE ELSE HAVING TROUBLE?
Verse 5b: "But WE cannot discuss these things in detail now." This also happened yesterday. The writer of Hebrews uses the term WE. Is this just proper grammar or is it possible that more than one person wrote Hebrews. Anyone know? I have always heard that we are not exactly sure who wrote Hebrews, but I do not ever recall hearing/reading that it may have been written by more than one person. Just curious.
Verse 15: Jesus died as a "ransom" for us. The word ransom is interesting. Ransom is defined as: to redeem from captivity, bondage, detention, etc., by paying a demanded price. Who demanded the price? God. As I think about that, I realize that the gruesome death that Jesus suffered is what I deserve. I just don't deserve to die and live for the rest of eternity apart from God, I DESERVE to suffer unthinkable pain. The cross is not just some event that shows how much Jesus loved me. It is what I deserve. It is what God requires as punishment for my sin.
If someone took your son or daughter and demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I would do whatever was needed to get my son/daughter back.
But assume that your son or daughter grew up and treated you very badly. Assume they stole from you, mistreated you, ruined your name and reputation. Assume they hurt you really badly. Now if your son/daughter was kidnapped and the kidnapper demanded a ransom, would you pay it? I am not sure I can answer yes to that. I hope so, but I am not sure. If I did it would only be because that person was my son/daughter. I loved him/her as deeply as possible at one time.
God did pay this ransom through Jesus. That is how much God loves me. He loved me when I was formed and he continues to love me regardless of how much I sin (how much I hurt him). God is the same with EVERYONE he created. That is amazing. God really does want everyone to be saved. His capacity for love is beyond my ability to comprehend. How encouraged and motivated I should be. God's love should be inspiring and motivating in my life. And in yours as well.
Reply to this
To Rich, from yesterday.
Chapter 5:11 also starts off with "We", indicating more than one 'author'. The Greek word used there IS the plural (ἡμῖν)---emin, translated properly as 'we'. Hebrews 6:11 also uses the plural: The lexicon ἐπιθυμοῦμεν, which is 'epithumoumen' is translated as 'we desire'. Verse 12 in the NIV uses the term 'we', but in the KJV, this verse just follows 11 and it is 'assumed' that the 'we' is still there. The original Greek does not include a plural possessive 'we' at the beginning of this sentence. The verse to which you refer, 8:1, includes the Greek lexicon λεγομένοις (legomenois), which means 'we have said'.
So, back to your question. Are there more than one author of this book. I dare so no. It appears that the writer, and most certainly could be Paul, and if it is, Paul considered himself to be an Apostle...an Apostle from God, not from man. If this is so, he probably was using the term 'we' to refer to himself and the original 12 (minus Judas), (and maybe plus Matthias). This would make sense so that his readers would have more confidence in the message if it came from reputed 'authors', so to speak.
When I write documents for the Army some time, I use the plural 'we' when referring to my Headquarters', FORSCOM, even though I am singly writing the document. I use that part of speech to show the listeners that I am not speaking for myself, but for FORSCOM. I believe the author, even if it was not Paul, was speaking for either all of the Apostles, or possibly Christian brothers who were already doing well in Christ. Even in Chapter 1, verse 1, the author uses the plural terms 'our' and 'us' and appears to be referring to Christians who have a firm foundation in Christ. He may be including his listeners in this introduction, and he may not. Either way, it is just one person doing the writing (in my opinion) but using others as 'collateral' to bring his points across better.
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Hey, guys.
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?
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