I
FIRST GROUP OF QUOTATIONS
Epistle to the Hebrews, CIRCA A.D. 65-6
The first three of the above-mentioned writings possess
a peculiar authority; they have been from very early
times recognized as forming part of the Canon of
New Testament Scriptures: of these three the Epistle to the
Hebrews is generally believed to have been composed about
A.D. 65-6. The congregations addressed in it had evidently
been exposed to grave afflictions, and are told that a more
awful trial awaits them in no distant future. For this bitter
persecution they must prepare themselves.
A number of examples of noble and heroic resistances to trial and temptation are cited (Heb. xi. 32-40, xii. 1-4); the writer of the Epistle evidently expected that similar experiences will be the lot of the congregation he was addressing.
First Epistle of S. Peter, CIRCA A.D. 65-7
The second writing, which will be examined at rather greater length, is of the utmost importance as a witness to the view of the perpetual persecution to which after A.D. 64 the sect was exposed. The First Epistle of S. Peter[1] was put out circa 65-7. It was written manifestly in a time of persecution; the keynote of the Epistle is consolation and encouragement
- ↑ This early and usually accepted date, circa 65-7, seems the more probably correct. It is the traditional date, and generally fits in with the life and work of S. Peter as given in the ancient authorities. Prof. Ramsay, however, The Church in the Empire, puts it some fourteen or fifteen years later, and concludes that the Apostle's martyrdom took place after A.D. 80. If, however, this later date be adopted, the references to the continual persecution would be even more striking than if the earlier and traditional date be accepted.
