Compiled by Pastor Carl Gallups
• Dozens of unique expressions link Pauline epistles and Hebrews, suggesting shared theology despite stylistic differences. Key unique terms include the high-frequency use of epouranios ("heavenly" or "in heaven"), the "faithful saying" formula (1 Tim/Heb), the high priest/forerunner imagery, and specific "grace" vs. "law" terminology.
• Heavenly/High/Celestial (epouranios): Used overwhelmingly by Paul (18 of 20 times, notably 1 Cor 15:40; Eph 1:3) and found in Hebrews to describe "heavenly calling," "heavenly things," and "heavenly Jerusalem," suggesting a shared, unique focus on heavenly realities.
• The "Faithful Saying" Formula: Paul often uses "faithful" (pistos) to introduce core doctrinal statements (1 Tim 1:15, 3:1, 4:8; 2 Tim 2:11; Titus 3:8), a didactic, axiomatic style often compared to the rhetorical, pedagogical tone of Hebrews, as shown in Groundwork Bible Study.
• Unique High Priest Titles: Phrases calling believers to "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession" (Heb 3:1) align with Paul's focus on Christ as the mediator, specifically linking to Pauline imagery of Jesus as the one who has gone before, as shown in Redeemer.ch.
• Theological Vocabulary: While not solely in these books, the intensity of "grace" (charis) and "faith" (pistis) as technical terms used in tandem is a hallmark of Paul’s writing that bear his name, as well as in the book of Hebrews.
• Eschatological Structure: The emphasis on the "ages" (Ephesians/Hebrews) and the "already-not yet" tension is a shared, unique structural expression.
• Stylistic differences: I have always argued the fact that when I speak to, or write something, to the masses, I often speak and write in stylistic differences. It depends upon the occasion, the audience, and what I am trying to accomplish in my speech and writing style as well as my overall delivery. I do this all the time. If “little ole me” can do this with a certain amount of authority, why could Paul have not done so as well? And it’s not just me, or Paul, that engages in this practice but to some extent it’s almost everyone who does so! The stylistic difference is not even a factor in this issue, if we’ll be perfectly honest about it. The main evidences are in what I’ve already written in the preceding paragraphs.
ALSO SEE:
(1) Humphrey, Jim. “Words Unique in the Pauline Epistles," HERE
(2) Johnson, Jesse, Ph.D. “Credit where Credit is Due,” HERE