e as showing the power of
the gospel to win and transform a poor slave and to soften the harsh
relations between the different classes of ancient society.

Date, From Rome about A. D. 63.

Analysis.

1. Introduction, 1-7.

2. The purpose of the letter-an appeal to Onesimus, 8-21.

3. Closing matters, 22 end.

For Study and Discussion. (1) How Christianity deals with slaves. (2)
The effectiveness of the Christian religion in a life: (a) Even a
fugitive slave would confess his guilt, as, no doubt, Onesimus had
done to Paul; (b) It will make one desire to correct any wrongs one
has done, and willing, as was Onesimus, to go to the one wronged and
make confession; (c) It often raises one from worthlessness to great
usefulness (v 11); (d) It will not only make one useful to others in
temporal matters, but will make one profitable in things spiritual (v
13). (3) Concerning a real Christian helper, we may learn that, like
Paul: (a) He wilt not try to hide or cover up a man's past faults; (b)
He will sympathize with the poor fellow who has a bad record behind
him; (c) He will make it as easy as possible for such a convert to
right the past; (d) He will gladly use the very humblest Christian (v
13); (e) He will be courteous and recognize the rights of others, as
in the case of Philemon; (f) He will not force a man to do his duty,
but will use love and persuasion to bring him to it. (4) Make a list
of all the persons named and learn something of each.

* * * * *

Chapter XXXVI.

Hebrews and James.

Hebrews.

The Author. The writer nowhere indicates his name, and there is
difference of opinion as to who wrote it. I am personally inclined to
the view of those who regard Paul as the author, which for a long time
was the common view. The main points against his authorship are that
the language and style are dissimilar to Paul's and that it is less
like an epistle than any other book that bears his name. It seems
clear, however, that the thoughts and course of reasoning are Pauline
and the differences otherwise may be explained by the difference of
purpose and spirit in writing. For the arguments for and against his
authorship the student is referred to the larger commentaries and
introductions to the New Testament literature.

Those To Whom It Was Written. It was, no doubt, addressed to Hebrew
Christians, but whether to a special church or to those in a special
locality, is a matter of dispute. Several things, howev