As the initiatory formula usual in the epistles of Paul is wanting in this, it has been questioned whether it was really an epistle, or only a discourse intended for the general reader. The want of the usual formula can be easily accounted for, when the mind becomes convinced that the first chapter is not the production of Paul. That it was written as it now stands by the forgers of the second century admits of no doubt. The design of the writer is exposed in the very first and second verses of the first chapter. "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, _by whom also he made the worlds_." Here Christ is made the Creator by whom the worlds were made. Again: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the _express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power_, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; being made so much _better than the angels_, as he hath by _inheritance_ obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the first-begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him." (_Heb_. i. 3-6.) Here we find condensed into a few verses, and declared in the most pointed language, the _Godship_ of Christ, first proclaimed by the men of the second century, and which is in direct conflict with the remainder of the Epistle, and with what Paul taught during his whole life. Commencing at the ninth verse of the second chapter, Paul says: "But we see Jesus, who was made a little _lower_ than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man." "For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham." (Chap. ii. 16.) "Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and _High Priest_ of our profession, Christ Jesus; who was faithful to him who appointed him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house. For _this man_ was accounted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as he who hath builded the house hath more honor than the house. For every house is builded by some man; _but he that built all things is God_." (Chap. iii. 1-5.)