Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Resolution - to read the Bible
- Thread starter Seeler
- Start date
Welcome to Wondercafe2!
A community where we discuss, share, and have some fun together. Join today and become a part of it!
blackbelt1961
Well-Known Member
I find it fruitless to simply post scripture and discuss it , but whatever
blackbelt1961
Well-Known Member
Because, the Spirit of God is in conflict with the spirit of humanity
Mendalla
Happy headbanging ape!!
- Pronouns
- He/Him/His
Why not? Discussing a text is how we find meaning in it. It's what Bible scholars of all stripes do day in and day out: Analyze and discuss scripture.
blackbelt1961
Well-Known Member
BetteTheRed
Resident Heretic
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
We have been discussing it, to some extent. It's hard to follow the daily readings when unsafe blows it into a mega-conversation. I think it might be easier/better to use this thread as a springboard for separate discussions.
If God is Word ... is that a sign that something else is behind it ... and to understand ... is to read the entire thing? Some scripture says even ... that to understand we should love the questions, tests and trysts! Some dirt may be encountered ... fallout of the spatial dimension?
Some may even comment on every little bit ... while others would like to ignore a great part of the word provided so the visions would be narrow ... compared to wider horizons of eternal perspectives!
There is a expression that ignorance of much of vast literacy is bliss to those without interest in a vast spread of word as broadly dispersed! Dispensed, dispersed instead of the tribunal without the forthcoming demos ...
Some may even comment on every little bit ... while others would like to ignore a great part of the word provided so the visions would be narrow ... compared to wider horizons of eternal perspectives!
There is a expression that ignorance of much of vast literacy is bliss to those without interest in a vast spread of word as broadly dispersed! Dispensed, dispersed instead of the tribunal without the forthcoming demos ...
Seeler
Well-Known Member
It seems to me I have encouraged people to make comments or ask questions, and if they want to have a longer discussion to open another thread. There actually have been threads that seem to be either a spinoff or at least related to topics covered here.
Sometimes a topic comes up that I would like to discuss further, but I am already spending too much time on the computer each day and I am anxious to finish reading the Bible this year.
I admit that sometimes I tend to skip over or not give sufficient time to some of the verses or topics. Even though it is not that long ago that we read 1st Corinthians, I had to go back and check chapter 9, verse 20, when someone mentioned it on Mandalla's thread about saying grace.
Sometimes a topic comes up that I would like to discuss further, but I am already spending too much time on the computer each day and I am anxious to finish reading the Bible this year.
I admit that sometimes I tend to skip over or not give sufficient time to some of the verses or topics. Even though it is not that long ago that we read 1st Corinthians, I had to go back and check chapter 9, verse 20, when someone mentioned it on Mandalla's thread about saying grace.
Seeler
Well-Known Member
Yesterday, I finished reading the book of Acts. It seems that during the last years of his life Paul was often under arrest, being tried, either by Roman authorities or Jewish religious leaders, and held as a prisoner in various places. Eventually while in prison in Ceaseria Paul appealed, as a Roman citizen, to be tried in Rome. As a prisoner he was transported by ship from port to port is a journey to the Mediterranean. Once he was shipwrecked. (I remember learning about this in Sunday school. I don't remember who my teacher was but she managed to make shipwrecked boring.)
Paul hoped that after spending some time in Rome he would be able to travel on to Spain to share the good news there.
But the book of Acts ends abruptly with this paragraph:
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
We are not told if Paul ever went to Spain. It seems likely that he was executed by the Romans under Emperor Nero, as was Peter.
Paul hoped that after spending some time in Rome he would be able to travel on to Spain to share the good news there.
But the book of Acts ends abruptly with this paragraph:
30 For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. 31 He proclaimed the kingdom of God
and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!
We are not told if Paul ever went to Spain. It seems likely that he was executed by the Romans under Emperor Nero, as was Peter.
Seeler
Well-Known Member
Having finished reading Acts and Paul's longer letters, we are now in the home stretch.
Colossians 1-4 and Philomon.
I read these two a couple days ago and I am problem with my Dragon and couldn't post.
First I thought it difficult to understand what the student to attend in common that that would be grouped together for one day's reading. Then I found that Onesimus, the subject of Paul's letter to Philomon, is also mentioned near the end of Colossians.
Onesimus is a slave who ran away from Philomon to Paul's protection. Paul sends him back to Philomon explaining that Onesimus has become like a son to him and a fellow worker. Paul urges Philomon to treat Onesimus as an equal fellow worker. In effect setting this slave free free.
We remember that Paul said in previous letters there is no longer slave nor free. He believed that all are equal.
It seems that by the time Colossians was written Paul has changed his mind to a degree, or that the letter to the people of Colossea was not actually written by Paul but by one of his followers. In it there is no mention of unity or working together as equals. Instead the writer of this letter writes a paragraph of instructions for slaves to obey their masters (followed by a single line about masters treating their slaves right.
Instead of equality we have acceptance of the status quo.
Colossians 1-4 and Philomon.
I read these two a couple days ago and I am problem with my Dragon and couldn't post.
First I thought it difficult to understand what the student to attend in common that that would be grouped together for one day's reading. Then I found that Onesimus, the subject of Paul's letter to Philomon, is also mentioned near the end of Colossians.
Onesimus is a slave who ran away from Philomon to Paul's protection. Paul sends him back to Philomon explaining that Onesimus has become like a son to him and a fellow worker. Paul urges Philomon to treat Onesimus as an equal fellow worker. In effect setting this slave free free.
We remember that Paul said in previous letters there is no longer slave nor free. He believed that all are equal.
It seems that by the time Colossians was written Paul has changed his mind to a degree, or that the letter to the people of Colossea was not actually written by Paul but by one of his followers. In it there is no mention of unity or working together as equals. Instead the writer of this letter writes a paragraph of instructions for slaves to obey their masters (followed by a single line about masters treating their slaves right.
Instead of equality we have acceptance of the status quo.
unsafe
Well-Known Member
This statement from above in Post # 1032
------ It seems that by the time Colossians was written Paul has changed his mind to a degree, or that the letter to the people of Colossea was not actually written by Paul but by one of his followers.
unsafe says ----I think whoever ever is thinking and saying these things are grasping at straws ---they are wrongly dividing the word of God and are making a mockery of God's word which says it is truth and God inspired ----God is not the author of confusion ---Satan is ------
Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and false Christians who are in the Class of unbelievers ------Spiritual Blindness is so prevalent in the Churches today --------
unsafe says ----As I have said for everything that one can post against scripture -----I can post for Scripture -----so it is not about being right or wrong ---It Is All About what We Believe and Who we Believe ------Do we believe the Scholars or Do We Believe Scripture that says God can't Lie and He Is Not The Author Of Confusion -------And His Word is Truth ------That is the Real Question ???????
unsafe says and posted Poster -------Jesus said this ------
-- unsafe Posts here below -------Here is Got Questions give their view of Paul's written letters -----
What are the prison epistles?
Question: "What are the prison epistles?"
Answer: The prison epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—are so named because they were written by the apostle Paul during one of his incarcerations. It is generally accepted that Paul wrote the prison epistles during his first Roman imprisonment.
The exact dates he wrote each of the prison epistles is unknown, but the two-year period he spent under house arrest in Rome has been narrowed down to the years AD 60–62. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome is verified by the book of Acts, where we find references to his being guarded by soldiers (Acts 28:16), being permitted to receive visitors (Acts 28:30), and having opportunities to share the gospel (Acts 28:31). These details, along with Paul’s mention of being with “those who belong to Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22), support the view that Paul wrote the prison epistles from Rome.
Paul’s Roman incarceration produced three great letters to the churches of Ephesus, Colosse, and Philippi, as well as a personal letter to his friend Philemon.
Three of the prison letters, also called the imprisonment or captivity letters, were bound for three of the churches he founded on his second missionary journey (Acts 20:1-3). Always concerned for the souls of those he continually prayed for in these churches, his letters reflect his pastor’s heart and his love and concern for those he thought of as his spiritual children.
Colossians was written explicitly to defeat the heresy that had arisen in Colosse that endangered the existence of the church. In his letter, Paul dealt with key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ (Colossians 1:15–20; 2:2–10), the error of adding circumcision and other Jewish rituals to salvation by faith (Colossians 2:11–23), and the conduct of God’s people (chapter 3).
The letter to the church at Ephesus also reflects Paul’s concerns for the beloved, especially that they would understand the great doctrines of the faith (chapters 1–3) and the practical outworkings of that doctrine in Christian behavior (chapters 4-6). The epistle to the Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter, and references to his joy abound within its pages (Philippians 1:4, 18, 25–26; 2:2, 28; 3:1; 4:1, 4, 10). He encourages the Philippian believers to rejoice in spite of suffering and anxiety, rejoice in service, and continue to look to Christ as the object of their faith and hope.
The fourth prison letter was written to Paul’s “friend and fellow laborer,” Philemon (Philemon 1:1) as a plea for forgiveness. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away from Philemon’s service to Rome, where he met the aging apostle and became a convert to Christ through him.
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ who is now “profitable” to both of them (Philemon 1:11).
The theme of the book of Philemon is forgiveness and the power of the gospel of Christ to undermine the evils of slavery by changing the hearts of both masters and slaves so that spiritual equality is achieved.
While the prison epistles reflect Paul’s earthly position as a prisoner of Rome, he makes it clear that his captivity was first and foremost to Christ (Philemon 1:9; Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 4:18; Philippians 1:12–14). Paul’s time in prison was for the purpose of the spreading of the gospel in the Gentile capital of Rome. The Lord Himself told Paul to “take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Paul’s time in captivity was no less profitable to us today than it was to the first-century churches he loved so well.
------ It seems that by the time Colossians was written Paul has changed his mind to a degree, or that the letter to the people of Colossea was not actually written by Paul but by one of his followers.
unsafe says ----I think whoever ever is thinking and saying these things are grasping at straws ---they are wrongly dividing the word of God and are making a mockery of God's word which says it is truth and God inspired ----God is not the author of confusion ---Satan is ------
Satan blinds the minds of unbelievers and false Christians who are in the Class of unbelievers ------Spiritual Blindness is so prevalent in the Churches today --------
unsafe says ----As I have said for everything that one can post against scripture -----I can post for Scripture -----so it is not about being right or wrong ---It Is All About what We Believe and Who we Believe ------Do we believe the Scholars or Do We Believe Scripture that says God can't Lie and He Is Not The Author Of Confusion -------And His Word is Truth ------That is the Real Question ???????
unsafe says and posted Poster -------Jesus said this ------
-- unsafe Posts here below -------Here is Got Questions give their view of Paul's written letters -----
What are the prison epistles?
Question: "What are the prison epistles?"
Answer: The prison epistles—Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon—are so named because they were written by the apostle Paul during one of his incarcerations. It is generally accepted that Paul wrote the prison epistles during his first Roman imprisonment.
The exact dates he wrote each of the prison epistles is unknown, but the two-year period he spent under house arrest in Rome has been narrowed down to the years AD 60–62. Paul’s imprisonment in Rome is verified by the book of Acts, where we find references to his being guarded by soldiers (Acts 28:16), being permitted to receive visitors (Acts 28:30), and having opportunities to share the gospel (Acts 28:31). These details, along with Paul’s mention of being with “those who belong to Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22), support the view that Paul wrote the prison epistles from Rome.
Paul’s Roman incarceration produced three great letters to the churches of Ephesus, Colosse, and Philippi, as well as a personal letter to his friend Philemon.
Three of the prison letters, also called the imprisonment or captivity letters, were bound for three of the churches he founded on his second missionary journey (Acts 20:1-3). Always concerned for the souls of those he continually prayed for in these churches, his letters reflect his pastor’s heart and his love and concern for those he thought of as his spiritual children.
Colossians was written explicitly to defeat the heresy that had arisen in Colosse that endangered the existence of the church. In his letter, Paul dealt with key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ (Colossians 1:15–20; 2:2–10), the error of adding circumcision and other Jewish rituals to salvation by faith (Colossians 2:11–23), and the conduct of God’s people (chapter 3).
The letter to the church at Ephesus also reflects Paul’s concerns for the beloved, especially that they would understand the great doctrines of the faith (chapters 1–3) and the practical outworkings of that doctrine in Christian behavior (chapters 4-6). The epistle to the Philippians is Paul’s most joyful letter, and references to his joy abound within its pages (Philippians 1:4, 18, 25–26; 2:2, 28; 3:1; 4:1, 4, 10). He encourages the Philippian believers to rejoice in spite of suffering and anxiety, rejoice in service, and continue to look to Christ as the object of their faith and hope.
The fourth prison letter was written to Paul’s “friend and fellow laborer,” Philemon (Philemon 1:1) as a plea for forgiveness. Philemon’s slave, Onesimus, had run away from Philemon’s service to Rome, where he met the aging apostle and became a convert to Christ through him.
Paul asks Philemon to receive Onesimus back as a brother in Christ who is now “profitable” to both of them (Philemon 1:11).
The theme of the book of Philemon is forgiveness and the power of the gospel of Christ to undermine the evils of slavery by changing the hearts of both masters and slaves so that spiritual equality is achieved.
While the prison epistles reflect Paul’s earthly position as a prisoner of Rome, he makes it clear that his captivity was first and foremost to Christ (Philemon 1:9; Ephesians 3:1; Colossians 4:18; Philippians 1:12–14). Paul’s time in prison was for the purpose of the spreading of the gospel in the Gentile capital of Rome. The Lord Himself told Paul to “take courage! As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Paul’s time in captivity was no less profitable to us today than it was to the first-century churches he loved so well.
Good God what do we do with BS that can't get beyond it's elf ... into the interminable beyond as eternal for mortal curiosity (interest) which some didn't get in the beginning! It went past ... like regurgitated stuff vomited without processing ... projectile ...
Carry a small torch of your own so you won't step into it ... some about it has that Pete smell ... fissure?
Carry a small torch of your own so you won't step into it ... some about it has that Pete smell ... fissure?
Seeler
Well-Known Member
I glanced over this letter again just now is several days since I read it. I think it could be divided into two parts, or possibly pieces of two separate letters,.
He speaks of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles; of the grace of God, and of forgiveness, and of being a servant. At the end of chapter 3 he speaks of giving glory (to God), for ever and ever amen. This sounds like the closing of a letter.
Chapter 4 begins with a reminder that Paul is a prisoner for the Lord.
Then he gives instructions for how to live a Christian life. Be humble and gentle keep the unity of the Spirit, etc. some good advice here, about using the gifts that we have been given. It reminds me of some of the Proverbs from the Hebrew Scriptures.
It is near the end of chapter 5 and continuing on to chapter 6, that we find a difference between this letter and Paul's earlier letters. Paul for unity and quality among the followers. Remember he thought 'no longer slaves but free, no longer feel male and female, no longer Jew and Gentile. All were equal - radical idea in that culture. In Ephesians we find the writer much conservative, advising people to accept their circumstances. Emphasizing obedience to those in authority. Somehow I cannot imagine the writer of this letter allowing the woman to take a leadership position in the church as seems to be quite common in their churches that Paul established.
Next reading is Philippians.
He speaks of reconciliation between Jews and Gentiles; of the grace of God, and of forgiveness, and of being a servant. At the end of chapter 3 he speaks of giving glory (to God), for ever and ever amen. This sounds like the closing of a letter.
Chapter 4 begins with a reminder that Paul is a prisoner for the Lord.
Then he gives instructions for how to live a Christian life. Be humble and gentle keep the unity of the Spirit, etc. some good advice here, about using the gifts that we have been given. It reminds me of some of the Proverbs from the Hebrew Scriptures.
It is near the end of chapter 5 and continuing on to chapter 6, that we find a difference between this letter and Paul's earlier letters. Paul for unity and quality among the followers. Remember he thought 'no longer slaves but free, no longer feel male and female, no longer Jew and Gentile. All were equal - radical idea in that culture. In Ephesians we find the writer much conservative, advising people to accept their circumstances. Emphasizing obedience to those in authority. Somehow I cannot imagine the writer of this letter allowing the woman to take a leadership position in the church as seems to be quite common in their churches that Paul established.
Next reading is Philippians.
unsafe
Well-Known Member
Comment from above ----- The epistle to the Ephesians - this is another of the disputed letters. Was it by Paul? Or was a follower of Paul, rest written a few years after his death in Rome?
unsafe says ---Again someone grasping at straws ----- and making God's word look like it is trying to confuse People when God says He Is not the Authoe of Confusion -----This from Got Questions says the author is Paul ------All about who you believe
Book of Ephesians - Bible Survey
Book of Ephesians
Author: Ephesians 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Ephesians as the apostle Paul.
Date of Writing: The Book of Ephesians was very likely written between A.D. 60-63.
Purpose of Writing: Paul intended that all who long for Christ-like maturity would receive this writing. Enclosed within the Book of Ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of God. Furthermore, a study in Ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling God has given. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. It presents a balanced view of the body of Christ and its importance in God's economy.
Key Verses:
Ephesians 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Brief Summary: Doctrine occupies the greatest portion of the Book of Ephesians. Half of the teaching in this epistle relates to our standing in Christ, and the remainder of it affects our condition. All too often those who teach from this book bypass all the foundational instruction and go directly to the closing chapter. It is this chapter that emphasizes the warfare or the struggle of the saints. However, to benefit fully from the contents of this epistle, one must begin at the beginning of Paul's instruction in this letter.
First, as followers of Christ, we must fully understand who God declares us to be. We must also become grounded in the knowledge of God's accomplishment for all humanity. Next, our present existence and walk must become exercised and strengthened. This must continue until we no longer totter or stagger back and forth with every spirit of teaching and subtlety of men.
Paul’s writing breaks down into three main segments. (1) Chapters one through three introduce principles with respect to God's accomplishment. (2) Chapters four and five put forth principles regarding our present existence. (3) Chapter six presents principles concerning our daily struggle.
Connections: The primary link to the Old Testament in Ephesians is in the startling (to the Jews) concept of the church as the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:32). This amazing mystery (a truth not previously revealed) of the church, is that “the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6). This was a mystery completely hidden from the Old Testament saints (Ephesians 3:5, 9). The Israelites who were true followers of God always believed they alone were God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Accepting Gentiles on an equal status in this new paradigm was extremely difficult and caused many disputes among Jewish believers and Gentile converts. Paul also speaks of the mystery of the church as the “bride of Christ,” a previously unheard-of concept in the Old Testament.
Practical Application: Perhaps more than any other book of the Bible, the Book of Ephesians emphasizes the connection between sound doctrine and right practice in the Christian life. . In order to live out God's will for us in our lives practically, we must first understand who we are in Christ doctrinally.Far too many people ignore "theology" and instead want to only discuss things that are "practical." In Ephesians, Paul argues that theology is practical
unsafe says ---Again someone grasping at straws ----- and making God's word look like it is trying to confuse People when God says He Is not the Authoe of Confusion -----This from Got Questions says the author is Paul ------All about who you believe
Book of Ephesians - Bible Survey
Book of Ephesians
Author: Ephesians 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Ephesians as the apostle Paul.
Date of Writing: The Book of Ephesians was very likely written between A.D. 60-63.
Purpose of Writing: Paul intended that all who long for Christ-like maturity would receive this writing. Enclosed within the Book of Ephesians is the discipline needed to develop into true children of God. Furthermore, a study in Ephesians will help to fortify and to establish the believer so he can fulfill the purpose and calling God has given. The aim of this epistle is to confirm and to equip a maturing church. It presents a balanced view of the body of Christ and its importance in God's economy.
Key Verses:
Ephesians 1:3: "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ."
Ephesians 2:8-10: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Ephesians 4:4-6: "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
Ephesians 6:10-11: "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Brief Summary: Doctrine occupies the greatest portion of the Book of Ephesians. Half of the teaching in this epistle relates to our standing in Christ, and the remainder of it affects our condition. All too often those who teach from this book bypass all the foundational instruction and go directly to the closing chapter. It is this chapter that emphasizes the warfare or the struggle of the saints. However, to benefit fully from the contents of this epistle, one must begin at the beginning of Paul's instruction in this letter.
First, as followers of Christ, we must fully understand who God declares us to be. We must also become grounded in the knowledge of God's accomplishment for all humanity. Next, our present existence and walk must become exercised and strengthened. This must continue until we no longer totter or stagger back and forth with every spirit of teaching and subtlety of men.
Paul’s writing breaks down into three main segments. (1) Chapters one through three introduce principles with respect to God's accomplishment. (2) Chapters four and five put forth principles regarding our present existence. (3) Chapter six presents principles concerning our daily struggle.
Connections: The primary link to the Old Testament in Ephesians is in the startling (to the Jews) concept of the church as the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:32). This amazing mystery (a truth not previously revealed) of the church, is that “the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6). This was a mystery completely hidden from the Old Testament saints (Ephesians 3:5, 9). The Israelites who were true followers of God always believed they alone were God’s chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Accepting Gentiles on an equal status in this new paradigm was extremely difficult and caused many disputes among Jewish believers and Gentile converts. Paul also speaks of the mystery of the church as the “bride of Christ,” a previously unheard-of concept in the Old Testament.
Practical Application: Perhaps more than any other book of the Bible, the Book of Ephesians emphasizes the connection between sound doctrine and right practice in the Christian life. . In order to live out God's will for us in our lives practically, we must first understand who we are in Christ doctrinally.Far too many people ignore "theology" and instead want to only discuss things that are "practical." In Ephesians, Paul argues that theology is practical
BetteTheRed
Resident Heretic
- Pronouns
- She/Her/Her
unsafe, if you can provide a scholarly opinion that says Paul wrote all the Pauline letters, and someone else can provide a scholarsly opinion that says he probably didn't, why does your answer always trump someone else's? Do you not find it even remotely interesting that there are alternate OPINIONS out in the world that are different than yours?
It doesn't necessarily "make God the author of confusion" to examine a piece of writing in the context in which it was written. In the first century, in Palestine, concepts of intellectual copyright, plagiarism, didn't exist. It was considered an honour to "write in the style of" a master, just as it was not too much later considered an honour to "paint in the style of" a master.
It doesn't necessarily "make God the author of confusion" to examine a piece of writing in the context in which it was written. In the first century, in Palestine, concepts of intellectual copyright, plagiarism, didn't exist. It was considered an honour to "write in the style of" a master, just as it was not too much later considered an honour to "paint in the style of" a master.
I believe that it was written by the missionary Paul.