Internal vs. External Evidence in Biblical Studies – an Example

8:06 AM From The Authorship of Hebrews: The Case for Paul:

Today, I’m intrigued to note how often exegetical arguments are based upon subjective internal evidence. Arguably, this is not the best way to approach exegetical conundrums when there is an abundance of external evidence to be considered. I would prefer that our students be exposed to all of the evidence, even data that are contrary to the consensus opinio. I fear that much of the trouble goes back to the way we do theological training. Thus one will rarely (if ever) hear that “there is strong (although not probative) internal evidence and solid external evidence for the Paulinity of the epistle [to the Hebrews].” Now, I can see some force in arguments to the contrary, but to ignore the primary data is beyond comprehension.