Our next line of inquiry into the Biblical book of Hebrews involves the human author of this Epistle. We can open our investigation of this question with a quote from the following authors who say, “There is no portion of Scripture whose authorship is more disputed, nor any of which the inspiration is more indisputable.” (1)
While most first-century letters customarily featured the name of the author somewhere near the beginning of the text, the author of the Biblical book of Hebrews remains anonymous. As another source comments, “…Evidently, knowledge of where the original recipients lived disappeared about the same time as knowledge of who the writer was.” (2)
So much like the original audience for this Epistle, the author of Hebrews remains unidentified. Nevertheless, this letter provides us with some defining characteristics that serve to characterize its author. For instance, it seems the writer of Hebrews was…
- A second-generation Jewish Christian (2:3).
- Someone who held a position of authority.
- Knowledgeable about the circumstances surrounding another first-century leader named Timothy (13:12).
- Well-known to the original recipients of this letter (10:34).
- Familiar with the Old Testament sacrificial system.
- Well-versed in theology.
- Likely writing from Italy (13:24).
- A highly educated person who knew how to present and defend a premise.
As one Biblical scholar observes…
“The author of Hebrews was skilled in Greek and Hellenistic literary style, immersed in the OT (specifically, the Septuagint), sensitive to the history of redemption culminating in Jesus, and pastorally concerned for the original readers, who knew him personally (13:22, 23) and whose background he knew (10:32–34). Like his readers, he came to faith not through direct contact with Jesus but rather through the apostles’ preaching (2:3, 4). In addition, he was acquainted with Timothy (13:23).” (3)
In light of these things, there are many who believe that Paul the Apostle wrote the Biblical book of Hebrews under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Others suggest Luke, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Philip the evangelist, or Aquila and Priscilla as other potential authors. However, the anonymous nature of this letter helps focus our attention upon God as the ultimate author, for as we’re told in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.”
In the words of another commentator…
“The writer obviously wanted his readers to give their full attention to the greatness of Jesus Christ. Some students of Hebrews have concluded that the writer did not identify himself or his readers deliberately, because he wanted to make Jesus Christ primary in the readers’ thinking throughout this epistle. I think this is very likely.” (4)
(1) W J. Conybeare, J. S. Howson, The Life And Epistles Of Saint Paul Hartford, Conn. The S. S. Scranton Company. 1909 [pg. 848] https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Life_and_Epistles_of_Saint_Paul/9DNNAQAAMAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0
(2) James Moffatt, A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, p. xvii. Quoted in Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Hebrews 2021 Edition https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/hebrews/hebrews.htm
(3) Sproul, R. C. (Ed.). (2015). The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (p. 2191). Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust.
(4) Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on Hebrews 2021 Edition https://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/hebrews/hebrews.htm