Many well meaning Christians have squabbled over who wrote Hebrews. Unlike most books or letters, Hebrews does not carry the name of the writer. There are, however some implicit indicators that may be helpful in finding a concise answer.
It’s wise to recognise that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ” 2 Timothy 3:16. God used human agency as scribes to write the Bible.
The letter to the Hebrews was written from Rome in about 68AD along with Galatians and 2 Timothy. The logic and argument the writer uses, in terms of the Mosaic Law and the Mystery of Grace, as revealed by Paul, indicate that Paul was the writer. The style is different because he is writing to Hebrew believers.
2 Peter 3:15-16 “And consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation—as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you (Hebrew believers), as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures.”
- Over 100 ancient writers ascribe the letter to Paul.
- The old Alexandrian manuscripts of 500AD also attributed the letter to Paul.
- Euripdes of church history also claims Paul as the writer.
- Galatians and Hebrews are two books focussing on the Law and the New Dispensation of Grace.
- Both letters (Hebrews and Galatians) anticipate the writer visiting them.
- No other writer mentions Timothy as much as Paul does in Hebrews 13:23 “Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom (Paul) I shall see you if he comes shortly.”
- Paul ends most of his letters with Grace as a Greeting—Hebrews 13:25 “Grace be with you all. Amen.”
- The old is gone and the new has come is the theme of Paul’s ministry.
- Hebrews 13:3 “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.” The body referred to is undoubtedly the Body of Christ, the church.
- Paul is the only New Testament writer that references the church as the Body of Christ.
- No doubt the evidence is overwhelming that the Apostle Paul is the author of Hebrews.
By Bruce Woolard
