The identity of the author of the book of Hebrews remains one of the greatest mysteries of the New Testament. While the early church suggested names like Paul, Barnabas, or Luke, the text itself is anonymous. Regardless of who held the pen, the book of Hebrews is a masterpiece of biblical theology, demonstrating how Jesus Christ fulfills the Old Covenant as our supreme High Priest and the final sacrifice for sin.
The Mystery of the Anonymous Author
For centuries, scholars and theologians have debated the question: who wrote the book of Hebrews? Unlike the letters of Paul or Peter, which begin with a formal greeting and the author’s name, Hebrews reads more like a sermon or a theological treatise. The writer clearly possessed a profound understanding of Jewish law, the Tabernacle, and the Levitical priesthood. This indicates that the author was likely a Jewish Christian writing to a community of Jewish believers who were tempted to return to their old traditions to avoid persecution.
Early church tradition in the East often attributed the book to the Apostle Paul. Many older translations, like the King James Version, even titled it “The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews.” However, the writing style differs significantly from Paul’s known letters. Paul typically writes with a distinct logical progression and often mentions his personal circumstances. The author of Hebrews writes with a polished, classical Greek style that is arguably the most sophisticated in the entire New Testament.
Another clue lies in how the author describes their relationship to Jesus. In Hebrews 2, the writer explains how the message of salvation was confirmed to them by those who heard the Lord directly.
“This salvation was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself, and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak. And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.” (Hebrews 2:3-4)
This suggests the author was a “second-generation” believer who received the gospel from the original apostles. This stands in contrast to Paul, who went to great lengths in his letter to the Galatians to insist that he received his gospel through a direct revelation from Jesus Christ, not from any human source.
Leading Candidates for Authorship
If Paul did not write Hebrews, who did? Several prominent figures from the early church fit the profile of a highly educated, Jewish Christian leader. One popular suggestion, first proposed by Martin Luther, is Apollos. According to the book of Acts, Apollos was an eloquent speaker and an expert in the Scriptures who was well-acquainted with the ministry of Paul. His background in Alexandria, a center of Greek learning, would explain the high-quality Greek found in the letter.
Barnabas is another strong candidate. As a Levite, Barnabas would have possessed the intimate knowledge of the sacrificial system and priestly duties that saturate the book of Hebrews. Early church fathers like Tertullian specifically named Barnabas as the author. Others have suggested Luke, the physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, noting the linguistic similarities between his writings and Hebrews. Luke may have acted as a scribe or translator for Paul’s ideas.
In more recent times, some scholars have even suggested Priscilla, a prominent leader in the early church. While her gender might explain why the name was eventually removed or omitted to ensure the letter’s acceptance in a patriarchal culture, this remains speculative. Ultimately, most modern scholars agree with the third-century theologian Origen, who famously concluded that “who wrote the epistle, in truth, God knows.”
Why We Can Trust the Canonicity of Hebrews
A common concern arises when we discuss the anonymity of Hebrews: if we don’t know who wrote it, how can we be sure it belongs in the Bible? The process of determining the canon—the list of books recognized as divinely inspired—did not rely solely on knowing the author’s name. Instead, the early church looked for three specific criteria: apostolicity, orthodoxy, and widespread acceptance.
Apostolicity means the book was written by an apostle or someone in the immediate circle of the apostles. While we don’t have a name, the internal evidence of Hebrews places the author squarely within the apostolic community. The writer was a companion of Timothy and was clearly recognized as an authority by the early believers. The book was not a “rogue” document; it moved within the same circles as the writings of Paul and Peter.
“I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. If he comes here soon, I will bring him with me to see you.” (Hebrews 13:23)
Orthodoxy refers to whether the book’s teaching aligns with the rest of Scripture and the core truths of the gospel. Hebrews passes this test with flying colors. It provides the most comprehensive explanation of how Jesus fulfills the Old Testament, presenting Him as the ultimate High Priest and the “radiance of God’s glory.” Its theology is perfectly consistent with the rest of the New Testament, offering a vital bridge between the Old and New Covenants.
Finally, the early church showed widespread acceptance of Hebrews. It was quoted by church leaders as early as the end of the first century. The Holy Spirit worked through the collective body of Christ to recognize the voice of God in these pages. The authority of Hebrews does not rest on a human signature, but on its divine inspiration and its unwavering focus on the supremacy of Jesus Christ.
The Message of the Book of Hebrews
Regardless of the human instrument God used, the purpose of Hebrews is clear: to encourage believers to persevere in their faith. The readers were facing intense pressure to shrink back from their commitment to Christ and return to the safety of the Old Covenant rituals. The author systematically argues that Jesus is “better” than everything that came before. He is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, and provides a better covenant based on better promises.
The book contains some of the most famous passages in the Bible, including the “Hall of Faith” in chapter 11. This section lists heroes of the Old Testament who lived by faith, looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ. By connecting the readers to this long line of faithful servants, the author reminds them that they are part of a much larger story of God’s redemption.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
By focusing on the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood, the author provides a foundation for spiritual security. We do not need to offer repeated sacrifices for our sins because Jesus offered Himself once for all. This message of “once for all” is the heartbeat of Hebrews, giving the believer confidence to “approach God’s throne of grace with holy confidence” (Hebrews 4:16).
The Takeaway
While we may never know for certain who wrote the book of Hebrews, the identity of the author is secondary to the identity of the One the book describes. Hebrews serves as a powerful testimony to the supremacy of Jesus Christ. It assures us that our faith is grounded in the final and complete work of the Son of God. We can trust the book of Hebrews as the inspired Word of God because its message has been validated by the early church and continues to transform lives by pointing us toward our great High Priest.
