Who wrote Hebrews, and when?
Unnamed; suggestions include Paul, Barnabas, Apollos and Luke. Before AD 70, while the temple sacrifices still continued.
Nobody knows who wrote Hebrews. The book never names its author, and the early church was already unsure. Suggestions across the centuries have included Paul, Barnabas, Apollos and Luke, and in more recent times Priscilla. The writing is the most polished Greek in the New Testament and differs in style from Paul's letters, which is why most scholars today doubt that Paul wrote it. Christians have differed on this from the beginning, and the book's authority has never rested on the answer. The date is easier. Hebrews speaks of temple sacrifices as something still going on, so it was most likely written before the Romans destroyed the temple in AD 70, perhaps during the 60s.
Who was Hebrews written to?
Jewish Christians, probably in Rome, tempted under pressure to return to Judaism.
The title attached to the book early on points to Jewish Christians, and the argument fits them, since it assumes deep familiarity with the Old Testament, the priesthood and the sacrifices. Many scholars place the readers in Rome, partly because of the greeting sent from believers in Italy at the end (see Hebrews 13:24). These were not new converts. They had been taught, had suffered public insult, had lost property and had stood by friends who were imprisoned (see Hebrews 10:32-34). Now a second wave of pressure was wearing them down. Some were slipping away from the meetings and drifting back towards a faith the empire already tolerated, where life would be easier.
What was happening at the time?
The readers had endured persecution and lost property, and some were drifting away, perhaps to the safety and familiarity of the synagogue. Hebrews argues from the Old Testament that everything it pointed to is fulfilled in Jesus: the final word, the great high priest after the order of Melchizedek, the better covenant, the once-for-all sacrifice. Warnings and encouragements alternate throughout.
Why was Hebrews written?
To show the supremacy of Christ over the old covenant and to urge perseverance in faith.
Hebrews is written to stop people drifting. The author calls it a word of encouragement (see Hebrews 13:22) and argues one case from many angles: Jesus is greater. Greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than the old priesthood, bringing a better covenant and a sacrifice offered once for all. If that is true, then going back is a step away from the only thing that saves. Five warning passages interrupt the argument and press it home, each one followed by encouragement. In the wider Bible story this book acts as a hinge, showing how the tent of meeting, the priests and the sacrifices of Israel were pictures pointing forward, and how they find their meaning in Christ.
How to read Hebrews today
Read chapter 1 and then Hebrews 4:14-16 to catch the two notes the book keeps sounding, the greatness of the Son and the welcome of a priest who understands weakness. The argument leans hard on the Old Testament, so a Bible with cross references helps, and reading Exodus 25 to 30 and Leviticus 16 first will make the middle chapters far clearer. Chapter 11 works well on its own. The warning passages, especially Hebrews 6:4-8 and Hebrews 10:26-31, have been understood in different ways by sincere Christians, so do not force a settled conclusion on a first pass. While reading, pray for someone you know who is quietly drifting away.
The key verse in Hebrews
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Passages worth knowing in Hebrews
- Hebrews 1
God has spoken by his Son
The brightness of his glory, greater than angels.
- Hebrews 4:12-16
The living word and the great high priest
Come boldly to the throne of grace.
- Hebrews 7
A priest like Melchizedek
He always lives to make intercession.
- Hebrews 9–10
The once-for-all sacrifice
The new covenant and the way into the holiest.
- Hebrews 11
The hall of faith
Faith is the substance of things hoped for.
- Hebrews 12
Looking unto Jesus
Run with endurance; discipline and the unshakable kingdom.
The main themes of Hebrews
- The supremacy of Christ
- Jesus our high priest
- The new covenant
- Faith and perseverance
- Warnings against drifting
An outline of Hebrews
| Section | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Christ greater than angels and Moses | 1–4 |
| Christ our high priest | 5–10 |
| Faith and endurance | 11–13 |