Hebrews 1-2

Intro

When:

60-70 AD around the same time as 1 Peter, prior to the destruction of the temple in 70.

Purpose:

To encourage Christians in a time of trial by focusing on the absolute supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus.

Author:

Unknown

The identity of Hebrews’ author remains one of the most enduring puzzles in New Testament scholarship. Here are the five leading candidates with their strongest supporting and opposing arguments:

Paul

Support

Paul’s profound understanding of the Old Testament and his connection to Timothy (mentioned in 13:23).

Some external testimony points to Paul as the writer (2 Peter 3:15, early church manuscripts, the writings of early Greek fathers)

Against

The epistle’s highly polished Greek and substantial vocabulary differences from Paul’s undisputed letters.

Paul makes no personal references to himself in the letter like in other letters, despite mentioning Timothy.

Apollos

Support

Martin Luther suggesting the “eloquent man” from Alexandria who was “well versed in the scriptures” may have authored Hebrews.

His rhetorical skill and scriptural knowledge align with the letter’s literary excellence.

Against

No ancient testimony explicitly supports.

Barnabas

Support

Tertullian and Novatian and other early church fathers attributed the letter to Barnabas, the “good man” of Acts.

His Jewish background and connection to the apostolic community fit the letter’s concerns.

Against

No manuscript evidence confirms this tradition.

Other men

Only suggestions argued from the negative. No support for or against.

Priscilla

Support

Anonymity could be support for this since women in the late first century lacked authority to speak publicly.

She would have been one of the only female qualifiers:

As a Jew she would have been familiar with the OT

She was also Greek and could have had the ability to write in refined Greek language.

She, along with her husband Aquila, taught Apollos.

Against

Extreme lack of first century female authors.

Masculine Participles

Audience:

Christians who had been Jews who, facing opposition from their former community and finding their new faith demanding, were tempted to return to the security of Jewish practice