Thoughts On The Author of Hebrews.
Who was the Author of the Book of Hebrews? This is the question that has been the subject of many debates and has baffled scholars and theologians alike. Many believe it to be Paul, yet there is still much debate around that idea. Richard Heard (1950) points out that "modern critics have confirmed that the epistle cannot be attributed to Paul and have for the most part agreed with Origen's judgement, 'But as to who wrote the epistle, only God knows the truth.’” J. Hampton Keathley, III (2004) quoting Ryrie points out that, “Many suggestions have been made for the author of this anonymous book—Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, Silas, Aquila and Priscilla, and Clement of Rome.” We will explore some of these possibilities and attempt to grasp the root of this query into the authorship of this tremendous work.
This lofty question of the authorship of Hebrews has followed the book through the breath of its chronological existence. For this reason Hebrews wasn’t accepted into biblical canon until the 4th century. Most people I’ve encountered who have some familiarity with New Testament Writings would quickly Rush to ascribe authorship to the Apostle Paul. Actually, I remember a certain lecturer at bible college would say, “if anyone answers the question of the book of Hebrews’ authorship with a hard and fast ‘Paul!’…. they are a young pup and must be taught! ”
Not Paul Again…
Here’s why. A primary analysis of Hebrews reveals that there is no reference to Paul being the author; neither is there any actual reference to the audience as being Hebrews. So where can we trace this tradition of Pauline authorship from? Well, it was only in the second century CE that this epistle became interpreted as being written directly to the Hebrews. Even then, its acceptance rested on extra-biblical support from the testimonies of Jerome of Stridon and Augustine of Hippo, who supported Pauline Authorship. There is much tradition surrounding the text that attributes it to Paul. In the second and third centuries, Clement of Alexandria and Origen recognized the differences in style between Hebrews and the Pauline epistles, yet they preserved the established tradition of Pauline authorship. In fact until the sixteenth century, the church widely accepted Pauline authorship. Paul’s deep understanding of Jewish law and his personal, dramatic conversion and subsequent revelation makes him an easy candidate in the eyes of some scholars. Karen H. Jobes (2017) points out that, “It’s certainly reasonable to conclude Paul wrote the book of Hebrews. Many of the thoughts of Hebrews are similar to those found in Paul’s writings.” He has authored two-thirds of the New Testament already and it is not hard to ad one more book to his belt. Needless to say, Paul is the easy, simple choice. But if things were actually that simple I wouldn’t be writing this piece. That’s because most reject this hypothesis because it does not appear to be written in his style. However, Robert Gromacki (2004) points out that, “ Quite often, more effort is spent in the denial of Pauline authorship than in the positive affirmation of arguments for a substitute writer.” Therefore I want to take a more in-depth look at two alternatives put forward but modern scholarship rather than simply conducting an assault against Pauline authorship.
Appolos Was A Smart Guys…
Paul aside, one other likely suspect is Apollos. Although there is no direct evidence that Apollos wrote the book. However, due to the fact that Apollos was one of Paul’s most scholarly and eloquent associates, some believe that there is a high likelihood that he authored the Book of Hebrews. Dr. Karen H. Jobes (2017) suggests there is a connection to Alexandria in the book of Hebrews. Apollos himself was a highly educated Alexandrian was wishing the same circles as Paul (Acts 18:24). Jobes (2017) isolates some key facts about Apollos from scripture, pointing out that he had a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures in their Greek version, which the book of Hebrews exclusively uses; Apollos was a great defender of the Christian faith, vigorously refuting the opposing Jews in public debate and proving from the Old Testament that Jesus was the Messiah (Acts 18:28), among other things. Jobes (2017) posits that, “We also know from the very early history of the church that Apollos would also fit the memory handed down to both Clement of Alexandria (c. AD 150 – 215) and to Origen (AD 185 – 253), who claimed a Pauline association” Origin himself did not necessarily believe that Paul wrote Hebrews either. All of this collectively puts Apollos in the running for the authorship of Hebrews.
There were others suggestions by early church fathers for author as well. Clement was suggested by Eusebius, Barnabas was suggested by Tertullian, and even Timothy was named. However, the next suspect is a much more controversial than any of these.
Priscilla…REALLY???
Mimi Haddad (1993) puts forward Priscilla as the author of the book of Hebrews. Priscilla was an early christian, wife of Aquila and fellow worker in the Lord with Paul. Along with her Husband, she had a great influence on the life of Apollos. Being a teacher of teachers and a church planter. She is positioned authoritatively during the first century to be a likely author in the eyes of some. Haddad (1993) argues that a survey of Priscilla’s life through the lens of scripture, archaeological research and other literary evidence reveal a ministry and influence that stretches throughout Rome, Corinth, and Ephesus. Haddad (1993) reveals Priscilla to be a woman whose abilities and life’s circumstances align with the weight of the writings of the book of hebrews. Ruth Hoppin (1997) has also put forward modern arguments for Pricilla as the author of Hebrews. Hoppin (1997) claims that the likeliness for her anonymity in writing such a impactful contribution to scripture is on account of her gender. Being a women, the text would have been received with less merit. So rather than gather what little clout may have pursued her by claiming authorship and limiting the reach and reception of the letter, it is suggested that Priscilla decisively chose anonymity.
Does it Matter?
The ink has long dried of the scrolls, and the Author and audience have long passed form this world, but the debate rages on. Maikon Borba (2018) conclusively summarizes the end of the matter when he stated, “We cannot know for sure who the author was, nor the exact audience, nor even the date in which it was written.” This has even on caused the literary genre and structure of Hebrews to also be a matter of great dispute and controversy. Even if we decide to agree that was written to hebrews, which most sensible theology agree to, the specific group is still a mystery. Voices like Keathley (2004) argue for the side of anonymity stating, “ Very elaborate arguments are put forth by scholars but the fact is the author is nowhere named in the book and is in essence, like its place of writing, date, and even its readership, unknown.”
Hebrews, it’s a terribly complexed matter. Though the authorship is still disputed to this day, it must be noted that the veracity and cohesiveness of the points presented therein are so spot on and revealing that it is hard to deny the great depths of truth presenting in the body of work. The nature of the teaching and doctrine found in the epistle gives authenticity to its inspiration, despite its anonymity. The writings are also highly Christological in nature as well. With the Overarching theme being the supremacy of Christ, Hebrews also has a deep Soteriological focus. These elements lend to our understanding of the place the book of Hebrews fills within biblical narrative that necessitates its canonization, even with anonymity of authorship. In simpler terms, the book of Hebrews is unique in that it really does speaks for itself. It connects theological and doctrinal dots in ways that seem all to obvious all while it retains the feel that it has real tempt and was clearly divinely inspired. It is the kind of discourse that does not need a name attached to it to see it’s obvious value to canon.
References
Heard, R. (1950). Introduction To The New Testament. Harper & Brothers
Borba, M.(2018). The Literary Genre of Hebrews: A Letter, A Sermon, Or Something Else?. Harding University.
Keathley, J. (2005) The Non-Pauline Epistles. Bible org. Retieve from: https://bible.org/article/non-pauline-epistles
Jobes, K. (2017). Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?. Zondervan Academic.
Haddad, M. (1993). Priscilla, Author Of The Epistle To The Hebrews?. CBE International.
Hoppin, R. (1997) Priscilla’s Letter: Finding Author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Christian Universities Press.
Gromacki, R. (2004). New Testament Survey. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House.
Johnsson, W. (1977). "Issues in the Interpretation of Hebrews," Andrews University Seminary Studies 15: 176.
