Hebrews
A sermon-like letter arguing that Jesus is greater than the prophets, angels, Moses, and the priests.
What the sources say, and how sure we are
- The text says
The letter names no author. The writer knows Timothy and sends greetings from “those who come from Italy.”Heb 13:23–24
- Outside evidence
Origen, in the 3rd century, wrote that the style was not Paul’s and that only God knows who wrote it. Candidates suggested include Barnabas, Apollos, and Priscilla.Origen, in Eusebius, Church History 6.25
- Debated
Hebrews speaks of the priests offering sacrifices as continuing, which some take as a sign that the temple still stood, so before AD 70. Others think the author is describing Scripture, not current practice, and place the letter in the 80s or 90s.Heb 8:4; Heb 10:1–2
- Christian conclusion
Christians read Hebrews as teaching that Jesus is the final high priest and sacrifice, the fulfilment of the Old Testament system.Heb 4:14–16; Heb 9:11–14