Day 36 - Hebrews 8:1-James 1:27

Few questions concerning the New Testament have generated more curiosity and fewer answers than the question, "Who wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews?" The question of authorship may have contributed to its place in the canon of Scripture with suggestions which include Paul, Clement of Rome, Barnabas, Aquila and Priscilla, Jude, Apollos, Philip and Silvanus. What we do know is:

1. Hebrews is the work of a dynamic preacher of the gospel.
2. The author of Hebrews was an Old Testament scholar; knowledgeable in its text and interpretation.
3. This author was well-educated.
4. This man was committed to Jesus Christ and was deeply concerned about the spiritual health of his audience.

Not only is the author unknown, but there are not a lot of pointers in Hebrews to indicate the date of writing of this epistle. It was known to Clement of Rome and quoted by him in the letter known as 1 Clement, therefore it must have been written prior to AD 95. It may also be concluded from the text that references to active sacrifices indicate writing prior to the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 (cf. Hebrews 8:4, Hebrews 8:13; Hebrews 9:6-9; Hebrews 10:1-3). Clearly the author was in Rome and a friend of Timothy (Hebrews 13:23) and he may have known Paul; but the lack of reference to him here indicates that Paul may have already died. Therefore, the letter should be dated around AD 68 or 69.

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