There has been a centuries old discussion as to who wrote the book of Hebrews. Critics of the Bible find this as a chance to question the authenticity and accuracy of the Bible. To that end the question goes on without answer. Perhaps someone, working with the Dead Sea Scrolls, dreams of finding a signed copy of the book, or, one with a heading. Once more this is a chance for some to question if the book even belongs in the Bible in the first place. There are two predominant suggestions that are found for who wrote the book.
The first, and most logical choice for many, is the apostle Paul. Paul had voiced a concern about his countrymen and their continued rejection of the Gospel. He wished to reach them and convince them that Christ was the Messiah. Paul states, " Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." (Rom 10.1-3). Paul was a very learned man, one who was possibly on his way to a position of leadership in the Jewish nation. Paul was brought up at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22.3), an influential leader and teacher who was able to sway the council when they plotted against the apostles (Acts 5.34). Paul even notes his accomplishments as he wrote to the Galatians (Gal 1.14). Reading the writings of Paul we find that there are many things that bear much consideration in order to be understood, even as Peter noted, when he mentions Paul and his writing (2 Pet 3.16). In the book of Hebrews we find an eloquent and logical discourse, detailing the superiority of the Gospel (the law of Christ) and the Law of Moses.
Another suggestion that is frequently made and that holds some merit is that the book was written by Apollos. We do not know a great deal about Apollos but what is revealed is significant. We find that he was teaching and preaching, albeit in error, at Ephesus, teaching the sayings of the Lord, but knowing only the baptism of John (Acts 18.24-25) Aquila and Priscilla instructed him and corrected this error (Acts 18.26). He is described as a man who was eloquent and mighty in the scriptures in the verses noted here. We also find that he is mentioned several times in connection with teaching and preaching the Gospel. Paul mentions him by name as he refers to the factions of the Corinthians (1 Cor 1.12 & 3.4-5). Apollos was active in preaching in these examples as Paul stated that while he had planted the word, Apollos had watered leading the increase brought about by God (1 Cor 3.22). We also find that Apollos traveled as did the apostle Paul from Acts 18 listed above and from Acts 19.1, 1 Cor 16.12 and Titus 3.13. With these credentials it would not be a stretch to consider Apollos the author of the book.
There are times when some will argue about this point. Critics, as mentioned above, will find that as "evidence" of the flawed nature of the Bible. Whoever the writer is we know a few things. First, we know that he wrote by God's inspiration (2 Tim 3.16). Second, we can trust that God has delivered and influenced the preservation of His word in the form that we have. It really does not matter who wrote the book. If you want to find fault with it then here is your chance. There are many other things that will surface from time to time and create a challenge to God's word and His people. Peter tells us that God has delivered all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet 1.3) and we are to defend that word (Jude 3) and by doing so we will be living faithfully and gain that crown of life (Rev 2.10) if there is ever a discussion about who wrote the book, or any of them for that matter, the ultimate answer is God.
TLC