Paul wrote the letter around A.D. 68 along with Galatians and 2Timothy. More than 100 ancient writers in both Greek and Latin ascribed the book of Hebrew to Paul. His name was not inscribed to make it acceptable to those Jews who will have nothing to do with Paul. Ensebius, the father of church history ascribes the book to him, and Luke the companion of Paul translated it into Greek, hence it is like Acts in expression. In the oldest MSS the epistle follows Galatians with the title ‘To the Hebrews’ indicating it was part of the Galatians letter. Origen is admitted having been the most learned of the Greek Fathers, and his testimony that the “sentiments” were those of Paul may be regarded as of peculiar value. Jerome, the well-known Latin Father, uses regarding it the following language: “This is to be maintained, that this epistle, which is inscribed to the Hebrews, is not only received by the churches at the East as the apostle Paul’s. The author of the epistle was the companion and friend of Timothy. “Know ye that our brother Timothy is set at liberty”—or is sent away— “with whom if he come speedily, I will make you a visit.” ch. 13:23. Sent away, perhaps, on a journey, to visit some of the churches, and expected soon to return Phil. 2:19. Peter confirms that he wrote an epistle to the Jews. 2Pet. 3:15-16.
“There is the same preference for Christianity over Judaism in this epistle, which is shown by Paul in his other epistles, and exhibited in the same form. Among these points are the following—The gospel imparts superior light. Comp. Gal. 4:3, 9; 1Cor. 14:20; Eph. 4:11–13; 2Cor. 3:18; with Heb. 1:1, 2; 2:2–4; 8:9–11; 10:1; 11:39, 40. The gospel holds out superior motives and encouragements to piety. Comp. Gal. 3:23; 4:2, 3; Rom. 8:15–17; Gal. 4:4; 5:13; 1Cor. 7:19; Gal. 6:15; with Heb. 9:9, 14; 12:18–24, 28; 8:6–13. The gospel is superior in promoting the real and permanent happiness of mankind. Comp. Gal. 3:13; 2Cor. 3:7, 9; Rom. 3:20; Rom. 4:24, 25; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 5:1, 2; Gal. 2:16; and the same views in Heb. 12:18–21; 9:9; 10:4, 11; 6:18–20; 7:25; 9:24. The Jewish dispensation was a type and shadow of the Christian. See Col. 2:16, 17; 1Cor. 10:1–6; Rom. 5:14; 1Cor. 15:45–47; 1Cor. 3:13–18; Gal. 4:22–31; 4:1–5; and for the same or similar views, see Hebrews 9:9–14; 10:1; 8:1–9; 9:22–24. The Christian religion was designed to be perpetual, while the Jewish was intended to be abolished See 2Cor. 3:10, 11, 13, 18; 4:14–16; Rom. 7:4–6; Gal. 3:21–25; 4:1–7; 5:1; and for similar views compare Heb. 8:6–8, 13; 7:17–19; 10:1–14. The person of the Mediator is presented in the same light by the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews and by Paul. See Phil. 2:6–11; Col. 1:15–20; 2Cor. 8:9; Eph. 3:9; 1Cor. 8:6; 15:25–27; and for the same and similar views, see Heb. 1:2, 3; 2:9, 14; 12:2; 2:8; 10:13. The death of Christ is the propitiatory sacrifice for sin. See 1Tim. 1:15; 1Cor. 15:3; Rom. 8:32; 3:24; Gal. 1:4; 2:20; 1Cor. 5:7; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14; 1Tim. 2:6; 1Cor. 6:20; 7:23; Rom. 5:12–21; 3:20, 28; 8:3; 1Tim. 2:5, 6. For similar views see Heb. 1:3; 2:9; 5:8, 9; 7, 8, 9, 10. The general method and arrangement of this epistle and the acknowledged epistles of Paul are the same. It resembles particularly the epistles to the Romans and the Galatians, where we have first a doctrinal and then a practical part.” Barnes Albert; Frew Robert
The writer shows the superiority of the Christian religion over the Jewish in every respect… Jesu Christ, the Author of the Christian religion was superior in rank… to Moses, the prophets, and angels. He was over all things, and all things were subject to him. He was a High Priest superior to that of the Jews.
