IN the first century of the Christian era, formal letters usually began by designating the persons by whom and to whom they were written. Nearly all the authors of letters in the New Testament followed this usage; Paul also added his signature. (See II Thessalonians 3:17.) Besides I John, the epistle to the Hebrews is the only epistle in the New Testament containing nothing intended to identify either its author or the persons to whom it was sent. This epistle, as it has been preserved, leaves both of these points completely to inference, and all indications are that it never included the customary first paragraph.
Scholarly critics are divided in opinion with regard to the authorship of the epistle to the Hebrews. There are, however, acceptable facts and reasons which indicate that it was written by Apollos, by Barnabas, or by Aquila and Priscilla. And one of the most interesting facts is that Apollos, after he had been instructed to a certain extent in the Christian Way, was instructed therein "more perfectly" by Aquila and Priscilla. (See Acts 18:24–28.) This occurred at Ephesus not many years after 52. At that time, therefore, they were regarded as Christian teachers.
Other facts and reasons pointing to Aquila and Priscilla as the authors of the epistle to the Hebrews include the following:
