The letter leaves the writer unnamed
Unlike Paul’s letters, Hebrews does not begin by telling readers who is writing. The opening moves straight to God’s past speaking through the prophets and his speaking through his Son. Its closing includes personal news and greetings, but still does not attach a name to the work (Hebrews 13:23-24).
That silence matters. The most honest answer is that the author is unknown. God chose to preserve this book for the church without preserving a clear statement of the writer’s identity.
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Why Paul is often suggested
Many Christians have thought Paul may have written Hebrews because it fits closely with the gospel he preached: Jesus fulfils God’s promises, brings a better covenant, and saves those who come to God through him. The mention of Timothy near the end also gives the letter a connection with Paul’s wider circle (Hebrews 13:23).
Still, Hebrews never says, “Paul, an apostle,” as Paul’s known letters do. So it is wiser to call Paul a traditional possibility rather than a certain answer.
Other possible writers
Barnabas and Apollos are two other names Christians have proposed. Barnabas was a trusted teacher and encourager who travelled with Paul (Acts 11:22-24). Apollos was an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, and a careful teacher about Jesus (Acts 18:24-28). Those descriptions help explain why people have wondered about them, but Scripture does not say either man wrote Hebrews.
Priscilla, Luke, and others have also been suggested. None of these proposals can be proved from the text. It is fine to hold a view, but there is no need to be dogmatic where the Bible is not.
The message is not uncertain
Not knowing the writer does not make Hebrews vague about its central purpose. The book calls readers to look steadily to Jesus, who has made purification for sins and now reigns in honour (Hebrews 1:3). It presents him as the high priest who understands human weakness and invites people to come boldly to God for mercy and help (Hebrews 4:14-16).
So read Hebrews for what it clearly gives: a rich, worshipful portrait of Christ. The author remains unnamed, but the One the author wants us to know is not.
Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.