The letter to the Hebrews is unusual in the New Testament, as we have no certainty about who wrote it or who it was written to. Reading my usual commentaries, there are many theories, but little certainty. William Barclay persuades me that a likely candidate is Barnabas, who was born in Cyprus, thus making him fluent in Greek, which is the original language of the letter. Barnabas had Jewish heritage and, therefore understood the ideas discussed in Hebrews. However, Barnabas is a name we hear in Pauls letters, so why is his name lost from this one? We don’t know. Barclay then throws in a radical idea, from a German theologian that the writer(s) of Hebrews were Aquila and Priscilla and the reason the name is lost was because Priscilla was a woman and women were not allowed to teach, at that time.

Whilst the background to this letter is interesting, the content is most important. The writer begins with a summary of their message. Jesus is the Son of God, greater than the angels and the prophets and the most excellent example for us to follow. The writer uses their knowledge of the psalms and the prophets to praise Jesus and remind readers that scripture has prepared us to recognise the Son of God.

Much of the content of the letter to the Hebrews are statements that we would take for granted, but the writer is clearly concerned that the readers do not lose sight of the fundamental truth that Jesus is the Son of God and is the most important figure in our faith.

Sometimes it is helpful to remind ourselves of obvious truths. We can become so familiar with ideas and beliefs that they seem mundane, perhaps less important or valuable to us. Alternatively, we can become obsessed with one aspect of belief; the Hebrews writer was concerned about the people he was writing to and their focus on angels.

We are planning to use the Holy Habits material within the Northampton Circuit and I feel they are just like the letter to the Hebrews, reminding us of basic truths and practices, that are fundamental to Christian faith. Meeting together to share in a meal, or conversation, is a great way to develop understanding. Sharing both our faith and our journey, we can enhance and reinforce our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ.