Paul is not the author of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews is unknown.

No other bible author quotes the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews quote other bible books and therefore may certain similarities.

Hebrews was almost certainly written before AD 70 when the Romans sacked Jerusalem and destroyed the Jewish temple. The author of Hebrews describes activities at the temple as taking place as usual (e.g., Hebrews 10:11), which indicates a date before AD 70. In addition, because the author suggests that none of the recipients of the letter had been martyred (Hebrews 12:4), it was probably written before AD 64 when the Emperor Nero began putting Christians to death. -- Christopher Reese

Authenticity

Martin Luther initially said:

"Up to this point we have had to do with the apostolic letters, but now we come to letters which are not apostolic." -- "Luther's Works, Vol. 35: Word and Sacrament I", edited by E. Theodore Bachmann

(However, despite this, Martin Luther's initial reservation, he still included the book of Hebrews in his bible.)

Correctly quoted scriptures in Hebrews

Misquoted scriptures in Hebrews

Hebrews 1:6

And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” -- Hebrews 1:6 (ESV)

The ESV bible's footnotes cross-references Deuteronomy 32:43 and Psalm 97:7 which out of context seems like Jesus should be worshipped, however neither scriptures suggested worshipping Jesus and both say the LORD with capital letters indicating Yahweh should be worshipped. So the author of the book of Hebrews could not have been quoting these scriptures.

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD (Yahweh); ascribe greatness to our God! ... For the LORD (Yahweh) will vindicate His people ... “Rejoice with Him, O heavens; bow down to Him, all gods ...

-- Deuteronomy 32:3,36,43 (ESV)

Moses spoke about the LORD Yahweh, not Jesus. There is nothing in Moses song that suggest that Jesus should be worshipped by God's angels.

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD (Yahweh) before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship Him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD (Yahweh).

Psalm 97:5-8 (ESV)

Even Satan is not allowed to worship Jesus:

The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.’* ”

-- Matthew 4:8-10 (ESV)

So, what did the author of Hebrews quote?

John Owen argues:

“1. Our first inquiry must be whence this testimony is taken. Many of the ancients, as Epiphanius, Theodoret, Euthymius, Procopius, and Anselm, conceived the words to be cited from Deuteronomy 32:43, where they expressly occur in the translation of the LXX., Εὐφράςθητς οὐρανοὶ ἄμα αὐτοῦ καὶ προσκυνησάτωσαν αὐτῷ πάντες ἄγγελοι Θεοῖ ; “Rejoice ye heavens with him, and let all the angels of God worship him.” But there are two considerations that put it beyond all pretensions that the words are not taken from this place of the LXX.:

(1.) Because indeed there are no such words in the original text, nor any thing spoken that might give occasion to the sense expressed in them; but the whole verse is inserted in the Greek version quite beside the scope of the place. Now, though it may perhaps be safely granted that the apostles, in citing the Scripture of the Old Testament, did sometimes use the words of the Greek translation then in use, yea, though not exact according to the original, whilst the sense and meaning of the Holy Ghost was retained in them; yet to cite that from the Scripture as the word and testimony of God which indeed is not therein, nor was ever spoken by God, but by human failure and corruption crept into the Greek version, is not to be imputed unto them. And indeed I no way question but that this addition unto the Greek text in that place was made after the apostle had used this testimony. For it is not unlikely but that some considering of it, and not considering from whence it was taken, because the words occur not absolutely and exactly in the Greek anywhere, inserted it into that place of Moses, amidst other words of an alike sound, and somewhat an alike importance, such as immediately precede and follow the clause inserted. “

Supporting the non-authority of the words are the Targums, Syriac Peshitta and the Latin Vulgate. None of which include the words in Deuteronomy 32:43. -- ljthriepland

Even if the scripture was inspired by God so that it was not a man made modification, then it could also mean that the angels should give honour to "the firstborn". There is not enough information to know for sure if the angels should "worship and serve" Jesus like a god. Unfortunately the original scripture that was quoted would have been lost as this scripture does not match any of the scriptures that are currently known to us.

Hebrews 1:8

But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

-- Hebrews 1:8-9 (ESV)

Hebrews 1:8-9 quotes Psalm 45:6-7, but Psalm 45 was written by the sons of Korah, and they did not refer to Jesus.

To the choirmaster: according to Lilies. A Maskil of the Sons of Korah;

A LOVE SONG

My heart overflows with a pleasing theme;
I address my verses to the king;
my tongue is like the pen of a ready scribe.

You are the most handsome of the sons of men;
gracecharm is poured upon your lips;
therefore God has blessed you forever.

Gird your sword on your thigh, O mighty one,
in your splendor and majesty!

In your majesty ride out victoriously
for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness;
let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!

Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies;
the peoples fall under you.

Your throne, O god, is forever and ever.
The scepter of your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness;
you have loved righteousness and hated wickedness.
Therefore god, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions;

your robes are all fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia.
From ivory palaces stringed instruments make you glad;
daughters of kings are among your ladies of honor;
at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir.

Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear:
forget your people and your father's house,
and the king will desire your beauty.
Since he is your lord, bow to him.

The people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,
the richest of the people.

All glorious is the princess in her chamber, with robes interwoven with gold.
In many-colored robes she is led to the king,
with her virgin companions following behind her.

With joy and gladness they are led along
as they enter the palace of the king.

In place of your fathers shall be your sons;
you will make them princes in all the earth.
I will cause your name to be remembered in all generations;
therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.

-- Psalms 45 (ESV)

Human kings are also sometimes referred to as gods. The original Hebrew manuscripts were all written in capital letters. The modern English bible translators added the capital letter "God" based on their understanding of scripture. The psalmists also wrote that this "god" as a "God". It would be a paradox if God Almighty has a bigger God who is even more mighty.

Why this king is not Jesus:

Hebrews 1:10-12

“You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You remain;
And they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will fold them up,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will not fail.”

-- Hebrews 1:10-12 (NKJV)

The author of Hebrews seems to quote Psalm 102, but Psalm 102 addresses YHVH and not Jesus.

Hear my prayer, O LORD (YHVH) -- Psalm 102:1 (NKJV)

The passage that the author seems to quote is:

When the peoples are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD (YHVH).

He weakened my strength in the way;
He shortened my days.
I said, “O my God,
Do not take me away in the midst of my days;
Your years are throughout all generations.

Of old You laid the foundation of the earth,
And the heavens are the work of Your hands.
They will perish, but You will endure;
Yes, they will all grow old like a garment;
Like a cloak You will change them,
And they will be changed.
But You are the same,
And Your years will have no end.

-- Psalm 102:22-27 (NKJV)

The author of the Psalm is clearly addressing YHVH and not "the Son" as the author of Hebrews implies, unless the author intentionally did this to imply that the Son is YHVH.

Another problem is that the author of Hebrews contradict the Gospel:

Hebrews 2:5-8

For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying:

“What is man that You are mindful of him,
Or the son of man that You take care of him?
You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

-- Hebrews 2:5-8 (NKJV)

The author of Hebrews correctly quotes Psalm 8, but Psalm 8 was written for all humans in general. Nothing suggests that this was only written for Jesus.

The "son of man" could refer to Jesus, but there is no evidence that it only refers to Jesus.

Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger. -- Psalm 8:2 (NKJV)

Note the plurals. If this was written for Jesus only, it would have been singular.

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
All sheep and oxen (even the beasts of the field),
The birds of the air, and the fish of the sea
That pass through the paths of the seas.

-- Psalm 8:6-8 (NKJV)

Many humans have dominion over the animals and the sea. These attributes are not unique to Jesus only.

Hebrews 2:11-12

For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying:

“I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.”

-- Hebrews 2:11-12 (NKJV)

The author implies that "he who sanctifies ... is not ashamed to call believers brethren" based on Psalm 22:22. This might be partially true, but Psalm 22 was written by David and not Jesus.

To the Chief Musician. Set to “The Deer of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?
O My God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear;
And in the night season, and am not silent.

-- Psalm 22:1-2 (NKJV)

Note that the word "season" is missing from the original manuscript.

This cannot be a prophecy of Jesus' words on the cross, because he died before the sun set. (Mark 15:42-45)

Our fathers trusted in You -- Psalm 22:4 (NKJV)

Jesus only had one Father.

But You, O LORD, do not be far from me;
O my Strength, hasten to help me!
Deliver me from the sword,
My precious life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion’s mouth
And from the horns of the wild oxen!
You have answered me.

I will declare Your name to my brethren;
In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

-- Psalm 22:19-22 (NKJV)

The speaker of Psalm request that God should deliver him "from the sword", Jesus' death was not by sword but by crucifixion. He also mentions "the power of the dog", "the lion's mounth", "the horns of the wild oxen". None of these were ever a threat to Jesus.

Then the speaker declare God's name to the speaker's brethren. This is not Jesus declaring his brethren names to God as the author of Hebrews implies.

Hebrews 2:13

He is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying ...

And again:

“I will put My trust in Him.”

And again:

“Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”

-- Hebrews 2:11-13 (NKJV)

The fact that the translators choose to wrote "My" and "Me" with a capital letter implies this must be Jesus' words. The scripture that has been quoted is:

And I will wait on the LORD, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. Here am I and the children whom the LORD has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion.

-- Isaiah 8:17-18 (NKJV)

However, the author of the book of Isaiah is Isaiah himself referring to Israel, instead of Jesus referring to his disciples as the author of Hebrews implies.

Hebrews 10:5-9

Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:

“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure.
Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God.’ ”

Previously saying, “Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered according to the law), then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second.

-- Hebrews 10:5-9 (NKJV)

This could not have been God's words, because God did not "came into the world", it was the Son of God (Jesus) that "came into the world". This implies that these were Jesus' words when the author quotes Psalm 40:6-8

To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

I awaited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, and heard my cry.

...

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

...

Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. Then I said, “Behold, I come; In the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.”

-- Psalm 40:1,4,6-8

However, these are David's words, not Jesus' words.

My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; -- Psalm 40:12 (NKJV)

Jesus had no iniquities.

Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me! -- Psalm 40:13 (NKJV)

Jesus never requested the LORD to rush his crucifixion.

Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; Let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil. Let them be confounded because of their shame, who say to me, “Aha, aha!”

-- Psalm 40:13-15 (NKJV)

Jesus never request this from His Father to do to his enemies.

But I am poor and needy; Yet the Lord thinks upon me. You are my help and my deliverer; Do not delay, O my God.

-- Psalm 40:17 (NKJV)

Jesus was neither poor nor needy not did he ever require deliverance.

Hebrews 10:37-38

For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

“For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.”

-- Hebrews 10:37-38 (NKJV)

But the quoted scripture is actually:

For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry. “Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith.

-- Habakkuk 2:3-4 (NKJV)

The words "But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him" is missing from Habakkuk.

Common misunderstandings

Does Jesus express God's image of His person?

Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, -- Hebrews 1:3 (NKJV)

The author of Hebrews did not necessary mean to Jesus was God's avatar on Earth.

Moses wrote:

The LORD said to Moses... "you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live." -- Exodus 33:20 (ESV)

Jesus said:

No man hath seen God at any time -- John 1:18 (KJV)

However, Paul wrote:

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. -- 2 Corinthians 3:18 (KJV)

This means we are too being changed into the image of God, without reincarnating into gods ourselves. Paul meant that we should represent God like Jesus did. For example:

For a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God. -- 1 Corinthians 11:7 (ESV)

The Book of Genesis explains that this is why God created humans:

So God created humankind in His own image. In the image of God he created him. -- Genesis 1:27 (ESV)

Therefore, being the "image of God", simply means that the "invisible God" choose to represent Himself to his creation through humans. That is why it is so important not to present a distorted image of God, but to follow the example of Jesus.

Do angels of God worship Jesus?

But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says:

“Let all the angels of God worship him.”

-- Hebrews 1:6 (NKJV)

However, it is also written:

The devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God and Him only shall you serve.’* ”

-- Matthew 4:8-10 (ESV), Luke 4:8

The angels are supposed to worship the LORD (YHVH) and not Jesus:

For I will proclaim the name of the LORD (Yahweh); ascribe greatness to our God! ... For the LORD (Yahweh) will vindicate His people ... “Rejoice with Him, O heavens; bow down to Him, all gods ...

-- Deuteronomy 32:3,36,43 (ESV)

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD (YHVH) before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory.

All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship Him, all you gods!

Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD (YHVH).

Psalm 97:5-8 (ESV)

The word "worship" has multiple meanings. The author of Hebrews probably meant that the angels of God respect, submit or obey Jesus.

Are there multiple firstborns?

But you have come

• to Mount Zion and
• to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and
• to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and
• to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and
• to God, the judge of all, and
• to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and
• to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and
• to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

-- Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

The key word is "assembly". Although not clear, the author possibly meant the assembly that are enrolled in heaven because of the firstborn.

Contradictions

That author claims that Jesus created the worlds

God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; -- Hebrews 1:1-2 (NKJV)

... contradicts ...

I am the LORD, Who made all things, Who alone stretched out the heavens, Who by Myself spread out the earth; -- Isaiah 44:24 (NRSV)

The author claims that the Son is YHVH

The author of Hebrews quote Psalms as if YHVH is Jesus. For example:

• Hebrews 1:6 quoting Psalm 97
• Hebrews 1:10-12 quoting Psalm 102

This contradicts with Luke 4:17 (NKJV):

And he (Jesus) was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written:

Then Jesus quote Isaiah 61:1-2 which are incorrectly quoted in many modern English bibles. A more accurate quote directly from the book of Isaiah 61:1-2 itself reads:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the LORD (YHVH) has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Then he (Jesus) closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” -- Luke 4:17-21 (NKJV)

Here Jesus himself announced that this prophecy had been fulfilled in their presence which means that Isaiah 61 was talking about Jesus.

If Jesus was the "Lord God" or "YHVH" of the Old Testament, then why would Jesus have to send his own spirit to himself and why would Jesus anoint himself to preach, heal and proclaim?

The author claims that the devil has the power of death

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil -- Hebrews 2:14 (ESV)

which contradicts:

The LORD kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. -- 1 Samuel 2:6 (ESV)

and

See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god beside Me;
I kill and I make alive;
I wound and I heal;
and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.

-- Deuteronomy 32:39 (ESV)

The author claimed that Jesus deprecated the Old Testament

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

For he finds fault with them when he says:

"Behold, the days are coming", declares the LORD,

"when I will establish a new (or renewed) covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them", declares the Lord.

"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days", declares the LORD.

I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest.

For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.”

-- Jeremiah 31:31-34

In speaking of a new covenant, He makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

-- Hebrews 8:7-13 (ESV)

of which he quotes Jeremiah, however Jeremiah himself wrote:

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Thus says the LORD: If you can break My covenant with the day and My covenant with the night, so that day and night will not come at their appointed time, then also My covenant with David My servant may be broken, so that he shall not have a son to reign on his throne... As the host of heaven cannot be numbered and the sands of the sea cannot be measured, so I will multiply the offspring of David My servant...”

The word of the LORD came to Jeremiah: “Have you not observed that these people are saying, ‘The LORD has rejected the two clans that he chose’? Thus they have despised My people so that they are no longer a nation in their sight.

Thus says the LORD: If I have not established My covenant with day and night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, then I will reject the offspring of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his offspring to rule over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and will have mercy on them.”

-- Jeremiah 33:19-26 (ESV)

It seems like the author implied that God made a mistake with the old covenant and that an upgrade was due.

Jeremiah did not say that the "new" covenant will replace the "old" covenant. That is the author's own assumption to start a new religion.

The Hebrew word that Jeremiah used is transliterated as "chadash" which could both mean "new" (fresh) or "renew" (repair) depending on the translator's interpretation, for example:

He repaired the altar of the LORD that was in front of the vestibule of the house of the LORD. -- 2 Chronicles 15:8 (ESV)

The same word "chadash" is found in this scripture, but in this context it clearly means to "repair".

Which seems more correct?

• God admitting fault and introducing an upgraded covenant to replace the old mistake, or
• God renewing the covenant with their offspring such that they will have another chance to be blessed, but unlike their rebellious forefathers, they would be loyal to Him and would "know the LORD" personally. This "fault" is not with God, but with their forefather who choose ignore the covenant.

Jesus himself said:

Think not that I am come to destroy the law (Pentateugh/Torah), or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. -- Matthew 5:17 (ESV)

Who's words are more trustworthy?

• The words of an unknown author with no references, or
• the words of Jesus which were witnessed by at least 4 gospel writers and confirmed by Peter, Stephan and Paul?

The author claims that backsliding is unforgivable

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. -- Hebrews 6:4-6 (NKJV)

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins. -- Hebrews 10:26 (ESV)

which contradicts:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. -- 1 John 1:9 (ESV)

The author claims that faith is your own ability to trust in the unproven commendations

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. -- Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV)

This creates the impression that you should blindly believe "commendations" without evidence and that this act of faith is what will save you. Sadly, this dangerous belief is the main cause of many sects and occult groups.

If "faith" meant to blindly believe unproven commendations, then:

• then it would not be necessary for Jesus to fulfill the prophecies of Christ in front of witnesses
• it would have been unnecessary for Jesus to do miracles to proof that he was sent by God (Luke 4:35-37; John 9:32-33)
• it would have been unnecessary for Jesus to proof that he has been resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:6)
• it would have been unnecessary for Jesus to publicly ascent in front of witnesses (Acts 1:9-10)
• the apostles would not need a witnesses (John 19:35; Acts 1:21-22)

The author claims that Jesus offered a sacrifice as a high priest

He (Jesus) has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. -- Hebrews 7:27 (ESV)

and

And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.

But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.

-- Hebrews 10:11-14 (ESV)

The author of Hebrews is the only author that wrote that Jesus the one who offered a sacrifice. All the other apostles wrote that the Jesus was the sacrifice itself.

The difference is that the one who offered cannot be the same one who was sacrificed because the roles clash. The one who is making the sacrifice needs to atone for sin so that he and/or other do not have to die, while the one who is the sacrifice needs to die for the sin. If the same person is both, then it means he was not really dead or nobody was around to complete the ritual because he was dead.

Yet, the author of Hebrews wrote that Jesus was both the sacrifice and the sacrificer:

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. -- Hebrews 9:24-28 (ESV)

Only the Levites was allowed to perform these sacrifices. Jesus was not a Levite.

And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall guard their priesthood. But if any outsider comes near, he shall be put to death. -- Numbers 3:10 (ESV)

Jesus did not wear the proper priestly attire at the crucifixion.

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty...

You shall make for them linen undergarments to cover their naked flesh. They shall reach from the hips to the thighs; and they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they go into the tent of meeting or when they come near the altar to minister in the Holy Place, lest they bear guilt and die. This shall be a statute forever for him and for his offspring after him.

-- Exodus 28:2-43 (ESV)

Jesus did not wash himself before his crucifixion. Instead, we read that he had to carry a wooden "cross", they spit on him, he was covered in blood and so forth.

The LORD said to Moses,

“You shall also make a basin of bronze, with its stand of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it, with which Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet.

When they go into the tent of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash with water, so that they may not die. They shall wash their hands and their feet, so that they may not die. It shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his offspring throughout their generations.”

-- Exodus 30:17-21 (ESV)

God never has and never will ask anyone to sacrifice himself (or to commit suicide). For example God did not ask Isaac to sacrifice himself, but instead God ask Abraham to attempt to sacrifice Isaac (to test Abraham's trust). The priestly duty had always been to sacrifice another living being.

Unique teaching not supported by other scriptures

Jesus incarnated

Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. -- Hebrews 1:4 (NKJV)

The soul and spirit can be divided

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. -- Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV)

Cloud of witnesses

By faith Abel... By faith Noah... By faith Abraham... By faith Sarah... These all died in faith... By faith Jacob, when dying... By faith Joseph, at the end of his life... By faith Moses... By faith the people crossed the Red Sea... By faith Rahab... And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets who through faith... Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely -- Hebrews 11:4,7,8,11,13,23,29,31,32, 12:1 (ESV)

The author could have written "since we have so many testimonies", but instead "we are surrounded by so great cloud of witnesses". Although not clear, it seems like the author of Hebrews suggest that believers that had previously died still have consciousness and witness what we are doing. This is also supported by the authors summary:

But you have come

• to Mount Zion and
• to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and
• to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and
• to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and
• to God, the judge of all, and
• to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and
• to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and
• to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

-- Hebrews 12:22-24 (ESV)

Although not clear, it seems like the author implies that the "assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" is not the same as "the spirits of the righteous made perfect".

Suffering proofs salvation

If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. -- Hebrews 12:7-10 (NKJV)