The 13th chapter of Hebrews stands out, and some say stands apart. Whereas the first 12 chapters lay out complex patterns of themes and develop the author's thoughts with creative images, chapter 13 turns suddenly brusque and clipped. So dramatic is this stylistic change that there has been some suggestion that a different author composed this addendum at a different time and place - leaving the church to affix this conclusion at some later date. But while most scholars note this possibility, few actually adhere to the hypothesis. While the style of prose changes in chapter 13, the author's essential vocabulary and primary concerns remain the same.

A less drastic theory states that while the author was concerned with voicing general guidelines and Christian attitudes in the first 12 chapt…