“For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10). “For” at the beginning links this verse with the “grace of God” (2:9). It is important to notice that this passage brings together four concepts: “many sons to glory” and “their salvation,” as well as the “author” of our salvation’s “sufferings” and “His perfection.” There’s no sonship and glory for man without our Savior’s suffering and perfection!
What the writer is saying is, “It is fitting by the grace of God that Jesus be qualified to be the author of our salvation. He suffered for us and is perfect in every way” (See Hebrews 7:26). The expressions “for whom are all things” and “by whom are all things” emphasize the deity and power of Christ (cf. Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 8:6). Jesus makes it possible for “many” to be sons and daughters. And while “many” can be “sons,” there is only ONE “author,” “captain” or “pioneer” – Jesus. The Greek word might be used of a “hero” who protected a city, a “head” of a family or a “founder” of a school (See Acts 3:15; 5:31; Hebrews 12:2). The term carries with it the idea of source, initiator and action taker. It also has the military connotation of a commander who goes ahead of his army and blazes the trail. Surely Jesus is all these things and more – our Hero and Deliverer, Protector, Head, Master and Commander-in-Chief!
Notice in Hebrews 2:10 that Jesus is spoken of as the author of “their salvation.” If anyone is saved, it is due to Jesus and His sacrifice. He had no sin Himself (Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21). “Perfect through sufferings” indicates that Jesus opened the way to God for us by suffering. One cannot really sympathize without experience! (Hebrews 2:17-18). Christ’s sufferings enabled Him to be our thoroughly effective and perfect High Priest. The word “perfect” is a favorite word of the writer of Hebrews (cf. 2:10; 5:9; 7:11, 19, 28; 9:9, 11; 10:1, 14; 11:40; 12:2, 23). What a great way to summarize Hebrews – what we have in Jesus and the New Testament is simply perfect!-Mike Vestal
