“We have this hope as an anchor for our lives, safe and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain. Jesus has entered there on our behalf as a forerunner, because He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 6:19-20 HCSB).
The word “forerunner” is commonly defined as “someone or something that comes before another.” (1) However, one Biblical commentator offers an intriguing definition of this word as it relates to our text from Hebrews 6:20…
“The Greek word for forerunner was used in the second century A.D. of the smaller boats sent into the harbor by larger ships unable to enter due to the buffeting of the weather. These smaller boats carried the anchor through the breakers inside the harbor and dropped it there, securing the larger ship.
Forerunner presupposes that others will follow. Thus, Jesus is not only the believer’s anchor but He is like a runner boat that has taken our anchor into port and secured it there. There is thus no doubt as to whether this vessel is going into port. The only question, is whether it will go in with the sleekness of a well-trimmed sailing vessel or like a water-laden barge. Believers who have such a hope in the presence of God should come boldly before the throne of grace (4:14–16).” (2)
This notion of a high priest who interceded on behalf of others was undoubtedly familiar to first-century Jewish audiences. Nevertheless, the high priests of that era always entered the inner sanctuary (or Most Holy Place) alone. Therefore, the image of a high priest who could usher others into God’s direct presence was something completely new.
So, the idea that Christ opened the door for others to follow in this manner must have been a revolutionary concept to the members of our author’s original audience. The same may hold true for contemporary audiences as well…
“Christians too are to be brought into that same sacred area. This was indeed a startling statement, for though the ancient high priest was his people’s representative he was never their forerunner- they were never allowed to follow him within the curtain.
But the key-note of Hebrews is that the new high priest guarantees to every believer the privilege of confident access into this most holy place-the very presence of the living God, and it is summed up in one carefully chosen word: ‘forerunner’. Jesus has ‘gone that we may follow too.'” (3)
(1) “forerunner” Def. 1. The Britannica Dictionary Retrieved 31 May, 2022 from https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/forerunner
(2) Earl D. Radmacher, Ronald Barclay Allen, and H. Wayne House, Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary (Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers, 1999), 1645
(3) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [pg. 1518]