“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 captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Hebrews 2:10).
This passage serves to remind us of something that Paul the Apostle discussed in his New Testament epistle to the Colossians. In speaking of Jesus, Colossians 1:16 tells us, “all things were created by him, and for him” (KJV). This includes the tangible aspects of the material world as well as the intangible elements of the spiritual realm.
Since everything that exists was created by Jesus and for Jesus, we can say that every human quest for salvation, wisdom, knowledge, and purpose finds its ultimate culmination in Him. That leads us to the phrase “captain of their salvation” as found here in Hebrews 2:10.
This word “captain” is alternatively rendered as “author” (ASV). “founder” (ESV), “source” (HCSB), or “champion” (Mounce) in various translations of this passage. One commentary explains the significance of this brief, but important term…
“The Greek word for captain means ‘pioneer’ or ‘leader.’ It literally means ‘the first one to lead the way’ from arche (‘the first’) and ago (‘to lead’). To express this idea of leadership, the word is translated in Acts 3:15; 5:31 as the ‘Prince’ and in Heb. 12:2 as ‘the author.’ Thus, the writer of Hebrews is emphasizing that Jesus endured suffering and temptation on this earth in order to become a perfect leader. He is not only sinless but also can sympathize with our difficulties in following His perfect way, the Way that leads to glory.” (1)
Another source illustrates this word through the use of an intriguing word-picture…
“It expresses the idea of a leader, one who goes at the head of a group to open the way for others. Think of a troop of commandos operating in a jungle war. They find their way blocked by a deep ravine. The situation is too urgent to find a way around. Their commanding officer manages to throw a rope across and anchor it. He then risks his life by crossing first, hand over hand. He permanently secures the rope. He creates a bridge. The way is now open for his men to cross over to the other side.
This is a pale and inadequate reflection of what the author of Hebrews means by calling Jesus the archegos or ‘author’ of our salvation. Our Lord is the ‘pioneer’ of our salvation; through His suffering, He brings many sons to glory (Heb. 2:10).” (2)
(1) Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson’s new illustrated Bible commentary (p. 1638). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.
(2) Ferguson, Sinclair B. In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel-Centered Life © Copyright 2007 by Sinclair B. Ferguson [pg.29]