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For it was fitting for [The God]1 – for whom the Universe exists and from whom the Universe originates2 – in bringing many sons to glory,3 to perfect the Chief Leader of their salvation4 by means of sufferings.
| 1 | For it was fitting for [The God]: [WEY] Or, GDS: for it was appropriate that he; AMP: for it was an act worthy of God. It portions of the Christian Bible there are numerous “dangling participles” in English. For clarity the “he” is identified. |
| 2 | For whom the Universe exists and from whom the Universe originates: Literally this is: “through whom the all things and through whom the all things.” Or, KJV: for whom… and by whom; TCN: for whom and by whom the universe exists; WMS: who is the Final Goal and the First Cause of the universe. Compare notes on Romans 11:36. Compare also 2 Corinthians 8:6. It is clear Paul does not have the Son in mind as the Creator, but rather, the Father. |
| 3 | In bringing many sons to glory: [KJV] Or, TCN: when leading; GDS: in guiding his many children. Compare notes on Romans 8:14-19. [2 Corinthians 6:18] See notes on 1 John 3:2. [John 1:12, 13] Paul means those “sons of the Kingdom” [see notes on Matthew 13:38] the Saints of the Church. |
| 4 | To perfect the Chief Leader of their salvation: [KJV] Or, ASV: author; RHM: princely leader; MON: pioneer; WMS: leader; KNX: prince. ARCHEGON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #747] and literally means “chief leader.” Compare Isaiah 9:6 in the LXX (9:5). On the word “perfect” other versions use: GDS fully qualified; AMP bring to maturity. The Greek is TELEIOSAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5048] and is from “end” meaning perfect, complete, mature. The Master Jesus needed to attain perfection or completion as God’s offering by means of the human experience, ending in a death of suffering. No human has ever been tested to the extent of the Nazarene. [See notes on Hebrews 5:8.] |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 2:10 as the theme verse of chapter two – A Brother Lower Than the Angels. There is no escape for those who refuse to listen to God’s Spokesman. [1-4] Paul contrasts the punishment of those who are disobedient to the angelic Law of Moses. A Christian is in for greater punishment if they neglect the Sayings of Jesus. Paul writes that the New Earth is not subject to angels but rather to God’s Son. [5-9] He gives an inspired interpretation of Psalm 8:4-6, proving that the Son was made “lesser than angels” and that in time God will “subject everything” to His Son. Jesus has already been crowned after he “tasted death for everyone.”
Jesus is not the only Son of God, for He is “bringing many sons to glory.” [10-13] Both Christ and the Saints “originate from one God.” Thus, Jesus may address the Saints as his “brothers.” Paul quotes Psalm 22:22 and Isaiah 8:17, 18 describing the relationship of Christ to those who are sanctified. The Son was tested during his life in the flesh and this resulted in the liberation of those “enslaved to a fear of death.” [14-18] Messiah has come to the aid of the seed of Abraham, and after being perfected he has become “a merciful and faithful High Priest. Messiah gave himself as “a sacrificial atonement for the sins of the people.”
Having established the superiority of Jesus over the angels Paul stresses the need to pay attention to the Son. Paul includes another reason: everything is to be subject to the Son, including the future earth. The Son and his “brothers” all have the same source or origin in God the Father. The Son became a flesh and blood human being to destroy the Devil as well as liberate humankind from the fear of death. The Son became a sympathetic High Priest to come to the aid of his “brothers” who are tempted.
Abba our Father bless the Saints who listen to His Spokesman.
[13 August 2002]
