Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)
After providing several examples of those who did things in their lives consistent with a faith in a future life and reward--those being the "great" "cloud of witnesses," the author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to endure by setting aside every hindrance, particularly sin, and using the imagery of a long-distance runner. He is speaking of priorities and proper focus. Obviously, a call to sinlessness is not in view, but one needs to make changes concerning those things that would hold them down or back from the spiritual progress needed to endure to the end.
To further inspire in this race is the example of Jesus.
looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy
that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat
down at the right hand of the throne of God.
For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:2-3
The New king James reading is the usual understanding of Hebrews 12:2a:
“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith.”
But I think that translation misses the meaning of the verse in light of the context. The context is about what living by faith looks like.
Verse 2 and 3 are telling us how Jesus behaved himself and that is what we
are to look to. To translate verse 2 to
say how Jesus authored (created) our faith and finishes (we will persevere to
the end?) our faith doesn’t really fit the point that he is our example that we
to follow.
The book of Hebrews is concerned about continuing in the faith. This requires effort: it’s not guaranteed.
Not all translations are the same on this…
ESV “looking to Jesus, the founder
and perfecter of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2
NAS “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of faith,” Hebrews 12:2
NET “keeping our eyes fixed on
Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2
ISV “fixing our attention on Jesus,
the pioneer and perfecter of the faith” Hebrews 12:2
NIV “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" Hebrews 12:2
We are to look to Jesus as an example of faith—of what living by faith
looks like.
I believe the NIV is the best translation
in light of the context.
The word translated “author” could be translated “captain” or “pioneer.” A captain often “leads from the front.” A pioneer is a person who begins or helps develop something new or prepares the way for others to follow. He “blazes” a trail for others to follow.
The Greek word is translated “captain” in the NKJV in Hebrews 2:10: "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."
Why translate it “captain” in 2:10 and not in 12:2? Jesus is the captain, the leader. The Greek word is translated “prince” twice concerning Jesus in the Book of Acts. In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the same Greek word translates words that mean “head,” leader,” and “captain.”
A different Greek word is translated “author” in Hebrews 5:9 in the NKJV: “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to
all who obey Him.” Here, “author”
probably speaks of Jesus as the source or cause of “eternal salvation." But that eternal salvation is probably more than
justification, since "salvation" in Hebrews 2:3 must be looking to the “world to come” ("of which we speak" Hebrews 2:5) and the
potential reward or glory in that future world for those who obey God, having been made possible because Jesus obeyed God.
So, there is a salvation all believers will share equally, but there is reward or glory that depends on obedience now, which is also part of and included in the idea of salvation--and it is in the world to come. There is a common salvation all believers share, but there is a salvation that depends on obedience, which is the future glory we will experience in the world to come. That world to come, and its glory, is because Jesus was obedient unto death (and so he is the "author" of it, Hebrews 5:9), and because of him, there is a glory that we can share in, but it won't be equal, just as Jesus had more glory than Moses, Hebrews 3:3. Yet, Jesus, as our "captain," is seeking to bring "many sons to glory": he is seeking to lead us to obtain that glory in the world to come, just as he through obedience obtained it.
Though the Greek word in Hebrews 5:9 can be translated "author"--with reference to Jesus being the cause of the "eternal salvation" (as the "world to come") and the glory available for the obedient believer, I believe the different Greek word in Hebrews 12:2 speaks of him as the captain or leader of faith. If you want to know what it means to live by faith, look to Jesus. This fits the context.
Jesus is the “finisher” in that he “perfects” or fulfills what faith calls for. This particular faith is one that fully trusts God and looks to the promises of God to be received beyond this life. The Greek does not have “our faith” but “the faith.” Jesus perfected what faith looks like. Again, I think the NIV is the best translation: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
Therefore, as the author of Hebrews stated earlier in the letter:
Hebrews 10:36-38: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: "For yet a little while, [And] He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if [anyone] draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him."
Jesus was and is the captain and perfecter of faith. We are to look to Him to obediently
persevere in the faith, looking to the promises (reward and glory). May God help us to persevere, even in great
difficulty, so we might be like those who..."were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better
resurrection." Hebrews 11:35
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