Jesus, The Author or Pioneer

The descriptive term "Author", "Captain", "Pioneer", is  used of Jesus in Acts 3:15; 5:31, and in Hebrews 2: 10; 12:2.  In Acts 3:15, Jesus is "the pioneer" or "author of life", and in Acts 5:31 "a pioneer and savior".  Hebrews 2:10 declares that it became God, in bringing many sons to glory, to make "the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings", and Hebrews 12:2 describes Him as "the pioneer and perfecter of the faith".  The different translations illustrate the fact that the name suggests the dual idea of One who is the source of faith, deliverance, and life, and is at the same time the path-breaker who has opened the way to others.  It is unnatural to isolate the one aspect of His work from the other.  Similar idea, expressed in other ways, are found elsewhere in the New Testament.  For example, the thought of Christ as "the Head" of the New Israel, and the declaration that "in him all things consist", or find their place (Colossians 1:17), although different in reference and in range, are allied conceptions.  Like the term "Head", the names "Author" and "Pioneer" imply that it is He who gives cohesion and leadership to His community. (The Names of Jesus by Vincent Taylor pg 91)

Jesus as the Author and Perfecter of our faith helps us to endure until the end by... his example. The Hebrew writer says, "You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" (Heb 10:36). He then says, "Consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Heb 12:3). The example of Jesus "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross (Heb 12:2) helps us to continue on the true path through every difficulty. "Therefore do not cast away your confidence which has great reward" (Heb 10:35). Through the intercession of Jesus we are able to "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Heb 10:23). Christ’s example of faithfulness through every trial and temptation, helps us to confidently trust him and continue to follow him to the end.

...and through Christian fellowship. Of course we should also "consider how to stimulate one another to love and good works" (Heb 10:24) Jesus uses each of us to encourage others. This is one way that he helps us all endure. This is not just a simple matter of being encouraged by others. We should also try ourselves to give encouragement. It’s a fact that when we encourage others to endure, we feel more encouraged ourselves.

...and through remembrance. The Hebrew writer suggests another thing we can do to help us endure. "Recall the former days in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings" (Heb 10:32). Most of us who have been Christians for any length of time can remember times when we struggled to remain faithful and were challenged strongly. We held on then and came through with the Lord’s help. Just remembering those times of victory will strengthen us to endure present or future distress.

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