V. 10.— For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For it became him, for whom are all things...— Here the salvation of sinners, through the sufferings and death of Christ, is ascribed as resulting from the character of God. He hath made all things for Himself. His own glory is the ultimate end of all His works. Why did He make the Captain of Salvation perfect through sufferings? Because it became Him; it was suitable to His glorious character to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through sufferings. Hence it was not possible that the cup should pass from Jesus. Matthew 26:39. This is more fully explained in other parts of the Scriptures; but here we are simply told,— it became the great Creator, who has made all things for Himself, and for whose pleasure they are and were created. In the works of creation and providence, and especially in the work of redemption, the glorious attributes of God are manifested. His character is perfect, His wisdom, goodness, and compassion are infinite; but the exercise of one attribute at the expense of another would derogate from this perfection, and therefore it became Him, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the Captain of their Salvation perfect through sufferings. Eternal life is the gift of God; but the boon could only be bestowed on sinners through the Savior’ s sufferings. The justice of God must be satisfied and His truth vindicated by the surety and representative of His people enduring the penalty of their disobedience,— grace must reign through righteousness unto eternal life by the sufferings of Christ. Many sons.— Well might the Apostle John exclaim,— " Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God” (and it is not an empty title); “ if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ.” “ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Revelation 21:7. Believers are so inseparably united to the only-begotten, that they shall sit with Him upon His throne; indeed, they are represented as already enthroned. Ephesians 2:6. They shall judge angels, and reign with Christ for ever and ever. Revelation 22:5. Captain of their salvation.— When Israel were entering upon the wars of Canaan, Joshua, their leader, beheld a warrior with his sword drawn in his hand, who announced himself as the Captain of the Lord’ s Host. Joshua fell on his face to the earth, loosed his shoe from off his foot, worshipped, and received instructions respecting the siege of Jericho. He, who was in the Church in the wilderness, Acts 7:38, the Captain of the Lord’ s Host, after having thus appeared to Joshua, although afterwards unseen, conducted Israel to their promised rest. The word here rendered " Captain” is elsewhere rendered " Prince,” Acts 3:15; Acts 5:31; and “ Author,” chap. 12:2. He is the leader and commander of His people, Isaiah 55:4; who by Him are brought to glory, are healed by His stripes, and live by His death. But how is He said to be made perfect? Was He not absolutely perfect? He did no sin, nor was guile found in His lips. He always did the things that pleased His Father. How, then, was He made perfect through sufferings? The reference is not to moral but official perfection. In order to redeem His people from the curse of the law, it behoved Him to be made a curse for them. He could only swallow up death in victory by coming into contact with it— grappling with it— tasting it, — and thus was He made perfect through sufferings. Thus He restored what he took not away. To this He alluded in His message to Herod. Luke 13:32. The flaming sword, which turned every way, kept the tree of life; but He, having submitted to the deadly stroke, returned laden with its fruit, and dispenses it to the heirs of salvation. Having risen from the dead, He dieth no more; and because He lives, they shall live also. There is a passage exactly parallel. “ Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” Hebrews 5:8-9. The consecration of Aaron and his sons was completed by the offering up of a ram, Leviticus 8:22; which is therefore termed the ram of perfections. To consecrate a priest is to perfect him. Exodus 28:41. Now, the Captain of Salvation was made perfect through sufferings. His consecration was thus completed, as the great High Priest of our profession. Having, according to the will of God offered the body prepared for Him, He is now fully invested with the office of our High Priest; and, having received all power in heaven and in earth, He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to God by Him, seeing He ever liveth to male intercession for them. His intercession is founded on the perfection of His one offering, to which His Father hath set His seal, by raising Him from the dead and giving Him glory, that our faith and hope might be in God.