Xo-ther: This word is used to translate two Greek words: (1) aitios, literally, "cause," hence, "author." Heb 5:9, He "became the author of eternal salvation." (2) archego = literally, "chief leader," "prince," "captain"; then author, originator. It is rendered "author" in the following passages: (a) Heb 12:2, "looking unto Jesus, the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings." Here the idea of Christ as originator or author of our salvation is present (compare the passage Heb 5:9, where however a different word is used; see above). But here again the original meaning of "leader" is not to be lost sight of. He, being the first possessor of salvation, becomes the author of it for others. "The idea that the Son goes before the saved in the same path ought perhaps to be retained" (Davidson). Compare Heb 6:20, where Jesus is said to be our "forerunner." (c) Acts 3:15, King James Version margin and the Revised Version margin have "author," where text has "prince." Here again it is possible that the two ideas are present.
D. Miall Edwards