Hi all,
Perhaps this may add something to the discussion.
The Greek word translated ‘made perfect’ in the two Hebrew Scriptures is teleioō (G5048).
Here is Strong’s definition for that word:
1) to make perfect, complete
a) to carry through completely, to accomplish, finish, bring to an end
Here are a few other verses that use this same word teleioō to show how it can be understood.
John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish [teleioō, complete] his work.
John 17:4 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished [teleioō, completed] the work which thou gavest me to do.
Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish [teleioō, complete] my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
In fact, here are more Greek words found throughout the New Testament that are related or used in a similar fashion.
G5046 teleios
G5047 teleiotēs
G5048 teleioō
G5049 teleiōs
G5050 teleiōsis
G5051 teleiōtēs
G5052 telesphoreō
G5053 teleutaō
G5054 teleutē
G5055 teleō
G5056 telos
If you look up all their definitions, none of them carry the implication of moral perfection. They all have more to do with either something that is being finished or completed, whether it be someone’s life, purpose, works, etc…, or becoming spiritually whole or mature.
Jesus’ life was a process, much like ours is. Sure He didn’t sin, but He did have to grow and learn how to be spiritually whole/mature just like the rest of us.
Hebrews 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
That process of learning obedience was completed in His death and resurrection. He became the Saviour of the whole World. He was completed. He was completed for us, to show us what we must endure in order to be found worthy to be as He is at His return. Yes, there is still work for Him to do in His second coming, but it’s not like many Christians believe - that the work that the Father did in Jesus was not completed, resulting in Jesus becoming the Saviour of only a few men. No, He has been completed; the salvation of all men is a done deal. It is now only a matter of reconciling the creation with that which was already completed in Jesus’ death and resurrection to life.
Based on that, the verses from Hebrews you quoted could be translated as such:
Hebrews 2:10 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 complete through sufferings.
Hebrews 5:9 And being completed, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
Jesus was definitely perfect in that He was sinless from the beginning, but it was through His sufferings that He was made complete for us.
Hopefully that makes sense,
Eric