The first reference to the perfecting of Christ in Hebrews comes in a passage filled with themes of supreme importance for the consequent argument of the writer. Eschatology, Christology and Soteriology are interwoven in a remarkably concise and profound manner. Detailed exegesis of 2: 5–18 is necessary, therefore, not only for the proper interpretation of 2: 10 but also for an understanding of our writer's theology in general.

The centrality of 2: 10 to the argument of the passage as a whole can easily be seen. The perfecting of Christ appears to be related to the theme of his humiliation, suffering and exaltation, introduced in verses 6–9 and enlarged upon in verses 14–18. The ‘many sons’ who benefit from the perfecting of Christ are further defined in verses 11–13 and the way in which Christ brings them to ‘glory’ is somewhat elaborated in verses 14-18.

Although subsequent passages associate the perfecting of Christ particularly with the concept of his earthly struggle (5: 9 in context) or the concept of his heavenly exaltation (7: 28 in context), I will argue that 2: 10 in its context embraces both emphases. Here, where such a broad perspective on the achievement of Christ is given, I will argue that the perfecting of Christ is a process, the particular aspects of which are to be expounded in subsequent chapters.