The Greek noun archēgos means 'leader,' 'founder,' 'pioneer,' or 'author.' Composed of archē ('beginning, rule') and agō ('to lead'), it describes the one who initiates and leads others along a path. The word appears four times in the New Testament, each time in a Christological context.
Hebrews 2:10 calls Jesus the archēgos of salvation — the 'pioneer' (NIV) or 'captain' (KJV) who blazes the trail of salvation and leads many sons and daughters to glory. Hebrews 12:2 calls Him the archēgos and perfecter of faith — the one who originates faith and brings it to its goal.
Acts 3:15 adds a stunning irony: the people 'killed the author of life.' The one who is the source and originator of all living was put to death — yet death could not hold Him. The word archēgos thus stands at the intersection of Christ's cosmic lordship, His atoning death, and His path-blazing resurrection.