12:2

look intently: This phrase renders a Greek word that literally means to turn one’s eyes away from something in order to fix them on something else or, like a runner in a race, to give someone or something undivided attention without being distracted. The Greek word may also include the idea of looking trustingly to another. The Hebrew Christians needed to look away from anything that could distract them from Christ, even the impressive temple in Jerusalem and its system of worship. Instead, they were to look trustingly to their heavenly High Priest, Jesus, who was worthy of their full attention.​—See study note on Heb 8:1.

Chief Agent . . . of our faith: Lit., “Chief Leader . . . of our faith.” The Greek term for “chief agent” refers to “one who takes the lead in anything and thus furnishes the example.” Jesus set the greatest example of faith among all of Jehovah’s creation. His followers learn to show genuine faith by looking to his example. In every way, Jesus gave his followers the perfect foundation for genuine faith. He is the one who makes it possible for humans to have real faith.​—See study note on Ac 3:15; see also Glossary, “Chief Agent.”

Perfecter of our faith: Faithful people in pre-Christian times could not have perfect, or complete, faith because they could not see how the Messianic prophecies that were found in the Hebrew Scriptures would be fulfilled. (Compare study note on Heb 5:9.) But the Christians addressed here saw how Jesus had fulfilled these prophecies, so they were able to put complete faith in him and in Jehovah, the Author of prophecy. (2Co 1:20 and study notes) What is more, by fulfilling the Mosaic Law, Jesus gave his followers an opportunity to have what that Law could never provide for sinful humans: complete forgiveness of sins. (See study note on Ga 3:25.) Further, after returning to heaven, Jesus continued to perfect the faith of his followers by pouring out holy spirit as promised and by providing guidance and faith-strengthening revelations.​—Joh 16:13; Re 1:1-3.

the joy that was set before him: Jesus was able to endure suffering because he focused on the joy he would experience by fulfilling his assignment on earth. (Isa 53:10-12) Jesus found great joy in doing his Father’s will and in making His heart glad. (Compare Pr 27:11.) By his faithful course, Jesus would sanctify his Father’s name and provide the means to undo all the evil that Satan had set in motion with the rebellion in Eden. (Heb 2:14; 1Jo 3:8) And Jesus was confident that his Father would exalt him to His right hand in heaven. (Ps 110:1; Joh 14:28; 17:5) Knowing that such joys lay ahead of him helped Jesus to endure the severe trials he faced.​—Compare study note on Ga 5:22.

a torture stake: See Glossary and study note on Php 2:8.

despising shame: Those involved in putting Jesus to death did everything in their power to heap shame on him. They insulted him, struck him repeatedly, spat on him, flogged him, and paraded him through the streets of Jerusalem as he struggled to carry his own torture stake. (Mt 26:67, 68; 27:26-32; Joh 19:17) The execution itself was designed to cause great humiliation and shame, and Jesus’ enemies cruelly ridiculed him as he suffered. (Mt 27:41-43) Yet, because Jesus was carrying out the will of his Father, he despised, or refused to feel, shame. (Compare study notes on 2Ti 1:8, 12.) He knew that, in reality, he was helping to sanctify his Father’s name in the greatest possible way. (See study note on Mt 6:9.) And he knew that his death would make salvation possible for countless humans.​—Mt 20:28; Heb 9:28.

sat down at the right hand of the throne of God: See study notes on Heb 1:3; 10:12.