Forerunner
“One who runs before, precursor”
Summary
One who goes before to prepare the way, applied in Scripture to Jesus who entered heaven as the precursor of His people, opening the way for them to follow.
☩Meaning of the Term
A forerunner (Greek: prodromos) is a precursor, one who not only goes before to a particular place, but who makes arrangements for those that follow. It is a military term used of troops sent in advance of an army as scouts. A forerunner was also sent in advance of a king to prepare the way for him. In this sense it is usually applied to John the Baptist as the harbinger of Christ.
☩Christ as Forerunner
In Hebrews 6:20, 'forerunner' is spoken of Jesus, the high priest of the new dispensation, as entering before His followers into the heavenly sanctuary. The idea of a forerunner is peculiar to the Christian dispensation. The Old Testament high priest was a representative, not a forerunner: where he led, namely into the Holy of Holies, the people could not follow. Christ goes nowhere but where His people may follow. He is the file-leader.
☩Spiritual Significance
Jesus has entered heaven, not as the Jewish high priest entered the Holy of Holies to return again, but to open a way by which His people may follow, and to prepare a place for them. This use of the term emphasizes the fact that Jesus has gone to make atonement and prepare access for His people. The Lord has run before His servants, but the term necessarily implies that there are others who are following after.
Related Verses1 mention
Hebrews· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Forerunner," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Forerunner," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Forerunner," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).