Hebrews 12:11-13

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:12

Verse 12 12.Wherefore, lift up, etc. After having taught us that God regards our salvation when he chastises us, he then exhorts us to exert ourselves vigorously; for nothing will more weaken us and more fully discourage us than through the influence of a false notion to have no taste of God’s grace in adversities. There is, therefore, nothing more efficacious to raise us up than the intimation that God is present with us, even when he afflicts us, and is solicitous about our welfare. But in... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:13

Verse 13 13.And make straight paths, etc. He has been hitherto teaching us to lean on God’s consolations, so that we may be bold and strenuous in doing what is right, as his help is our only support; he now adds to this another thing, even that we ought to walk prudently and to keep to a straight course; for indiscreet ardor is no less an evil than inactivity and softness. At the same time this straightness of the way which he recommends, is preserved when a man’s mind is superior to every... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:1-29

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:4-11

Chastisement. In this passage the writer reminds the Hebrews that although doubtless they had sustained severe trials on account of their devotedness to Christ, none of them had yet been required to seal their faith with their blood ( Hebrews 12:4 ). Other children of God had suffered much more than they ( Hebrews 11:35-38 ), and had remained faithful. For them to apostatize would, therefore, be very heinous sin. Rather they must learn to view their afflictions as the corrections of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:11

Now no chastening seemeth for the present to be joyous, but grievous (literally, not of joy , but of grief ): nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness to them which have been exercised thereby. This is a general statement with respect to all chastening, though the expression of its result at the end of the verse is suggested by the thought of Divine chastening, to which alone it is certainly, and in the full sense of the words, applicable. "Of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:11

Discipline in its endurance and in its results. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous," etc. Two aspects of discipline, distinct yet vitally related, are here set before us. I. DISCIPLINE IN ITS ENDURANCE . "All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous, but grievous." All life's discipline, while we are enduring it, is painful. It is so even to sincere and saintly Christians, for: 1. The Christian is not insensible to pain. Christianity offers... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:11

The fruit of discipline. I. A LESSON FROM BOYISH EXPERIENCE . The discipline of earthly parents, while we are passing through it, is all pain and no pleasure. Even when exercised with wisdom and consideration, the discipline must be painful; and in many instances there is a needless harshness which increases the pain. Parents are apt to take the course of discipline which gives them the least trouble. But even harsh and stern discipline is better than indulgence, infinitely... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up (for, straighten anew ) the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees (rather, the relaxed hands and the loosened or enfeebled knees ) . The word παραλελυμένα is used only by St. Luke elsewhere in the New Testament, and with reference to persons paralyzed ( Luke 5:18 , Luke 5:24 ; Acts 8:7 ; Acts 9:33 ). The form of the exhortation is taken from Isaiah 35:3 , ἰσχύσατε χεῖρες ἀνειμέναι καὶ γόνατα παραλελυμένα . The figure of the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:12-13

The Christian treatment of the feeble. "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down," etc. I. THE LIABILITY TO FAINTNESS AND INFIRMITY IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE . This condition is variously described in the text. "The hands which hang down," relaxed, enervated, incapable of vigorous or healthy action. "The feeble knees," tottering and paralyzed. "That which is lame" indicates, says Afford, "that part of the Church which was wavering between Christianity and Judaism."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 12:12-17

A threefold cord of duty. The word "wherefore" ( Hebrews 12:12 ) connects this admonition with what goes before. For these reasons, says the apostle—since the Savior was subjected to such hard treatment at the hands of wicked men; since your own resistance to sin has not yet exposed you to bloodshed; since your very trials are an expression of God's fatherly love; and since his chastisements are fitted to be so profitable in their results—surely you will never allow yourselves to fall... read more

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