12:1 witnesses (a-11) Witness, in English, has two senses. 'seeing, so as to bear witness,' and 'giving testimony to.' The last only I apprehend is in the Greek here. sin (b-19) Or 'the sin.' entangles (c-23) Or 'besets.' The one Greek word here represents the whole phrase, 'which so easily entangles us.' read more
The Contest. Endurance, Holiness, and Divine Communion proposed to the Sons of GodInspired by the example of those victorious heroes of faith who now encompass us, we ought to run our race patiently, looking to Jesus the supreme example of patient endurance (Hebrews 12:1-2). The present sufferings are the discipline of a loving Father, and are actually evidence of our being His children. Be brave, therefore, and help others to be the same (Hebrews 12:3-13). Beware of strife and impurity, taking... read more
(1) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about.—Rather, Therefore let us also—since we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses—having put away all encumbrance and the sin . . . run with patient endurance the race that is set before us, looking, &c. (In so difficult a verse as this we need an exactness of translation which might not otherwise be desirable.) It is plain that the chief thought is, “Let us run our race with patient endurance, looking unto Jesus the Author . . .... read more
A Besetting Sin (a Lenten Sermon) Hebrews 12:1 Sin is a very difficult thing to define; it is so complex, so subtle. The Greek word which we translate for 'sin' means 'missing the mark'. What a true name that is for any sin which any of us commit! How sure it is, sooner or later, to 'miss the mark' for which we meant it. We do it with the idea that in some way or other it will give us pleasure. But does any sin, in the long run, give pleasure? Sins are very various, and of an infinite number... read more
0-40CHAPTER XIII.A CLOUD OF WITNESSES."By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot... read more
CHAPTER XIV.CONFLICT."Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners... read more
CHAPTER 12 1. Looking away unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2 ) 2. The Contradiction of sinners (Hebrews 12:3-4 ) 3. Chastened as sons (Hebrews 12:5-11 ) 4. Exhortations (Hebrews 12:12-17 ) 5. The end of faith (Hebrews 12:18-24 ) 6. The final warning (Hebrews 12:25-29 ) Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with steadfastness the race lying before... read more
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, {1} let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which {a} doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,(1) An applying of the former examples, by which we ought to be stirred up to run the whole race, casting away all hindrances and impediments.(a) For sin besieges us on all sides, so that we cannot escape. read more
How rightly now Chapter 12 admonishes the saints of God to act by faith; for where faith is in godly exer-cise, every honorable and true responsibility will be willingly assumed, with the confidence of Divine help to enable its faithful discharge. "Wherefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of wit-nesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author... read more
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Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 12:1-13
B. Demonstrating Necessary Endurance 12:1-13The writer followed up his scriptural exposition with another final exhortation (chs. 12-13). This is a pattern he followed consistently throughout this epistle. He first called on his readers to persevere faithfully so they would not lose any of their reward. This section is chiastic.A A call to run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1-3) B Explanation of the role of suffering (Hebrews 12:4-11)A’ A call to renew commitment to endure (Hebrews 12:12-13) read more