Hebrews 12:16

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Hebrews 12:16-17

Esau is a clear example of someone who apostatized; he despised his inheritance and forfeited it to satisfy his immediate desires. That is precisely what the writer warned his readers not to do in this letter. Esau could not regain his inheritance later when he repented. His decision had permanent consequences; he could not repent (cf. Hebrews 4:1; Hebrews 6:4-6). [Note: See Ellingworth, pp. 668-69; and Moffatt, p. 212.] His inability to repent was not a matter of forgiveness but of... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:1-29

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

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Hebrews 12:16

(16) Lest there be.—Better (as in the last verse), whether there be. Though Jewish tradition (see, for example, the Targum of Palestine on Genesis 25:29) affirms that Esau was a man of impure life, it is not probable that he is so represented in this verse. Here he is mentioned as a type of “the profane,” who care not for divine things, but only for the gains and pleasures of this world.Who for one morsel of meat.—Better, who for one meal sold his own birthright (Genesis 25:29-34). We cannot... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Hebrews 12:1-29

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:1-17

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Hebrews 12:1-29

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Hebrews 12:16

12:16 {11} Lest there [be] any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.(11) We must shun immorality, and a profane mind, that is, such a mind as does not give God his due honour, which wickedness, how severely God will at length punish, the horrible example of Esau teaches us. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:1-29

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

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:1-29

TRIUMPHS OF FAITH This lesson covers one of the many digressions alluded to and is first, an exhortation (Hebrews 10:19-25 ); secondly, a warning (Hebrews 10:26-31 ), and thirdly, an expression of comfort (Hebrews 10:32-39 ). This last touches on the principle of faith and gives occasion for an exhibition of its triumph in the lives of the Old Testament saints that makes the 11th chapter rank with the most notable in the Bible. The exhortation (Hebrews 10:19-25 ) keeps in mind that these... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Hebrews 12:1-29

The Euperistatos Heb 12:1 This text has often been used for the purpose of cheering discouraged and faint-hearted saints, by the doctrine that we are all watched by the living dead; so to say, they are gathered in infinite circles around our earth, and are watching our conduct in the race of life: and the very fact that we are being looked upon by such a cloud of observers should stir our energy, illumine our hope, confirm our purposes, and turn our very weakness into strength. That animated... read more

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