What does Hebrews 10:33 mean?
The "book" of Hebrews is really a letter, written to Jewish people who had converted to Christianity. As a result of that conversion, many suffered ridicule, abuse, or mistreatment. Those various forms of persecution tempted Jewish Christians to return to an easier, more socially acceptable religion. The writer of Hebrews goes to great lengths to explain why faith in Christ, despite persecution, is God's ultimate plan for our salvation. At the same time, he has provided dire warnings about the consequences of disobeying or dismissing God's will (Hebrews 6:1–8; Hebrews 10:26–31).In this particular instance, the persecuted believers are being reminded of how they've withstood such storms in the past (Hebrews 10:32). This is why the writer of Hebrews has so often followed warnings with notes of encouragement—he is speaking to those who have shown an ability to withstand pressure in the past (Hebrews 6:9–12). Later, the book of Hebrews will point out how martyrs for the faith were able to endure even worse experiences (Hebrews 11:36–38).