Hebrews 12:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

NIV: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,

NASB: Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let’s rid ourselves of every obstacle and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with endurance the race that is set before us,

CSB: Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us,

NLT: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

KJV: Wherefore 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 patience the race that is set before us,

NKJV: Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Chapter and verse divisions were not part of the original written texts of the Bible. Verses 1 and 2 of chapter 12 flow naturally from the end of chapter 11, providing a direct application of the points made in that passage.

Previously, the writer of Hebrews listed dramatic examples of God's use of faith. This included references to personal examples of faith, such as Abraham (Hebrews 11:17–19), as well as some of the amazing feats which Old Testament believers were able to achieve (Hebrews 11:30–35). And yet, this discussion also included mention of the hardships faced by these faithful ones (Hebrews 11:35–38). Amazingly, God's love for us—those who are still able to hear and respond to the gospel today—is the reason He has waited to fully deliver His ultimate victory over sin and suffering (Hebrews 11:39–40).

This is why this verse begins with the appropriate word "therefore." All of the prior reasoning, including chapter 10's warning about falling away, the definition of godly faith, the catalog of heroes, the list of victories, the reminder of suffering, and the encouragement of God's love, has led to this point: an application of the truth. What should we do with this awesome information?

The writer's answer is deceptively simple, and easy to misunderstand when this verse is taken out of context. The proper response of a Christian, given all of the "witnesses" to godly faith, and their success despite their hardships, and in light of God's loving patience, is to purposefully shed our sins and selfishness and "hold fast" as we strive to fulfill the plans God has in store for us. All we know of God's former work should inspire us to complete, dedicated devotion to His will.

As the next verse will remind us, the ultimate example of this is Christ Himself. Not only did Jesus exemplify how we ought to live our lives (Hebrews 2:10–11), He did so by resisting all of the temptations we face (Hebrews 4:15), and with a firm understanding that His suffering was part of God's plan to "work together for good" everything for His glory and our benefit (Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:8–11).

Hebrews 11:32—12:2 is one of Scripture's most stirring and inspirational passages. The theme of earlier verses was Old Testament heroes who exemplified faith, defined as a forward-looking trust in God. The emphasis of these examples moved from general faith, to faith in the face of hard choices, to faith resulting in victory. Here, the writer includes all of these, in a rapid-fire list of people who demonstrated the power of true, godly faith. As a letter delivered to persecuted Jewish Christians, these examples are meant to be encouraging and inspiring, as well as convicting. God waited to deliver the ultimate fulfillment of His promises so that we—those who are alive now—would have an opportunity to be saved. Given that privilege, Christians ought to strive to endure, and to hold fast, living out that same godly faith.

Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''

Hebrews chapter 12 builds on the example of the heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11. The main point of this lesson is that these figures endured suffering and hardship, yet held to their faith in God, which allowed them to achieve victory. Chapter 12, in particular, points out that earthly hardship is not a sign of God's displeasure, or abandonment. Rather, it's part of living in a fallen, godless world. And, in many cases, it's a form of ''training'' the Lord uses to mold us into more powerful instruments. This, as with other passages in Hebrews, leads into another explanation of why we should take these ideas seriously, and sets up a few final practical lessons in chapter 13.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.