A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews

AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Person (1:1—4:13)Superior Person (1:1—4:13)

Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Prophets (1:1-3)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Angels (1:4—2:18)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Moses (3:1-19)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)Superior to Joshua (4:1-13)

Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior Priest (4:14—7:28)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Aaron (4:14—6:12)Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—Superior to Melchizedek (6:13—

7:10)7:10)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)Superior to Levi (7:11-28)

Hebrews: Christ Is Superior!Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)Superior Pact to Moses’ (8:1—10:18)

Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Promises (8:1-13)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sanctuary (9:1-15)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Sacrifice (9:16-28)Superior Results (10:1-18)Superior Results (10:1-18)

Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ Superior Principle (Faith) to Moses’ (10:19—13:25)(10:19—13:25)

Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Things (10:19-39)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior Actions (11:1-40)Superior RelationshipSuperior Relationship (12:1-29)(12:1-29)

but… We’ll only get to verses 1-3 today.

Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)Superior Way of Life (13:1-25)

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great a by so great a cloud of cloud of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

HebrewHebrews s 12:1 12:1

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by by so great a so great a cloud of cloud of witnesseswitnesses, let , let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

This phrase This phrase includes all the includes all the heroes allud-ed to heroes allud-ed to in in chapter 11; in ; in fact, I’m person-fact, I’m person-ally convinced ally convinced that this phrase that this phrase refers to every refers to every saint from Adam saint from Adam to these He-to these He-brews, especially brews, especially those who had those who had been martyred in been martyred in God’s service.God’s service.

This phrase This phrase includes all the includes all the heroes allud-ed to heroes allud-ed to in in chapter 11; in ; in fact, I’m person-fact, I’m person-ally convinced ally convinced that this phrase that this phrase refers to every refers to every saint from Adam saint from Adam to these He-to these He-brews, especially brews, especially those who had those who had been martyred in been martyred in God’s service.God’s service.

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloud cloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

The Greek term The Greek term here isn’t here isn’t nephelenephele ((an iso-lated, an iso-lated, definable clouddefinable cloud), ), but but nephosnephos ( (an an unde-finable cloud, unde-finable cloud, covering the covering the entirety of the visi-entirety of the visi-ble skyble sky). ).

The Greek term The Greek term here isn’t here isn’t nephelenephele ((an iso-lated, an iso-lated, definable clouddefinable cloud), ), but but nephosnephos ( (an an unde-finable cloud, unde-finable cloud, covering the covering the entirety of the visi-entirety of the visi-ble skyble sky). ).

The use of the word The use of the word cloud for for a mass of peoplea mass of people became an became an

idiom: Homer wrote of idiom: Homer wrote of a cloud

of foot-men, a cloud of Trojans, and The-mistocles , and The-mistocles

referred to Xerxes’ army as referred to Xerxes’ army as so great a cloud of men. Why? . Why?

Probably because of the Probably because of the cloud cloud of dustof dust that an army of men, that an army of men,

horses, and chariots created in horses, and chariots created in those days of unpaved roads. those days of unpaved roads.

So… So…

We shouldn’t think it’s strange We shouldn’t think it’s strange when Jesuswhen Jesus spokespoke ofof His comingHis coming

against Jeru-salem on against Jeru-salem on a cloud ( (Luke 21:27) since He would do so via the ) since He would do so via the Roman army.Roman army.

God spoke of the army of Gog God spoke of the army of Gog attacking Israel as attacking Israel as coming like a storm, covering the land like a cloud ( (Eze. 38:9 && 16).).

WhenWhen GodGod prophesiedprophesied aboutabout HisHis

coming against Egypt, He said, coming against Egypt, He said, The Lord rides on a swift cloud & will come into Egypt ( (Isa. 19:1). And ). And how did He do that? Via the how did He do that? Via the Babylonian army (Babylonian army (Eze. 32:11ff).).

When JeremiahWhen Jeremiah prophesiedprophesied aboutabout

God’s comingGod’s coming againstagainst JerusalemJerusalem viavia

thethe Baby-lonian army, he said Baby-lonian army, he said He shall come up like clouds, and His

chariots like a whirl-wind ( (4:13). ). Probably because of such Probably because of such apocalyptic language…apocalyptic language…

Nahum said of God, Nahum said of God, The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet ( (1:3). ). So… So…

Why should there be a problem Why should there be a problem with Christ’s apocalyptic language with Christ’s apocalyptic language when He spoke of coming against when He spoke of coming against Jerusalem via the Roman army Jerusalem via the Roman army on the clouds ( (Mat. 24: 29 && 26:64)? The )? The point is this:point is this:

Let’sLet’s allowallow thethe BibleBible toto explainexplain thethe Bible in every case possible, Bible in every case possible, keeping in mind that, before we keeping in mind that, before we can ever accurately ap-ply the can ever accurately ap-ply the Bible, we first must understand Bible, we first must understand how the original audience how the original audience understood it, or was at least understood it, or was at least meant to understand it; as one meant to understand it; as one writer said,writer said, A verse can never A verse can never mean what it never meantmean what it never meant!!

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesseswitnesses, let , let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

The original term The original term for thisfor this wordword isis thethe term from term from which we get our which we get our word “martyr.” word “martyr.” However, it However, it wasn’t always wasn’t always used to refer to used to refer to those who were those who were slain for a cause; slain for a cause; it could also refer it could also refer to those who to those who were (were (as translated as translated herehere) mere ) mere witnesses to/of to/of something. So, in something. So, in this case… this case…

The original term The original term for thisfor this wordword isis thethe term from term from which we get our which we get our word “martyr.” word “martyr.” However, it However, it wasn’t always wasn’t always used to refer to used to refer to those who were those who were slain for a cause; slain for a cause; it could also refer it could also refer to those who to those who were (were (as translated as translated herehere) mere ) mere witnesses to/of to/of something. So, in something. So, in this case… this case…

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesseswitnesses, let , let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

Whether they Whether they died as martyrs or died as martyrs or not, Paulnot, Paul calledcalled thethe faith-ful faith-ful saints before his saints before his time time a great cloud of witnesses. Wit-. Wit-nesses to/of nesses to/of what? Witnesses what? Witnesses of what faith can of what faith can do! I.e….do! I.e….

Whether they Whether they died as martyrs or died as martyrs or not, Paulnot, Paul calledcalled thethe faith-ful faith-ful saints before his saints before his time time a great cloud of witnesses. Wit-. Wit-nesses to/of nesses to/of what? Witnesses what? Witnesses of what faith can of what faith can do! I.e….do! I.e….

I don’t believe Paul was saying I don’t believe Paul was saying that the that the dead could literally see dead could literally see these Christians;these Christians; rather, just as rather, just as God bore witness to the God bore witness to the faithfulness of the saints of faithfulness of the saints of chapter 11, they were in turn , they were in turn bearing witness of God’s bearing witness of God’s faithfulness to these brethren, faithfulness to these brethren, thus cheering them on. By the thus cheering them on. By the way…way…

Since Since chapter 11 is really just an is really just an ex-tendedex-tended parentheticalparenthetical illustration,illustration, mean-ing that mean-ing that chapter 10 actually flows into actually flows into chapter 12, , then we can see how that the then we can see how that the comments on comments on 10:39 correspond to correspond to what we’re saying here. I.e…. what we’re saying here. I.e….

When Paul said, When Paul said, We aren’t for shrinking back to destruction, but for faithfulness to the saving of our souls, he wasn’t speaking as if , he wasn’t speaking as if they had no free-will,they had no free-will,but as if he were a cheerleader or but as if he were a cheerleader or an inspiring coach saying…an inspiring coach saying…

Paul: “So what’re we going do?!?!” “So what’re we going do?!?!”

Team: “We’re going to win!!!!” “We’re going to win!!!!”

Paul: “What’re we going to do?!?!” “What’re we going to do?!?!”

Team: “We’re going to win!!!!” “We’re going to win!!!!” So… So…

Doing what Paul did here in Doing what Paul did here in chapter 12 … … with the with the cloud of

witnesses and even with and even with Jesus in in verses 2-3 … was a natural form of … was a natural form of

motivation: Just as every suc-motivation: Just as every suc-ceedingceeding teamteam triestries toto dodo atat least as least as well as its predecessors, so these well as its predecessors, so these

Christians were to try to do at Christians were to try to do at least as well asleast as well as their ancestors, their ancestors,

remembering what they had remembering what they had accomplished in order to get them accomplished in order to get them

to where they were!to where they were!

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us us lay asidelay aside every weight every weight and the sin and the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

This is translated This is translated as as cast offcast off when when Paul said to Paul said to cast off the works of darkness ( (Rom. 13:12) and as ) and as put put offoff when he said when he said to to put off … the old man ( (Eph. 4:22); in ); in Acts 7:58 Young’s literal Young’s literal version says that version says that those who stoned those who stoned Stephen Stephen put downput down their clothing.their clothing.

This is translated This is translated as as cast offcast off when when Paul said to Paul said to cast off the works of darkness ( (Rom. 13:12) and as ) and as put put offoff when he said when he said to to put off … the old man ( (Eph. 4:22); in ); in Acts 7:58 Young’s literal Young’s literal version says that version says that those who stoned those who stoned Stephen Stephen put downput down their clothing.their clothing.

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnaresensnares us, & us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

This is from a This is from a term referring to term referring to some-thing that some-thing that totally surrounds totally surrounds someonesomeone, , meaning that meaning that it’s it’s certain to cause certain to cause him to stumble him to stumble and falland fall; because ; because of this and the of this and the context of this context of this entire book, Paul entire book, Paul was very likely re-was very likely re-ferring to…ferring to…

This is from a This is from a term referring to term referring to some-thing that some-thing that totally surrounds totally surrounds someonesomeone, , meaning that meaning that it’s it’s certain to cause certain to cause him to stumble him to stumble and falland fall; because ; because of this and the of this and the context of this context of this entire book, Paul entire book, Paul was very likely re-was very likely re-ferring to…ferring to…

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and and the sin the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

… … the one and the one and only sin that only sin that could cause themcould cause them

toto apostatizeapostatize — — the sin of unbelief the sin of unbelief or doubt in God or doubt in God and His promisesand His promises..

… … the one and the one and only sin that only sin that could cause themcould cause them

toto apostatizeapostatize — — the sin of unbelief the sin of unbelief or doubt in God or doubt in God and His promisesand His promises..

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every every weightweight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

TheThe weight thatthat Paul advised Paul advised them to put off is them to put off is from a term from a term referring to referring to bulkbulk or or surplus fleshsurplus flesh——fatfat..

And there are two And there are two acceptable acceptable interpre-tations interpre-tations concerning what concerning what Paul had in mind Paul had in mind by his use of this by his use of this term: term:

TheThe weight thatthat Paul advised Paul advised them to put off is them to put off is from a term from a term referring to referring to bulkbulk or or surplus fleshsurplus flesh——fatfat..

And there are two And there are two acceptable acceptable interpre-tations interpre-tations concerning what concerning what Paul had in mind Paul had in mind by his use of this by his use of this term: term:

1. It could refer to how that going It could refer to how that going back to or continuing to observe back to or continuing to observe various OT ceremonies, etc. was various OT ceremonies, etc. was nothing but a hin-drance since nothing but a hin-drance since

they meant nothing any-more: of they meant nothing any-more: of the Galatians Paul asked, the Galatians Paul asked, But now after you have known God … how

is it that you turn again to the weak

and beggarly elements to which you desire again to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid of you lest I have labored for you in

vain ( (4:9-11). Or… ). Or…

2. It could refer to how that they It could refer to how that they need-ed to seriously consider need-ed to seriously consider

trimming from their lives anything trimming from their lives anything that wasthat was hinderinghindering theirtheir progress progress ((regardless of how lawful it was in/of regardless of how lawful it was in/of

itselfitself);); theythey were to have the were to have the attitude that said, attitude that said, All that doesn’t All that doesn’t help, hindershelp, hinders. This interpretation . This interpretation

reminds me of how, in his reminds me of how, in his discussion of getting married discussion of getting married versus remaining single, Paul versus remaining single, Paul

wrote the Corinthian Christians, wrote the Corinthian Christians, saying, saying, to the unmarried and

widows: it is good for them if they remain even as I am—single (—single (1:7:8). ).

Why? Why? Because of the present distress ( (v. 26). So… ). So…

Not only were they to put off or to Not only were they to put off or to put put down their sin of doubt, but down their sin of doubt, but

they werethey were even advised to put off even advised to put off or to put down things that weren’t or to put down things that weren’t

necessarily sinful in and of necessarily sinful in and of themselves—things that might be themselves—things that might be lawful, but things that would still lawful, but things that would still

hinder them on their course; so, to hinder them on their course; so, to put it curtly, spiritually they put it curtly, spiritually they

needed to needed to bulk downbulk down and and buck upbuck up!!

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us runlet us run with with pati-ence the pati-ence the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

ThisThis isis inin thethe present tense, present tense, bespeaking a day-bespeaking a day-by-day, life-long by-day, life-long determination; determination; i.e., they were i.e., they were being told that being told that they could not set they could not set time limits on God time limits on God such as by saying such as by saying things like, “Well, things like, “Well, I’ll be faithful I’ll be faithful until such and until such and such a time, but such a time, but by then things by then things had better be had better be different.”different.”

ThisThis isis inin thethe present tense, present tense, bespeaking a day-bespeaking a day-by-day, life-long by-day, life-long determination; determination; i.e., they were i.e., they were being told that being told that they could not set they could not set time limits on God time limits on God such as by saying such as by saying things like, “Well, things like, “Well, I’ll be faithful I’ll be faithful until such and until such and such a time, but such a time, but by then things by then things had better be had better be different.”different.”

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence pati-ence the the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

ThisThis isis fromfrom thethe term for term for enduranceendurance or or perseveranceperseverance, not , not mere mere patience; ; it’s that “keep on it’s that “keep on keep-ing on” keep-ing on” concept that has concept that has been the theme of been the theme of the entire book. the entire book. (No one ever won (No one ever won a race by a race by patience.)patience.)

ThisThis isis fromfrom thethe term for term for enduranceendurance or or perseveranceperseverance, not , not mere mere patience; ; it’s that “keep on it’s that “keep on keep-ing on” keep-ing on” concept that has concept that has been the theme of been the theme of the entire book. the entire book. (No one ever won (No one ever won a race by a race by patience.)patience.)

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence pati-ence the the race that is set race that is set before us…before us…

Paul was telling Paul was telling them to press for-them to press for-ward, not ward, not allowing anything allowing anything or anyone to keep or anyone to keep them from their them from their goal. To the goal. To the Galatian Galatian Christians who Christians who were dealing with were dealing with similar diffi-similar diffi-culties, he wrote, culties, he wrote, You ran well. Who hindered you ((5:7)?)?

Paul was telling Paul was telling them to press for-them to press for-ward, not ward, not allowing anything allowing anything or anyone to keep or anyone to keep them from their them from their goal. To the goal. To the Galatian Galatian Christians who Christians who were dealing with were dealing with similar diffi-similar diffi-culties, he wrote, culties, he wrote, You ran well. Who hindered you ((5:7)?)?

Therefore we Therefore we also, since we also, since we are sur-rounded are sur-rounded by so great aby so great a cloudcloud of of witnesses, let witnesses, let us lay aside us lay aside every weight every weight and the sinand the sin which so easily which so easily ensnares us, & ensnares us, & let us run with let us run with pati-ence the pati-ence the racerace that is set that is set before us…before us…

This would likely This would likely be better be better translated as translated as coursecourse; after all, ; after all, it was something it was something set before them, them, Paul said. Now on Paul said. Now on to… to…

This would likely This would likely be better be better translated as translated as coursecourse; after all, ; after all, it was something it was something set before them, them, Paul said. Now on Paul said. Now on to… to…

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.



After confronting After confronting them at length them at length with their faithful with their faithful human ancestors, human ancestors, Paul then turned Paul then turned to confront them to confront them with their with their Messiah—Jesus.Messiah—Jesus.

After confronting After confronting them at length them at length with their faithful with their faithful human ancestors, human ancestors, Paul then turned Paul then turned to confront them to confront them with their with their Messiah—Jesus.Messiah—Jesus.


This means This means to to turn one’s eyes or turn one’s eyes or mind from one mind from one thing, in order to thing, in order to fix them on fix them on something elsesomething else. . And… And…

This means This means to to turn one’s eyes or turn one’s eyes or mind from one mind from one thing, in order to thing, in order to fix them on fix them on something elsesomething else. . And… And…


This was This was appropriateappropriate here here because if a because if a runner ever took runner ever took his eyes off his his eyes off his course, he’d lose course, he’d lose speed or stumble speed or stumble and fall—he had and fall—he had to have total to have total concentration on concentration on his task at hand. his task at hand. (Cf. Peter when he (Cf. Peter when he was walking on was walking on water until he took water until he took his eyes off Jesus, his eyes off Jesus, Mat. 14:22-33.).) Likewise… Likewise…

This was This was appropriateappropriate here here because if a because if a runner ever took runner ever took his eyes off his his eyes off his course, he’d lose course, he’d lose speed or stumble speed or stumble and fall—he had and fall—he had to have total to have total concentration on concentration on his task at hand. his task at hand. (Cf. Peter when he (Cf. Peter when he was walking on was walking on water until he took water until he took his eyes off Jesus, his eyes off Jesus, Mat. 14:22-33.).) Likewise… Likewise…


These Hebrews These Hebrews had to keep their had to keep their minds off any minds off any weights or sins weights or sins which would slow which would slow them down or them down or cause them to cause them to stum-ble & fall … stum-ble & fall … spiritu-ally spiritu-ally speaking! And speaking! And what &/or who what &/or who was their goal? was their goal? Jesus..

These Hebrews These Hebrews had to keep their had to keep their minds off any minds off any weights or sins weights or sins which would slow which would slow them down or them down or cause them to cause them to stum-ble & fall … stum-ble & fall … spiritu-ally spiritu-ally speaking! And speaking! And what &/or who what &/or who was their goal? was their goal? Jesus..

……lookinglooking toto JesusJesus, the , the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

By By Jesus here, here, Paul didn’t just Paul didn’t just mean Jesus as a mean Jesus as a person, but person, but everything that everything that Jesus symbolizedJesus symbolized; ; i.e., Paul was i.e., Paul was allud-ing back to allud-ing back to the ideas of the ideas of 10:36-37—Christ’s —Christ’s soon com-ing to soon com-ing to wrap up the wrap up the promises with the promises with the fullness of the fullness of the eter-nal kingdom!eter-nal kingdom!

By By Jesus here, here, Paul didn’t just Paul didn’t just mean Jesus as a mean Jesus as a person, but person, but everything that everything that Jesus symbolizedJesus symbolized; ; i.e., Paul was i.e., Paul was allud-ing back to allud-ing back to the ideas of the ideas of 10:36-37—Christ’s —Christ’s soon com-ing to soon com-ing to wrap up the wrap up the promises with the promises with the fullness of the fullness of the eter-nal kingdom!eter-nal kingdom!

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the authorauthor and and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

This is from a This is from a term which refers term which refers to to a leadera leader—the —the one who began one who began the race and the race and whose example whose example was to be was to be emulated as in emulated as in our game “Follow our game “Follow the Leader.”the Leader.”

This is from a This is from a term which refers term which refers to to a leadera leader—the —the one who began one who began the race and the race and whose example whose example was to be was to be emulated as in emulated as in our game “Follow our game “Follow the Leader.”the Leader.”

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the authorauthor and and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

Jesus said, Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. … Since they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you ((John 15:18 && 20). ). But, He went on , He went on to say later, to say later, be of good cheer, [for] I have overcome the world ( (John 16:33).). By the By the way… way…

Jesus said, Jesus said, If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. … Since they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you ((John 15:18 && 20). ). But, He went on , He went on to say later, to say later, be of good cheer, [for] I have overcome the world ( (John 16:33).). By the By the way… way…

John 16:33 is a classic case of the is a classic case of the already-but-not-yetalready-but-not-yet principle we principle we talked about in a previous study. talked about in a previous study. Not only had Jesus not come back Not only had Jesus not come back to restore all things yet, He hadn’t to restore all things yet, He hadn’t died yet when He made this state-died yet when He made this state-

ment. This principle just means ment. This principle just means that God can say something has that God can say something has

been accomplished because been accomplished because there’s no way that it won’t be, for there’s no way that it won’t be, for

He has seen it happen or has at He has seen it happen or has at least set events in motion to make least set events in motion to make sure it occurs just as He desires.sure it occurs just as He desires.

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisherfinisher of our of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

This is from a This is from a term meaning term meaning to to bring to anbring to an endend,, thenthen toto com- pletecom- plete or or perfectperfect; so ; so Jesus wasn’t only Jesus wasn’t only the One who the One who started the race, started the race, but He was also but He was also the One who the One who finished it by finished it by bring-ingbring-ing allall thingsthings toto their their fulfillment. He is fulfillment. He is the beginning and the end ( (Rev. 22:13).).

This is from a This is from a term meaning term meaning to to bring to anbring to an endend,, thenthen toto com- pletecom- plete or or perfectperfect; so ; so Jesus wasn’t only Jesus wasn’t only the One who the One who started the race, started the race, but He was also but He was also the One who the One who finished it by finished it by bring-ingbring-ing allall thingsthings toto their their fulfillment. He is fulfillment. He is the beginning and the end ( (Rev. 22:13).).

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of finisher of our our faithfaith, who, for , who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

This shouldn’t be This shouldn’t be translated subjec-translated subjec-tively as tively as our faith, faith, but objectively as but objectively as the faith, faith, referring to the referring to the religion of God, religion of God, especially that of especially that of the new, univer-the new, univer-sal, and final sal, and final testa-ment. So testa-ment. So while their while their ancestors were ancestors were he-roes and he-roes and models of God’s models of God’s religion, Jesus religion, Jesus was the author was the author and finisher of it.and finisher of it.

This shouldn’t be This shouldn’t be translated subjec-translated subjec-tively as tively as our faith, faith, but objectively as but objectively as the faith, faith, referring to the referring to the religion of God, religion of God, especially that of especially that of the new, univer-the new, univer-sal, and final sal, and final testa-ment. So testa-ment. So while their while their ancestors were ancestors were he-roes and he-roes and models of God’s models of God’s religion, Jesus religion, Jesus was the author was the author and finisher of it.and finisher of it.

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Himset before Him, , en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has has sat down at sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of GodGod..

The joy set before The joy set before Jesus appears to Jesus appears to be thebe the prospectprospect ofof what it would what it would mean to sit down mean to sit down at the right hand at the right hand of God, viz. of God, viz. reversing the reversing the tragic defeat of tragic defeat of humanity in Eden; humanity in Eden; i.e., Christ’s joy is i.e., Christ’s joy is experienced in experienced in bringing many sons to glory ((2:10).).

The joy set before The joy set before Jesus appears to Jesus appears to be thebe the prospectprospect ofof what it would what it would mean to sit down mean to sit down at the right hand at the right hand of God, viz. of God, viz. reversing the reversing the tragic defeat of tragic defeat of humanity in Eden; humanity in Eden; i.e., Christ’s joy is i.e., Christ’s joy is experienced in experienced in bringing many sons to glory ((2:10).).

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, faith, who, forfor the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

Since the original Since the original term for term for for here here is is antianti ( (meaning meaning instead ofinstead of), not ), not eiseis ((meaning meaning in order in order toto), some be-lieve ), some be-lieve Paul wasn’t Paul wasn’t saying that Jesus saying that Jesus endured the endured the suffer-ing of the suffer-ing of the cross in order cross in order to to obtainobtain futurefuture joy, joy, but that He but that He suffered suffered instead instead ofof retaining retaining pastpast joy, i.e. the joy of joy, i.e. the joy of His preincarnate His preincarnate life (life (Php. 2:6-8). ). But… But…

Since the original Since the original term for term for for here here is is antianti ( (meaning meaning instead ofinstead of), not ), not eiseis ((meaning meaning in order in order toto), some be-lieve ), some be-lieve Paul wasn’t Paul wasn’t saying that Jesus saying that Jesus endured the endured the suffer-ing of the suffer-ing of the cross in order cross in order to to obtainobtain futurefuture joy, joy, but that He but that He suffered suffered instead instead ofof retaining retaining pastpast joy, i.e. the joy of joy, i.e. the joy of His preincarnate His preincarnate life (life (Php. 2:6-8). ). But… But…

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, faith, who, forfor the joy that was the joy that was set before Himset before Him, , en-dured the en-dured the cross, despising cross, despising the shame, and the shame, and has has sat down at sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of GodGod..

Since Since antianti can can also mean also mean for the for the sake ofsake of ( (Heb. 12:16), and since ), and since the phrase the phrase set before Him is the is the same as in same as in verse 1 with reference with reference to a to a futurefuture course, and course, and since since Paul was clear-Paul was clear- ly ly correlating the correlating the two,two, thenthen the joy bebe-- fore Christ fore Christ here musthere must also be also be a reference to a reference to something that something that was in His was in His futurefuture,, notnot in His past. in His past.

Since Since antianti can can also mean also mean for the for the sake ofsake of ( (Heb. 12:16), and since ), and since the phrase the phrase set before Him is the is the same as in same as in verse 1 with reference with reference to a to a futurefuture course, and course, and since since Paul was clear-Paul was clear- ly ly correlating the correlating the two,two, thenthen the joy bebe-- fore Christ fore Christ here musthere must also be also be a reference to a reference to something that something that was in His was in His futurefuture,, notnot in His past. in His past.

……lookinglooking toto Jesus, the Jesus, the author and author and finisher of our finisher of our faith, who, for faith, who, for the joy that was the joy that was set before Him, set before Him, en-dured the en-dured the crosscross, despising , despising the shame, and the shame, and has sat down at has sat down at the right hand the right hand of the throne of of the throne of God.God.

Literally it says Literally it says that He that He endured a cross. .

Crucifixion was Crucifixion was con-sidered a con-sidered a shameful death shameful death for at least three for at least three reasons: reasons:

Literally it says Literally it says that He that He endured a cross. .

Crucifixion was Crucifixion was con-sidered a con-sidered a shameful death shameful death for at least three for at least three reasons: reasons:

1. It was reserved for the worst It was reserved for the worst crimes.crimes.

2. The victim was crucified nude. The victim was crucified nude. And…And…

3. The victim was considered The victim was considered accursed accursed of God ( of God (Deu. 21:23 & & Gal. 3:13).).

All this is why Paul said that Jesus All this is why Paul said that Jesus was obedient, not just to death, was obedient, not just to death, but but even the death of a cross ( (Php 2:8). So…). So…

If Jesus endured a cross of shame If Jesus endured a cross of shame for these Hebrews, surely they for these Hebrews, surely they should’ve been willing to endure should’ve been willing to endure their little diffi-culties for Him. their little diffi-culties for Him. Finally… Finally…

For consider For consider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostility from hostility from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, lest Him-self, lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discouraged in discouraged in your souls.your souls.


ForFor consider consider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostility from hostility from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, lest Him-self, lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discouraged in discouraged in your souls.your souls.

This introduces This introduces the reason why the reason why these brethren these brethren were ex-horted to were ex-horted to look to the author look to the author and finisher of and finisher of their faith.their faith.

This introduces This introduces the reason why the reason why these brethren these brethren were ex-horted to were ex-horted to look to the author look to the author and finisher of and finisher of their faith.their faith.

For For considerconsider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostility from hostility from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, lest Him-self, lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discouraged in discouraged in your souls.your souls.

This means This means to to calcu-late and calcu-late and comparecompare; i.e., ; i.e., they were told to they were told to calculate the cost calculate the cost of their salvation of their salvation by adding up all by adding up all the hostility and the hostility and opposi-tionopposi-tion thatthat theirtheir Savior Savior suffered, then suffered, then com-pare that com-pare that cost to the price cost to the price of remaining of remaining faithful to Him faithful to Him and His cause. and His cause.

This means This means to to calcu-late and calcu-late and comparecompare; i.e., ; i.e., they were told to they were told to calculate the cost calculate the cost of their salvation of their salvation by adding up all by adding up all the hostility and the hostility and opposi-tionopposi-tion thatthat theirtheir Savior Savior suffered, then suffered, then com-pare that com-pare that cost to the price cost to the price of remaining of remaining faithful to Him faithful to Him and His cause. and His cause.

For consider For consider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostilityhostility from from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, lest Him-self, lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discouraged in discouraged in your souls.your souls.

This refers to This refers to oppo-sition in oppo-sition in both word and both word and deeddeed; this same ; this same word is translated word is translated rebellion in in Jude 11. So He . So He experienced experienced hostile rebellionhostile rebellion, , the likes of which the likes of which these brethren these brethren certainly hadn’t certainly hadn’t seen (seen (cf. cf. v. 4).).

This refers to This refers to oppo-sition in oppo-sition in both word and both word and deeddeed; this same ; this same word is translated word is translated rebellion in in Jude 11. So He . So He experienced experienced hostile rebellionhostile rebellion, , the likes of which the likes of which these brethren these brethren certainly hadn’t certainly hadn’t seen (seen (cf. cf. v. 4).).

When concluding his letter to the When concluding his letter to the Gala-tianGala-tian ChristiansChristians whowho ((as as mentioned earliermentioned earlier) were dealing with ) were dealing with similar difficulties, Paulsimilar difficulties, Paul wrote,wrote, Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we don’t lose heart ( (Gal. 6:9).).

Peter, who also wrote to Peter, who also wrote to encourage suffering Christians, encourage suffering Christians, said, said, When you do good and suffer for it, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps ( (1 Pet. 2:21).).

For consider For consider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostility from hostility from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, lest Him-self, lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discouraged in discouraged in your your soulssouls..

This is from a This is from a term that simply term that simply means means liveslives; some ; some versions translateversions translate

itit asas minds..

This is from a This is from a term that simply term that simply means means liveslives; some ; some versions translateversions translate

itit asas minds..

For consider For consider Him who Him who endured such endured such hostility from hostility from sin-ners against sin-ners against Him-self, Him-self, lest lest you be-come you be-come weary and weary and discourageddiscouraged in in your souls.your souls.

Being Being weary refers to refers to tirednesstiredness, while , while being being discouraged refersrefers toto

exhaustionexhaustion, that , that which results in which results in givinggiving upup oror

quittingquitting;; Clarke Clarke

indicatedindicated that the that the original langu-ageoriginal langu-age

herehere isis whatwhat was was used of a used of a contender incontender in aa

game who yield-game who yield-ed to his ed to his opponent due to opponent due to weariness & weariness & exhaustion.exhaustion.

Being Being weary refers to refers to tirednesstiredness, while , while being being discouraged refersrefers toto

exhaustionexhaustion, that , that which results in which results in givinggiving upup oror

quittingquitting;; Clarke Clarke

indicatedindicated that the that the original langu-ageoriginal langu-age

herehere isis whatwhat was was used of a used of a contender incontender in aa

game who yield-game who yield-ed to his ed to his opponent due to opponent due to weariness & weariness & exhaustion.exhaustion.

Let me conclude by quoting Albert Let me conclude by quoting Albert Barnes on this verse. Speaking of Barnes on this verse. Speaking of what Jesus endured, he wrote: what Jesus endured, he wrote: The The reference is to the Jews of the time reference is to the Jews of the time of the Savior, who opposed His of the Savior, who opposed His plans, perverted His sayings, and plans, perverted His sayings, and ridiculed His claims. Yet, ridiculed His claims. Yet, regardless of their opposition, He regardless of their opposition, He per-severed in the course which He per-severed in the course which He had marked out and went patiently had marked out and went patiently forward in the execution of His forward in the execution of His plans.plans.

Then, paraphrasing it slightly for Then, paraphrasing it slightly for our purposes here, he went on to our purposes here, he went on to say…say…

TheThe ideaidea isis thatthat theythey werewere toto

pursuepursue the path of duty, letting the the path of duty, letting the world say what it would. In doing world say what it would. In doing this, they couldn’t find a better this, they couldn’t find a better

example than the Savior. No example than the Savior. No opposition of sinners ever turned opposition of sinners ever turned

Him from the way which He Him from the way which He regarded as right; no ridicule ever regarded as right; no ridicule ever caused Him to abandon any of His caused Him to abandon any of His plans; and no argu-ment or scorn plans; and no argu-ment or scorn ever caused Him to devi-ate from ever caused Him to devi-ate from

His course.His course.

Paraphrase: Paraphrase: Since we’re surrounded by so many witnesses of God’s

faithfulness and of what faith can do, let’s get strict with ourselves: let’s not merely rid ourselves of the sin which causes us to leave our God, but let’s even cut out of our lives

things which just get in our way of reaching His goal for us; and we can do this by taking our eyes off those

things and placing them only on Jesus—the One who not only con-

ceived this journey we’re on, but who also traveled it and finished it ahead

of us. Be-sides that, consider the extreme difficulty He suffered as our leader in order to aid us in bolstering

our determination..

Documents

A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews