Subject: Suffering and God's providence |
Bible Note: 12:1 – Notice, those “cloud of witnesses” included those that were persecuted. Therefore, the writer of Hebrews urges them to everything (including personal sin) that would hinder them from persevering (cf. 10:19-22). Again, they are exhorted to perseverance in view of the examples of the faith of those in chapter 11 who held onto the promises of God despite persecution. Heb 12:2 – I agree, Jesus death was the perfect and ultimate example of one who endured all, but what is specifically mentioned is persecution, especially when chapter 11 is included. Heb 12:3 – It seems to me this verse continues the thought within the context of persecution. Heb 12:4 – The only difference at present being was that their “struggle” was not bloody (cf. 10:32-34). It does not seem to me that personal sin is the emphasis here, although it need not be ruled out as part of the thought. Heb 12:5 – – Considering this verse comes right after dealing with examples of those who experienced persecution for their faith (i.e. chapter 11), I’m not entirely convinced. The apostle may be using the Hebrew text in proverbs but with a slight variation on the theme (from discipline to persecution) or an integration of two themes (persecution and discipline). I would tend to go for the former idea. The question I would ask, is the word “and” included in the Greek (not that I know Greek)? In any case, “and” may not necessarily mean “a new thought” but as “an addition” to the thought already being conveyed. I do not think that the thought is necessarily new; it is merely the continuation on a theme (persecution) but from a different perspective. Heb 12:6-7 – No argument that personal sin must be resisted but, the writer seems to refer specifically to the danger of apostasy (10:26,38), again, within the context of persecution. Although, I have no problem agreeing that personal sin cannot be ruled out, however, the focus is within the context of persecution. The writers whole emphasis seems to be to warn them against outsides forces that are contrary to the teachings they have been given and to encourage them to “hold on” to the “the hope” they have been given in the message of the gospel (3:6); to do that they must “everything that hinders [although not necessarily sin] and the sin [in general, not necessarily of specific sin] that so easily entangles them.” |