Hebrews 12:1

HEBREWS—NOTE ON Hebrews 12:1 cloud of witnesses. The OT heroes of the faith in ch. Hebrews 11:1. “Witnesses” may have a double meaning: (1) These OT heroes witnessed to their faith by their words and lives. (2) Like spectators watching an athletic contest in an arena, they may now be watching or “witnessing” believers’ lives. The imagery of being surrounded by these witnesses gives the sense that they are eagerly watching from heaven, and the image of running the race that is set before us might lead one further to think of an athletic race in a sports arena. However, nowhere else does the NT envisage saints in heaven watching saints on earth, nor does it ever encourage Christians to pray to these believers in heaven or to ask for their prayers. Christ prays for his people (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) and is the only mediator between them and God (1 Timothy 2:5). The Holy Spirit helps their prayers (Romans 8:26), and all Christians are priests with the right of direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:22; 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:9). Lay aside pictures sin as a weight to be discarded. Otherwise it limits the athlete’s movement, getting in the way of his progress in the race. let us run. A metaphor also found in Paul (1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 4:7).