Hebrews 12:1

Compassed about-cloud of witnesses; the reference is to the Grecian games, in which the racers were surrounded by a vast multitude of spectators. Here the witnesses are those who have themselves run the heavenly race and obtained the reward of faith.

Every weight; every thing which can hinder our progress in the way to heaven, just as the earthly racers lay aside every incumbrance, especially the sin to which we are most exposed.