Christ is both our example and our substitute – read 1 Peter 2:21-24. Hebrews 12:1 is ‘the epilogue to the former chapter’ (Calvin).
- Sin is the great hindrance in the race of faith.
- 12:1. The witnesses could be spectators to the race, but more likely they are those who have borne witness to Christ.
- ancient Greek athletes used to compete naked, with no extra weight at all. We are to put off sin – Rom.13:12-13; Eph.4:22, 25, 28, 31; Col.3:5, 9. It is not enough to say ‘My intentions are good.’
- Learn from the saints of old, but look to Jesus.
- 12:1-2a. In Christian work nobody can do everything – John 4:37-38; 1 Cor.3:6-7. Not so with Christ. He is everything from beginning to end. Christ has blazed the trail for us – Heb.6:20.
- Run with perseverance and joy.
- 12:1. The KJV has ‘run with patience’; the NIV is better with ‘perseverance’. Demas pulled up short – 2 Tim.4:10; but Paul finished his course – 2 Tim.4:8.
Keep the joy in mind – 12:2. Cicero: ‘Let the very mention of the cross be far removed not only from a Roman citizen’s body, but from his mind, his eyes, his ears.’ Christ could have avoided the cross – John 10:17-18 – but instead He voluntarily despised the shame. See John 17:13 and John 16:21.