Hebrews 12

• a great cloud of witnesses: The many faithful followers of God (Hebrews 11) show that God rewards a life of faith.

• let us throw off every encumbrance: In Greco-Roman writings, a race symbolizes the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight slows a runner, sin … easily entagles us and keeps us from living by faith.

The author encourages listeners to keep following Jesus, who is the ultimate example of faithfulness. They should:

• imitate him in his suffering (Hebrews 12:1–4),

• endure God's discipline (12:5–13), and

• live peacefully with others (12:14–17).

• Jesus is the ultimate example of staying faithful (Hebrews 3:1). To endure in the Christian life, we must focus on Jesus and his work for us.

• Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith: Jesus has done everything needed for faith to be real under the new covenant.

• scorning its shame: Crucifixion (dying on a cross) was the most shameful way to execute someone. It was used to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ ignored that shame.

• sat down at the right hand of the throne of God: The author refers again to Psalm 110:1 (see also Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12).

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people. The recipients of Hebrews were tired and ready to give up. They were emotionally worn out due to the persecution they faced. To endure, they needed to focus on Jesus, who had faced even greater hostility.

not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood: This community had not yet faced dying for their faith. (This is one reason to date Hebrews before Nero's persecution in the mid-60s AD.) If Jesus could endure a shameful death, the listeners should handle less severe persecution.

These verses quote Proverbs 3:11–12, which sees hardship as God's loving discipline for his children. God can use many trials and challenges for our benefit, teaching us righteousness and good character.

discipline … God is treating you as sons: Fathers in Greco-Roman and Jewish families played a key role in raising their children. They believed discipline was essential for preparing children for adulthood. Fatherly discipline, in this case facing hardships in life, is a sign of legitimate relationship. Not having to face hardships may on the surface seem like a blessing, but might instead reflect a lack of genuine relationship.

The author uses a comparison from lesser to greater (see study note on Hebrews 9:14). The lesser situation is the respect given to an earthly father during discipline. We should submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits in our relationship with God. We should be open to God like a good Father, trusting that he helps us grow, even through tough times.

There are at least two limits to a father's discipline:

1. His discipline or education lasts only a few years—children eventually leave home.

2. Fathers do their best with limited understanding.

In contrast, God's discipline lasts a lifetime and is always beneficial, based on his infinite knowledge and love. His goal is for us to share in his holiness. Although discipline is painful, it leads to a peaceful life of doing right. It helps God's children build harmonious relationships and make good choices (see also Romans 5:3–4; 8:17, 28; 2 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 1:12–14; James 1:2–4; 1 Peter 1:7; 4:14).

The author, referring to Isaiah 35:3–8 and Proverbs 4:26, offers support to those who feel emotionally and spiritually drained. Isaiah 35 says God is always working to defeat his enemies and create a clear path for righteous people, so they will not stumble.

People living a holy life have confident hope of seeing the Lord (see 1 John 2:28; 3:21; 4:17).

root of bitterness: This refers to those people who abandon God's agreement to worship other gods (Deuteronomy 29:18). Bitterness can harm the church.

• Ancient Jewish writings describe Esau as sexually immoral because he married Hittite women, Judith and Basemath (Genesis 26:34; see Jubilees 25:1; Philo, On the Virtues 208).

• Esau showed disrespect for his birthright (Genesis 25:29–34), which is why he was considered godless. His choice to trade God's blessings for immediate fulfillment shows a lack of faith.

The author of Hebrews views Esau's lack of respect for his inheritance (Hebrews 12:16) and his loss of the blessing (Genesis 27:30–40) as closely connected. This led to his bitter tears. By extension, those who reject an inheritance through Christ's new covenant will face a future filled with bitterness.

The descriptions of Mount Sinai are based on God's meeting with Israel there (see Exodus 19:16–22; 20:18–21; Deuteronomy 4:11–12; 5:23–27). These images show separation from a holy God.

This passage compares the old covenant with the new one. The old covenant is represented by Mount Sinai (12:18–21). It was impersonal, frightening, and unapproachable. The mountain shook with loud sounds, flashes of light, and fearful power. The new covenant is represented by Mount Zion (12:22–24). It is personal, welcoming, and joyful.

The loud trumpet sound and a voice scared the people (see Exodus 19:16, 19; 20:18; Deuteronomy 4:12) so much that they asked God to stop speaking (Exodus 20:19).

• Instead: There is a clear difference between the old and new covenant. Believers now come to the amazing Mount Zion, closely linked with Jerusalem, representing God's home.

• heavenly Jerusalem: See study note on Hebrews 8:5.

• The new covenant creates a relationship with God, allowing us to experience his presence with joy, peace, and fellowship.

• The word translated as assembly is usually translated "church." It refers to God's gathered people.

• God's firstborn children are those who are part of the new covenant (see Hebrews 1:6; 2:10–13).

• The idea that God's people have their names written in heaven shows God's special care for them (see also Exodus 32:32; Psalm 69:28; Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:5).

• For God's children, God as judge is the one who defends them (see Psalms 9:8; 58:11; 94:2; Isaiah 11:4; Jeremiah 22:16).

• Those who have died are now made perfect through Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 10:14).

• Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (Hebrews 8:7–13; 9:11–14; 10:15–18). His sprinkled blood, used as the sacrifice for sins, represents forgiveness.

• Abel's blood cried out to God from the ground, seeking justice for his murder by Cain (Genesis 4:10). In contrast, the blood of Jesus declares that the price for sins is paid for those in the new covenant (Hebrews 10:16–18).

God speaks through his Son, Jesus (Hebrews 1:1–3). The author compares two situations:

1. Moses warning people under the old covenant is less serious.

2. God's warning from heaven is more serious.

If people did not avoid judgment when warned by Moses, those who reject the message of God's Son will definitely not avoid punishment.

This passage serves as the book's final warning, referencing God speaking in Hebrews 2:1–4, 4:12–13, 6:4–8, 10:26–31, and 12:18–24.

• shook the earth: Exodus 19:18; Judges 5:5; Psalms 68:8; 77:18.

• “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well”: This quote from Haggai 2:6 highlights that all of creation will be shaken and removed during the final judgment at the end of time (1 Corinthians 7:31; 2 Peter 3:10, 12; Revelation 21:1).

• God deserves holy fear and awe.

• our God is a consuming fire: This quote from Deuteronomy 4:24 highlights God's incredible power and his authority to judge.