ACC ~ Hebrews 12 v1

WITNESSES WHO TESTIFIED FOR OUR FAITH. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: He did not simply say that there is one time of repayment for all—for this was not his intention—but he said this to show that also those who had done such things and suffered such things through faith might still await the payment of the things promised. Not bearing it with ill grace, they are brought with us of the later generation. Thus he showed their even greater endurance, if indeed they still await after death those who ought to contend likewise with them so that with them we may obtain the enjoyment of all the good. And therefore he speaks of “witnesses,” not of the things suffered but of the things testified for our faith. FRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 12.1.

THE WEIGHT OF SIN. SEVERIAN OF GABALA: Let us lay aside every weight. “Weight” is a sin of the enjoyment of the flesh, a form in which the “sin which clings so closely” is born. It clings closely to us as it surrounds us with pleasure and subdues us to its own will. FRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 12.1.

SIN CLINGS. THEODORET OF CYR: The models of godliness are set before us on all sides, he is saying, in such vast numbers as to resemble a cloud in density and testify to the power of faith. Accordingly, let us keep our eyes on them, be light on our feet and rid ourselves of the burden of unnecessary worries, in this way being able also to avoid sin that is easy to contract. Before everything else we need perseverance to succeed in the course ahead of us. He said sin “clings” because it is easily contracted and committed: the eye is fascinated, the ear charmed, touch titillated, tongue easily loosened and thought quickly directed to the worst. INTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 12.

A CLOUD OF SAD AFFLICTIONS. EPHREM THE SYRIAN: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” about the weight of our life, that is, about the fact that we have ahead of us a cloud of sad afflictions, which lead many who trust in Christ and die for him to honor, “let us lay aside everything” from us. … And “let us run with perseverance the race that is set for us” not only by our persecutors but by the devil himself. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.

Heb