Brief notes on my translation of Hebrews 12:1-3
Let Us Persevere To The End
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded with such a great throng of witnesses, let us get rid of every hindrance and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with perseverance the race that lies before us.
[The “great throng of witnesses” is not necessary the holy angels and heavenly saints watching us. It is rather those witnesses of the truth as recorded in Hebrews chapter 11. We are to follow those witnesses who died in faith whether naturally or as martyrs].
2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who instead of the joy setting before him patiently persevered the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
[“Keep our eyes” refers to a race where we concentrate on the goal. Races are lost when we stop concentrating on the goal—the finish line. See John 8:12. “Author and finisher” are the Greek words ἀρχηγός archēgós (G747) and τελειωτής teleiōtḗs (G5051). An Author here is a leader, that is, one who has walked a path and now is qualified to help others. Some translate the word as “pioneer.” Compare 1 Peter 2:21 and 1 John 2:6. It is also used in Acts 3:15, Acts 5:31, Hebrews 2:10, and here. A finisher, perfecter, is a person who takes a product and examines it, corrects it, and approves it according to a standard. Here that standard is God’s standard for the Christian life. See Romans 8:29. Jesus Christ is the perfect example. The Lord Jesus prays for us. See Hebrews 7:25. See also 2 Corinthians 3:18].
3 Therefore, carefully think about him who persevered such a contradiction of sinners against him, lest youp become weary and faint in yourp souls.
[He is not just an example for “good” things but also for “bad” things as persecution].