How does Hebrews 12:1 represent a crucial transition for its readers?

Today Bible Study:

How does Hebrews 12:1 represent a crucial transition for its readers?

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.” This is a very crucial transition word offering an emphatic conclusion to the section which began in 10:19. The deceased people of chapter 11 give witness to the value and blessing of living by faith. Motivation for running “the race” is not in the possibility of receiving praise from “observing” heavenly saints. Rather, the runner is inspired by the godly examples those saints set during their lives. The great crowd are not comprised of spectators but rather are ones whose past life of faith encourages others to live that way (11:2, 4, 5, 33, 39).

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The reference is to those Hebrews who had made a profession of Christ, but had not gone all the way to full faith. They had not yet begun the race, which starts with salvation. The writer has invited them to accept salvation in Christ and join the race. “Let us lay aside every weight.” Different from the “sin” mentioned next, this refers to the main encumbrance weighing down the Hebrews which was the Levitical system with its stifling legalism. The athlete would strip away every piece of unnecessary clothing before competing in the race. The outward things emphasized by the Levitical system not only impede, they “ensnare.” “And sin.” In this context, this focuses first on the particular sin of unbelief—refusing to turn away from the Levitical sacrifices to the perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ (John 16:8–11), as well as other sins cherished by the unbeliever. The athletic metaphor presents the faith-filled life as a demanding, grueling effort. The English word “agony” is derived from the Greek word used here for “endurance.”

“Looking unto Jesus” (v. 2). They were to fix their eyes on Jesus as the object of faith and salvation (11:26, 27;Acts 7:55, 56; Phil. 3:8). “The author…of our faith.” The term means originator or preeminent example. “The finisher…of our faith.” The term is “perfecter,” having the idea of carrying through to perfect completion (John 19:30). Jesus persevered so that He might receive the joy of accomplishment of the Father’s will and exaltation (1:9; Ps. 16:9–11; Luke 10:21–24).