Hebrews 12:1

[Pamella]

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

So who do you think these great cloud of witnesses are? I always thought them to be those alive believers around us. Someone said they are those who have gone before us. On 'got questions' website ( I find that website quite good) they say it is figuratively those who have gone before us. Not sure what that would mean.

 

[crossnote]

I believe it is referring to what we witnessed of the believers faith in chap 11...it is the type of faith that can be seen.

 

[reneweddaybyday]

I believe it is referring to what we witnessed of the believers faith in chap 11...it is the type of faith that can be seen.

Yes, the great cloud of witnesses are those believers mentioned in Heb 11 ... those Of whom the world was not worthy (Heb 11:38) who also having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise (Heb 11:39).

We read of their stand in faith in the writing of the OT. However, we are exhorted to look from them and unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

If we look only at those great men and women of faith shown in Heb 11, we may become wearied and faint in your minds just as they did at times. But when we maintain our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, He will infuse us with His strength so that we may endure.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

The Lord led the children of Israel in the wilderness by a pillar of clouds by day, and fire by night. Jesus was caught up in the clouds, and is also prophesied to return in the same manner. But when Jesus (The Light of the world) left He said the night comes when no man can work. And if it is dark outside then you need the fire to lead you by night, like in the wilderness story.

Jesus said his disciples would be a light in a darkened world, and also it is written God makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire. Also it is shown in scripture that Jesus is symbolized as having eyes as a flame of fire (7 eyes of fire or ministering spirits). As these are also sent forth to minister to those who shall be the heirs of salvation.

So both the clouds and the fire are sent to guide God's children, minister to them, and bear witness.

 

[crossnote]

Yes, the great cloud of witnesses are those believers mentioned in Heb 11 ... those Of whom the world was not worthy (Heb 11:38) who also having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise (Heb 11:39).

We read of their stand in faith in the writing of the OT. However, we are exhorted to look from them and unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

If we look only at those great men and women of faith shown in Heb 11, we may become wearied and faint in your minds just as they did at times. But when we maintain our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, He will infuse us with His strength so that we may endure.

Correct, 'cept the OP left out the 'looking to Jesus' part so I didn't comment on it.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Here is an old thread I wrote about being caught up in the clouds....http://christianchat.com/bible-discussion-forum/119075-caught-up-clouds.html

Revelation 1:7
Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

And of course we know the clouds refers to his saints....

Jude 1:14
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

 

[resurrection33]

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us...

So who do you think these great cloud of witnesses are? I always thought them to be those alive believers around us. Someone said they are those who have gone before us. On 'got questions' website ( I find that website quite good) they say it is figuratively those who have gone before us. Not sure what that would mean.

Off the to of my head, it would seem to me he was just pointing out that there were a lot of people observing what he and his fellow Christians were doing in those days. It would be good, then, if they were to set a good example for others. The same would be true of us.

 

[DeaconMike]

Typically the Church fathers of the early Church always saw this as the Saints in Heaven. This was especially emphasized during the early martyrdom of the Church. Martyrdom was seen as a straight shot to Heaven. Here are some quotes from the early Church on this

Please note the dates written.

Clement of Alexandria

"In this way is he [the true Christian] always pure for prayer. He also prays in the society of angels, as being already of angelic rank, and he is never out of their holy keeping; and though he pray alone, he has the choir of the saints standing with him [in prayer]" (Miscellanies 7:12 [A.D. 208]).

Cyprian of Carthage

"Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides [of death] always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord, and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy" (Letters 56[60]:5 [A.D. 253]).

Anonymous

"Atticus, sleep in peace, secure in your safety, and pray anxiously for our sins" (funerary inscription near St. Sabina’s in Rome [A.D. 300]).
"Pray for your parents, Matronata Matrona. She lived one year, fifty-two days" (ibid.).
"Mother of God,
[listen to] my petitions; do not disregard us in adversity, but rescue us from danger" (Rylands Papyrus 3 [A.D. 350]).

 

[crossnote]

Typically the Church fathers of the early Church always saw this as the Saints in Heaven. This was especially emphasized during the early martyrdom of the Church. Martyrdom was seen as a straight shot to Heaven. Here are some quotes from the early Church on this

Please note the dates written.

Clement of Alexandria

"In this way is he [the true Christian] always pure for prayer. He also prays in the society of angels, as being already of angelic rank, and he is never out of their holy keeping; and though he pray alone, he has the choir of the saints standing with him [in prayer]" (Miscellanies 7:12 [A.D. 208]).

Cyprian of Carthage

"Let us remember one another in concord and unanimity. Let us on both sides [of death] always pray for one another. Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love, that if one of us, by the swiftness of divine condescension, shall go hence first, our love may continue in the presence of the Lord, and our prayers for our brethren and sisters not cease in the presence of the Father’s mercy" (Letters 56[60]:5 [A.D. 253]).

Anonymous

"Atticus, sleep in peace, secure in your safety, and pray anxiously for our sins" (funerary inscription near St. Sabina’s in Rome [A.D. 300]).
"Pray for your parents, Matronata Matrona. She lived one year, fifty-two days" (ibid.).
"Mother of God,
[listen to] my petitions; do not disregard us in adversity, but rescue us from danger" (Rylands Papyrus 3 [A.D. 350]).

Context has it that the readers are in mind (since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us)many of which hadn't had a beatific vision. Context also must consider the immediate chapter before (there were no chapter divisions when Hebrews was written/preached).