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Hebrews 12:2
Verse
Context
A Call to Endurance
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Looking unto Jesus - Αφορωντες· Looking off and on, or from and to; looking off or from the world and all secular concerns to Jesus and all the spiritual and heavenly things connected with him. This is still an allusion to the Grecian games: those who ran were to keep their eyes fixed on the mark of the prize; they must keep the goal in view. The exhortation implies, 1. That they should place all their hope and confidence in Christ, as their sole helper in this race of faith. 2. That they should consider him their leader in this contest and imitate his example. The author and finisher of - faith - Αρχηγος, translated here author, signifies, in general, captain or leader, or the first inventor of a thing; see Heb 2:10. But the reference seems to be here to the βραβευς, or judge in the games, whose business it was to admit the contenders, and to give the prize to the conqueror. Jesus is here represented as this officer; every Christian is a contender in this race of life, and for eternal life. The heavenly course is begun under Jesus; and under him it is completed. He is the finisher, by awarding the prize to them that are faithful unto death. Thus he is the author or the judge under whom, and by whose permission and direction, according to the rules of the heavenly race, they are permitted to enter the lists, and commence the race, and he is the finisher, τελειωτης, the perfecter, by awarding and giving the prize which consummates the combatants at the end of the race. Who, for the joy that was set before him - The joy of fulfilling the will of the Father, Psa 40:6-8, etc., in tasting death for every man; and having endured the cross and despised the shame of this ignominious death, He is set down at the right hand of God, ever appearing in the presence of God for us, and continuing his exhibition of himself as our Sacrifice, and his intercession as our Mediator. See the notes on Heb 10:5, etc. There are different other explanations given of this clause, but I think that here offered is the most natural. It never can, in any sense, be said of Jesus that he endured the cross, etc., in the prospect of gaining an everlasting glory; when he had the fullness of that glory with the Father before the world began; Joh 17:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Looking unto--literally, "Looking from afar" (see on Heb 11:26); fixing the eyes upon Jesus seated on the throne of God. author--"Prince-leader." The same Greek is translated, "Captain (of salvation)," Heb 2:10; "Prince (of life)," Act 3:15. Going before us as the Originator of our faith, and the Leader whose matchless example we are to follow always. In this He is distinguished from all those examples of faith in Heb. 11:2-40. (Compare Co1 11:1). On His "faith" compare Heb 2:13; Heb 3:12. Believers have ever looked to Him (Heb 11:26; Heb 13:8). finisher--Greek, "Perfecter," referring to Heb 11:40. of our faith--rather as Greek, "of the faith," including both His faith (as exhibited in what follows) and our faith. He fulfilled the ideal of faith Himself, and so, both as a vicarious offering and an example, He is the object of our faith. for the joy . . . set before him--namely, of presently after sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God; including besides His own personal joy, the joy of sitting there as a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. The coming joy disarmed of its sting the present pain. cross . . . shame--the great stumbling-block to the Hebrews. "Despised," that is, disregarded.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,.... Not with bodily eyes, for at present he is not to be looked upon in this manner, but with the eye of the understanding, or with the eye of faith; for faith is a seeing of the Son; it is a spiritual sight of Christ, which is at first but glimmering, afterwards it increases, and is of a soul humbling nature; it is marvellous and surprising; it transforms into the image of Christ, and fills with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: a believer should be always looking to Christ, and off of every object, as the word here used signifies. Christ is to be looked unto as "Jesus", a Saviour, who being appointed and sent by God to be a Saviour, came, and is become the author of eternal salvation; and to him only should we look for it: he is able and willing to save; he is a suitable, complete, and only Saviour; and whoever look to him by faith shall be saved; and he is to be considered, and looked unto, as "the author and finisher of faith": he is the author or efficient cause of it; all men are by nature without it; it is not in the power of man to believe of himself; it is a work of omnipotence; it is an instance of the exceeding greatness of the power of God; and it is the operation of Christ, by his Spirit; and the increase of it is from him, Luk 17:5 and he is the finisher of it; he gives himself, and the blessings of his grace, to his people, to maintain and strengthen it; he prays for it, that it fail not; he carries on the work of faith, and will perform it with power; and brings to, and gives that which is the end of it, eternal life, or the salvation of the soul. Who for the joy that was set before him; the word rendered "for"; sometimes signifies, in the room, or stead of, as in Mat 2:22 and is so rendered here in the Syriac and Arabic versions; and then the sense is, that Christ instead of being in the bosom of the Father, came into this world; instead of being in the form of God, he appeared in the form of a servant; instead of the glory which he had with his Father from eternity, he suffered shame and disgrace; instead of living a joyful and comfortable life on earth, he suffered a shameful and an accursed death; and instead of the temporal joy and glory the Jews proposed to him, he endured the shame and pain of the cross: sometimes it signifies the end for which a thing is, as in Eph 5:31 and may intend that, for the sake of which Christ underwent so much disgrace, and such sufferings; namely, for the sake of having a spiritual seed, a numerous offspring with him in heaven, who are his joy, and crown of rejoicing; for the sake of the salvation of all the elect, on which his heart was set; and for the glorifying of the divine perfections, which was no small delight and pleasure to him. And to this agrees the Chaldee paraphrase of Psa 21:1. "O Lord, in thy power shall the King Messiah "rejoice", and in thy redemption how greatly will he exult!'' And also because of his own glory as Mediator, which was to follow his sufferings, and which includes his resurrection from the dead, his exaltation at the right hand of God, and the whole honour and glory Christ has in his human nature; see Psa 16:8 and with a view to all this, he endured the cross; which is to be taken not properly for that frame of wood, on which he was crucified; but, improperly, for all his sufferings, from his cradle to his cross; and particularly the tortures of the cross, being extended on it, and nailed unto it; and especially the death of the cross, which kind of death he endured to verify the predictions of it, Psa 22:16 and to show that he was made a curse for his people; and this being a Roman punishment, shows that the sceptre was taken from Judah, and therefore the Messiah must be come; and that Christ suffered for the Gentiles, as well as Jews: and this death he endured with great courage and intrepidity, with much patience and constancy, and in obedience to the will of his Father: despising the shame; of the cross; for it was an ignominious death, as well as a painful one; and as he endured the pain of it with patience, he treated the shame of it with contempt; throughout the whole of his life, he despised the shame and reproach that was cast upon him; and so he did at the time of his apprehension, and when upon his trial, and at his death, under all the ignominious circumstances that attended it; which should teach us not to be ashamed of the reproach of Christ, but count it an honour to be worthy to suffer shame for his name. And is set down at the right hand of the throne of God; Which is in heaven; and is expressive of the majesty and glory of God; and of the honour done to Christ in human nature, which is not granted to any of the angels: here Christ sits as God's fellow, as equal to him, as God, and as having done his work as man, and Mediator; and this may assure us, that when we have run out our race, we shall sit down too, with Christ upon his throne, and be at rest.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated that shame as if it were nothing. • seated in the place of honor: The author again alludes to Ps 110:1 (see also Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12).
Hebrews 12:2
A Call to Endurance
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.3Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Effectual Fervent Prayer
By Corrie Ten Boom35K50:26Fervent PrayerPSA 55:22JER 1:12MAT 7:7MAT 11:28PHP 4:6HEB 12:21PE 5:7In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing their reliance on God's strength and their desire to be a channel for His living water. They then pray for various individuals, including a teenager who made a mistake, and express their hope that God can reach and transform them. The speaker also confesses their own sin of impatience and prays for forgiveness. They emphasize the importance of being fully surrendered to God and allowing Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God hears our prayers and a story from the speaker's childhood. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to pray fervently and trust in God's power and love.
Ten Shekels and a Shirt (High Quality)
By Paris Reidhead21K51:19HumanismMAT 6:33ROM 12:1EPH 5:18HEB 12:2REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Micah in Judges Chapter 17. He discusses two groups of people: the liberals who embrace humanism and the believers who serve the living God. The speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance on biblical terms and references the preaching of George Whitfield and John Wesley as examples of preaching righteousness and exalting the holiness of God. He highlights the impact of Wesley's sermons, where people would be overcome by the power of God and experience a revelation of their sin. The sermon emphasizes the need for individuals to recognize the holiness of God and the enormity of their sins.
Hell No Exits
By Leonard Ravenhill17K1:25:21HellLUK 16:19HEB 12:2REV 20:10REV 20:14REV 21:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from the book of Revelation instead of relying solely on Romans 8:28. The preacher shares a story about a blacksmith to illustrate the process of being refined by God's fire. He also references the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16 to emphasize the importance of seeking mercy from God in both this life and the afterlife.
And They Crucified Him
By Art Katz17K00:00ISA 6:5MAT 16:24ACT 4:131CO 1:181CO 2:22CO 4:10GAL 2:20PHP 3:10HEB 12:2JAS 4:10This sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to embrace the suffering and humility exemplified by the early church in the book of Acts. It challenges believers to confront the avoidance of pain, self-indulgence, compromise of truth, and the lack of correction within the church. The speaker calls for a return to the centrality of the cross and the power of the resurrection, urging a transformation from a comfortable religiosity to a radical, sacrificial faith that stands out in the world.
Chasing the Dragon 1 of 2
By Jackie Pullinger11K43:28TestimonyMAT 6:33MAT 23:37MRK 10:17LUK 4:18LUK 9:23JHN 13:34HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between Jesus and a rich young man as described in Mark chapter 10. The young man approaches Jesus and asks what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus responds by reminding him of the commandments, which the young man claims to have kept since childhood. Jesus then tells him to sell all his possessions and give to the poor in order to have treasure in heaven. The preacher emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to God and letting go of anything that may hinder one's relationship with Him, whether it be wealth or other attachments.
"Hebrews" Monday - Part 1 (Keswick Convention 2003)
By Charles Price9.3K20:35Keswick ConventionGEN 1:1HEB 1:1HEB 3:1HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the use of drama and personal experiences in conveying God's message. He then introduces the letter to the Hebrews and emphasizes the importance of studying the Bible. The speaker explains that God has spoken to humanity through various means in the past, such as prophets, but now Christ is the superior revelation. The sermon highlights the superiority of Christ over the prophets and emphasizes the need to pay attention to the obvious truths that we often overlook.
The Man Who Kept on Running
By Warren Wiersbe7.8K44:252TI 3:16HEB 1:1HEB 2:9HEB 6:1HEB 12:2HEB 13:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of living a life of faith and surrendering to God. He uses examples from the Bible, such as Isaac and Jacob, to show that even though they faced challenges and doubts, God still used them for His purposes. The speaker also emphasizes the need to lay aside any burdens or weights that hinder our spiritual growth. He encourages listeners to focus on the joy that awaits them in heaven and the place that Jesus has prepared for them.
Through Jordan
By William Booth7.2K02:32Faith in TrialsClassic RecordingsDeliverance through ChristPSA 23:4PSA 46:1ISA 43:2JER 12:5JHN 16:33ROM 8:312CO 4:17HEB 12:21PE 5:7REV 21:4William Booth emphasizes the challenges faced in life, comparing them to running with footmen and contending with the swelling of Jordan, symbolizing trials and tribulations. He encourages believers to look to Jesus for strength and deliverance, reminding them that their troubles are temporary and that faith can lead to a glorious crown and kingdom. Booth warns against relying on false supports and urges a return to Christ for peace and pardon, assuring that with faith, one can safely cross the river of trials into eternal glory.
The Deadly Look
By Jim Cymbala6.7K39:07PridePSA 119:37PRO 4:25MAT 6:33MAT 14:30HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the eye gate and how easily it can be manipulated in today's technologically advanced world. He highlights the three spiritual atmospheres that the world consists of: the desires of sinful man, the lust of the eyes, and the boasting of material possessions. The preacher warns against the seductiveness of the advertising industry and its ability to deceive through visual stimuli. He uses the example of David's downfall, starting with just a look at Bathsheba, to illustrate the destructive consequences of giving in to lustful desires. The sermon concludes with a call to turn away from worthless things and fix one's gaze on God's word.
God Wants to Make Covenant With You!
By David Wilkerson6.1K58:09CovenantISA 55:1ISA 55:6ISA 55:11HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in serving God. Under the Old Covenant, people tried to please God through their own efforts and promises, but it was exhausting and ultimately unsatisfying. However, God made a promise to send his Son and empower believers with his Spirit under the New Covenant. The preacher encourages listeners to come to God by faith and receive the resources they need to overcome temptation and live without fear. This message is based on passages from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and other prophets, highlighting God's loving and powerful promises in the New Covenant.
(Hebrews - Part 39): Weight That Hinders
By A.W. Tozer5.6K34:48ExpositionalMAT 6:33HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of running the race of life without any hindrances. He uses the analogy of a rocket being streamlined to illustrate the need to remove anything that could hold us back from fulfilling God's purpose. The preacher highlights that we should not compete against other Christians, but rather work together against the common enemies of the world, the flesh, and the devil. He concludes by mentioning four ways in which we can prepare ourselves to run the race effectively. The sermon encourages believers to apply the teachings of the Bible to their daily lives and to live with a sense of urgency and devotion to God.
Hebrews 11 - Part 4
By Leonard Ravenhill5.5K47:38MAT 6:33ACT 17:281CO 15:452TH 1:1HEB 2:3HEB 12:2JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to prove the preaching of the word of God through action. He encourages believers to open the door and boldly proclaim the truth to a world that is scared and threatened. The preacher references the powerful impact of the Azusa Street revival, where people were convicted and filled with fear upon approaching the church. He also highlights the lack of God's presence in many churches today and calls for a return to a genuine manifestation of God's glory. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the greatness of salvation and the importance of sharing the message of Jesus Christ.
(Hebrews - Part 37): Faith Is a Pertubing Thing
By A.W. Tozer4.8K25:44ExpositionalEXO 2:11EXO 2:23MAT 6:33ROM 11:33ROM 14:4HEB 11:24HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a moral rebound. He talks about his own past of indulging in drinking and reckless behavior, even on Christmas Eve. However, after a spiritual awakening and the guidance of the Holy Ghost, he realized the error of his ways and turned his life around. The preacher emphasizes that sometimes people become better because of the depth of their sins, comparing it to a rubber band that bounces back stronger the further it is stretched. He also highlights the importance of spiritual awakening, as many people go through life without ever experiencing it. The preacher encourages listeners to be aware of the deceit and corruption in the world and to seek a deeper connection with God.
Managing Your Emotions
By Erwin Lutzer4.3K36:52EmotionsMAT 6:33MAT 26:39ROM 8:1ROM 8:32EPH 1:3PHP 4:8HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing and managing our emotions in order to align ourselves with the will of God. He uses the analogy of a pilot who ignores the instrument panel and crashes as a reminder to not let our feelings dictate our actions. The preacher then turns to the story of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as an example of how Christ coped with his emotions. Jesus prayed to God, expressing his desire for the cup to pass from him, but ultimately surrendered to God's will. The sermon concludes with the reminder that while it is important to acknowledge and share our emotions, there are times when we must choose obedience to God's will over our feelings.
Testimony - Part 10
By Jackie Pullinger3.9K10:29TestimonyMAT 6:33MRK 8:35LUK 17:7HEB 12:2JAS 5:1JAS 5:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need for action and accountability in our Christian faith. He highlights how in the West, we have an abundance of teaching and resources, but we have substituted teaching for true Christianity. The speaker references a scripture about servants and their duty, emphasizing that doing Christianity should not be seen as something special or extraordinary, but rather as our responsibility. He also draws attention to the dangers of hoarding wealth and living in luxury, citing a passage from James chapter 5. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to share the message of salvation with others and to be willing to give up everything for Christ.
It's Time to Call Off the Party
By Carter Conlon3.8K50:47SamsonPSA 18:3MAT 4:1MAT 7:7MAT 7:21HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having an unbroken faith in every promise that God has made. He encourages listeners to look to Jesus as their example, who despised the shame and lies of the darkness. The speaker reminds believers that they have an enemy who is constantly trying to destroy them, but they should recognize where these attacks come from and put them away. The sermon also references the book of Revelation, where John sees a vision of a great red dragon and the demonic powers realizing that their plans have been thwarted by Jesus' resurrection.
Don't Expect a Perfect Repentance
By Paul Washer3.6K13:19RepentanceMAT 7:7MRK 9:24LUK 18:13ACT 17:30ROM 10:92CO 7:10HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher addresses the common struggle of individuals who feel unable to be saved, repent, or believe in God. He acknowledges the superficiality of some salvation offerings and the reaction against it. The preacher emphasizes the importance of looking unto Jesus and placing faith in Him, rather than focusing on the quality or greatness of one's own faith. He cautions against demanding too much of oneself or others in terms of repentance and faith, and highlights the ongoing growth and reality of these aspects in a believer's life.
The Fourth Tabernacle
By David Wilkerson3.4K51:35Cross of ChristEXO 25:8PRO 2:6MAT 13:16JHN 4:23JHN 17:17ACT 3:22HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the fourth tabernacle and its significance for believers. The fourth tabernacle represents the last dwelling place of God on earth, and believers are seen as this tabernacle. The speaker emphasizes that being forgiven and granted eternal life is not the only purpose of the cross, but also to give believers the will to obey God. The sermon encourages believers to recognize that they are temples of the Holy Spirit and to resist the lies of the devil.
Hell
By Leonard Ravenhill2.9K1:21:35HellLUK 16:19ROM 8:28HEB 12:2REV 20:11REV 20:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching about hell and everlasting destruction, even though it may not be popular or financially beneficial. He shares a personal experience of being moved to tears by the thought of someone being cast into the lake of fire. The preacher also discusses the difference between the Puritans of the 1600s and modern-day preachers, highlighting the need to focus on eternity rather than earthly matters. He encourages listeners to look unto Jesus and reminds them of the consequences of not doing so, using examples of tragic events and the concept of spending one's life gathering sawdust instead of focusing on eternal matters.
The Triumphant Christ
By David Wilkerson2.5K45:12EXO 12:13MAT 6:25GAL 5:1HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Goliath from the Old Testament. He emphasizes that this story is not just a historical event, but a powerful illustration of the triumph of Jesus Christ. The giant Goliath represents satanic power, while the armies represent the forces of darkness. Jonathan, representing the believer, witnesses David's faith and courage as he defeats the giant with a stone to the forehead. The preacher encourages the audience to walk in the joy and peace of Jesus, trusting in God's love and provision.
How the Supremacy of Christ Creates Radical Christian Sacrifice
By John Piper2.3K1:05:05EPH 1:6HEB 10:34HEB 11:26HEB 12:2HEB 13:12HEB 13:14This sermon emphasizes the call to radical Christian sacrifice, urging believers to renounce self-reliance, pride, greed, lust, and fear, and to embrace suffering and reproach for the sake of Christ. The speaker highlights the need to treasure the future reward of Christ's supremacy above all earthly comforts and securities, leading to a life marked by risk-taking, sacrificial love, and a longing for the eternal city to come.
Abide in God's Shade, Warmth and Light
By Erlo Stegen2.2K49:45AbidingEXO 13:21PSA 37:23PSA 119:105PRO 14:12MAT 6:33JHN 14:6HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of delighting in God's way and following His footsteps. He uses Psalm 37:23 as a reference to highlight how God establishes the steps of those who delight in Him. The speaker urges the audience to keep their eyes fixed on God, represented by the cloud and fire, and to not move without His guidance. He emphasizes that walking in God's way is essential for a fulfilling and heavenly life, and encourages repentance and a desire for God's presence.
Ambassadors for Christ - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.1K55:26EvangelismMAT 6:33LUK 18:1JHN 14:62CO 4:12CO 4:16HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not giving up in various aspects of life. He references Luke 18:1, where Jesus encourages believers to always pray and never lose heart. The speaker also highlights the example of Paul, who walked in constant victory through God's leading. He emphasizes the need to live and labor in the will of God, as Paul did, and warns against doing Christian work without being in God's will. The speaker encourages believers to examine their motives and ensure that their actions align with their public image and private life.
Sing Praises With Understanding
By Carter Conlon2.0K50:02Sing Praises2KI 3:13HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of taking a pause from our daily activities and engaging in a time of worship. He shares the story of Elisha and how the hand of the Lord came upon him when the minstrel played. Through this story, he highlights the power of worship in receiving revelation and guidance from God. The preacher also discusses the impact of worship on breaking the dominion of evil and allowing individuals to consider their ways. He concludes by referencing Psalm 47 and encouraging the audience to sing praises with understanding, as it brings victory and opens the heavens.
The Temptations of Our Lord
By Zac Poonen2.0K50:49TemptationsMAT 4:1LUK 15:12HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker expresses concern for young people who may start out well in their faith but fall away. He encourages them to follow his advice and not be influenced by negative examples in the Christian community. The speaker warns against doubting what God has shown in moments of clarity and emphasizes the importance of resisting temptation. He also cautions against using spiritual gifts for personal gain, citing Jesus as an example of someone who did not seek wealth through his anointing. The sermon references biblical passages, such as John chapter two, to support these teachings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Looking unto Jesus - Αφορωντες· Looking off and on, or from and to; looking off or from the world and all secular concerns to Jesus and all the spiritual and heavenly things connected with him. This is still an allusion to the Grecian games: those who ran were to keep their eyes fixed on the mark of the prize; they must keep the goal in view. The exhortation implies, 1. That they should place all their hope and confidence in Christ, as their sole helper in this race of faith. 2. That they should consider him their leader in this contest and imitate his example. The author and finisher of - faith - Αρχηγος, translated here author, signifies, in general, captain or leader, or the first inventor of a thing; see Heb 2:10. But the reference seems to be here to the βραβευς, or judge in the games, whose business it was to admit the contenders, and to give the prize to the conqueror. Jesus is here represented as this officer; every Christian is a contender in this race of life, and for eternal life. The heavenly course is begun under Jesus; and under him it is completed. He is the finisher, by awarding the prize to them that are faithful unto death. Thus he is the author or the judge under whom, and by whose permission and direction, according to the rules of the heavenly race, they are permitted to enter the lists, and commence the race, and he is the finisher, τελειωτης, the perfecter, by awarding and giving the prize which consummates the combatants at the end of the race. Who, for the joy that was set before him - The joy of fulfilling the will of the Father, Psa 40:6-8, etc., in tasting death for every man; and having endured the cross and despised the shame of this ignominious death, He is set down at the right hand of God, ever appearing in the presence of God for us, and continuing his exhibition of himself as our Sacrifice, and his intercession as our Mediator. See the notes on Heb 10:5, etc. There are different other explanations given of this clause, but I think that here offered is the most natural. It never can, in any sense, be said of Jesus that he endured the cross, etc., in the prospect of gaining an everlasting glory; when he had the fullness of that glory with the Father before the world began; Joh 17:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Looking unto--literally, "Looking from afar" (see on Heb 11:26); fixing the eyes upon Jesus seated on the throne of God. author--"Prince-leader." The same Greek is translated, "Captain (of salvation)," Heb 2:10; "Prince (of life)," Act 3:15. Going before us as the Originator of our faith, and the Leader whose matchless example we are to follow always. In this He is distinguished from all those examples of faith in Heb. 11:2-40. (Compare Co1 11:1). On His "faith" compare Heb 2:13; Heb 3:12. Believers have ever looked to Him (Heb 11:26; Heb 13:8). finisher--Greek, "Perfecter," referring to Heb 11:40. of our faith--rather as Greek, "of the faith," including both His faith (as exhibited in what follows) and our faith. He fulfilled the ideal of faith Himself, and so, both as a vicarious offering and an example, He is the object of our faith. for the joy . . . set before him--namely, of presently after sitting down at the right hand of the throne of God; including besides His own personal joy, the joy of sitting there as a Prince and Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. The coming joy disarmed of its sting the present pain. cross . . . shame--the great stumbling-block to the Hebrews. "Despised," that is, disregarded.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,.... Not with bodily eyes, for at present he is not to be looked upon in this manner, but with the eye of the understanding, or with the eye of faith; for faith is a seeing of the Son; it is a spiritual sight of Christ, which is at first but glimmering, afterwards it increases, and is of a soul humbling nature; it is marvellous and surprising; it transforms into the image of Christ, and fills with joy unspeakable, and full of glory: a believer should be always looking to Christ, and off of every object, as the word here used signifies. Christ is to be looked unto as "Jesus", a Saviour, who being appointed and sent by God to be a Saviour, came, and is become the author of eternal salvation; and to him only should we look for it: he is able and willing to save; he is a suitable, complete, and only Saviour; and whoever look to him by faith shall be saved; and he is to be considered, and looked unto, as "the author and finisher of faith": he is the author or efficient cause of it; all men are by nature without it; it is not in the power of man to believe of himself; it is a work of omnipotence; it is an instance of the exceeding greatness of the power of God; and it is the operation of Christ, by his Spirit; and the increase of it is from him, Luk 17:5 and he is the finisher of it; he gives himself, and the blessings of his grace, to his people, to maintain and strengthen it; he prays for it, that it fail not; he carries on the work of faith, and will perform it with power; and brings to, and gives that which is the end of it, eternal life, or the salvation of the soul. Who for the joy that was set before him; the word rendered "for"; sometimes signifies, in the room, or stead of, as in Mat 2:22 and is so rendered here in the Syriac and Arabic versions; and then the sense is, that Christ instead of being in the bosom of the Father, came into this world; instead of being in the form of God, he appeared in the form of a servant; instead of the glory which he had with his Father from eternity, he suffered shame and disgrace; instead of living a joyful and comfortable life on earth, he suffered a shameful and an accursed death; and instead of the temporal joy and glory the Jews proposed to him, he endured the shame and pain of the cross: sometimes it signifies the end for which a thing is, as in Eph 5:31 and may intend that, for the sake of which Christ underwent so much disgrace, and such sufferings; namely, for the sake of having a spiritual seed, a numerous offspring with him in heaven, who are his joy, and crown of rejoicing; for the sake of the salvation of all the elect, on which his heart was set; and for the glorifying of the divine perfections, which was no small delight and pleasure to him. And to this agrees the Chaldee paraphrase of Psa 21:1. "O Lord, in thy power shall the King Messiah "rejoice", and in thy redemption how greatly will he exult!'' And also because of his own glory as Mediator, which was to follow his sufferings, and which includes his resurrection from the dead, his exaltation at the right hand of God, and the whole honour and glory Christ has in his human nature; see Psa 16:8 and with a view to all this, he endured the cross; which is to be taken not properly for that frame of wood, on which he was crucified; but, improperly, for all his sufferings, from his cradle to his cross; and particularly the tortures of the cross, being extended on it, and nailed unto it; and especially the death of the cross, which kind of death he endured to verify the predictions of it, Psa 22:16 and to show that he was made a curse for his people; and this being a Roman punishment, shows that the sceptre was taken from Judah, and therefore the Messiah must be come; and that Christ suffered for the Gentiles, as well as Jews: and this death he endured with great courage and intrepidity, with much patience and constancy, and in obedience to the will of his Father: despising the shame; of the cross; for it was an ignominious death, as well as a painful one; and as he endured the pain of it with patience, he treated the shame of it with contempt; throughout the whole of his life, he despised the shame and reproach that was cast upon him; and so he did at the time of his apprehension, and when upon his trial, and at his death, under all the ignominious circumstances that attended it; which should teach us not to be ashamed of the reproach of Christ, but count it an honour to be worthy to suffer shame for his name. And is set down at the right hand of the throne of God; Which is in heaven; and is expressive of the majesty and glory of God; and of the honour done to Christ in human nature, which is not granted to any of the angels: here Christ sits as God's fellow, as equal to him, as God, and as having done his work as man, and Mediator; and this may assure us, that when we have run out our race, we shall sit down too, with Christ upon his throne, and be at rest.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated that shame as if it were nothing. • seated in the place of honor: The author again alludes to Ps 110:1 (see also Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12).