Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Hebrews 12:4

"Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin:" — Hebrews 12:4 (ASV)

The “struggle [GK 497, retaining the imagery of athletic games] against sin” does not seem to refer to sin that the readers might be tempted to commit but to the sin of oppressors who were trying to terrorize them into abandoning their faith. Shedding blood does not normally accompany temptation, but it was a very real possibility for those facing persecution. Jesus had been killed, and many of those honored in ch. 11 had likewise been killed for their faithfulness to God. The words “not yet” show that there was real danger and that the readers must be ready for difficult days. But they had not had to die for their faith. They were evidently concerned at the prospect facing them, and he points out that their experience is not nearly so difficult as that of others.