John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 12:1

"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," — Hebrews 12:1 (ASV)

Wherefore, seeing we also, etc. This conclusion is, as it were, an epilogue to the previous chapter, in which he shows the purpose for which he gave a list of the saints who excelled in faith under the Law—namely, that everyone should be prepared to imitate them. He metaphorically calls a large multitude a cloud, for he contrasts what is dense with what is thinly scattered. Even if they had been few in number, they still should have roused us by their example; but since they were a vast throng, they should more powerfully stimulate us.

He says that we are so surrounded by this dense throng, that wherever we turn our eyes, many examples of faith immediately meet us. I do not take the word witnesses in a general sense, as if he called them the martyrs of God. I apply it to the present case, as if he had said that faith is sufficiently proven by their testimony, so that no doubt should be entertained. For the virtues of the saints are so many testimonies to confirm us that we, relying on them as our guides and associates, should go onward to God with more eagerness.

Let us lay aside every weight, or every burden, etc. Since he refers to the likeness of a race, he instructs us to be lightly equipped, for nothing hinders speed more than being encumbered with burdens. Now, there are various burdens that delay and impede our spiritual course, such as the love of this present life, the pleasures of the world, the lusts of the flesh, worldly cares, riches and honors, and other things of this kind. Whoever, then, would run in the course prescribed by Christ must first disentangle himself from all these impediments, for we are already, of ourselves, slower than we should be, so no other causes of delay should be added.

However, we are not instructed to cast away riches or other blessings of this life, except insofar as they slow our course. For Satan, by these as by snares, holds and hinders us.

Now, the metaphor of a race is often found in Scripture; but here it means not just any kind of race, but a running contest, which typically calls forth the greatest exertions. The meaning of what is said, then, is that we are engaged in a contest, indeed, in a most celebrated race, that many witnesses stand around us, that the Son of God is the umpire who invites and exhorts us to secure the prize, and that therefore it would be most disgraceful for us to grow weary or inactive in the middle of our course.

And at the same time, the holy men whom he mentioned are not only witnesses but have also been associates in the same race, who have previously shown us the way. Yet he preferred calling them witnesses rather than runners to suggest that they are not rivals seeking to snatch the prize from us, but rather approvers who applaud and hail our victory. Christ also is not only the umpire but also extends his hand to us, supplying us with strength and energy. In short, he prepares and fits us to begin our course and by his power leads us to the end of the race.

And the sin which does so easily beset us, or, stand around us, etc. This is the heaviest burden that hinders us. And he says that we are entangled, so that we may know that no one is fit to run unless he has stripped himself of all snares. He speaks not of outward, or, as they say, of actual sin, but of the very fountain—namely, concupiscence or lust—which so possesses every part of us that we feel we are held on every side by its snares.

Let us run with patience, etc. By this word patience, we are always reminded of what the Apostle considered most important in faith. This is that we are to seek in spirit the kingdom of God, which is invisible to the flesh and exceeds all that our minds can comprehend. For those who are occupied in meditating on this kingdom can easily disregard all earthly things. Thus, he could not more effectively withdraw the Jews from their ceremonies than by calling their attention to the real exercises of faith, by which they might learn that Christ’s kingdom is spiritual and far superior to the elements of the world.