John Calvin Commentary Hebrews 12:2

"looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." — Hebrews 12:2 (ASV)

Who for the joy that was set before him, etc. Though the expression in Latin is somewhat ambiguous, yet according to the words in Greek the Apostle’s meaning is quite clear; for he suggests that though it was free to Christ to exempt Himself from all trouble and to lead a happy life, abounding in all good things, He still underwent a death that was bitter and in every way ignominious.

For the expression, for joy, means the same as "instead of joy"; and "joy" includes every kind of enjoyment. And he says, set before him, because the power of making use of this joy was possessed by Christ, if He had so chosen.

At the same time, if anyone thinks that the preposition ἀντὶ denotes the final cause, I do not much object; then the meaning would be that Christ did not refuse the death of the cross because He saw its blessed outcome. I still prefer the former interpretation.

But he highlights for us the patience of Christ on two accounts: because He endured a most bitter death, and because He despised shame. He then mentions the glorious outcome of His death, so that the faithful might know that all the sufferings which they may endure will end in their salvation and glory, if they follow Christ. So also James says, “Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and ye know the end” (James 5:11). Then the Apostle means that the outcome of our sufferings will be the same as those of Christ, according to what Paul says, “If we suffer with him, we shall also reign together” (Romans 8:17).