Hebrews 10:32-34
Summary for Heb 10:32-39: 10:32-39 a The harsh warning (10:26-31 b) is followed by a word of encouragement. The hearers’ own faithfulness in the past is used as a positive example for them to follow now. 10:32 c when you first learned about Christ: The author reminds his readers of those early days, shortly after the community embraced Christianity, when their faith was tested. At that time, they remained faithful in the face of terrible suffering. Suffering is normal for a person who identifies with Christ and his community (13:12-13 d; Acts 9:16 e; Rom 8:17 f; 1 Cor 4:12-13 g; Phil 1:29 h; Jas 1:2-4 i).10:33 j public ridicule: They were insulted and disgraced.
• beaten: They were abused physically.
• At times they were direct recipients of abuse, and at times they stood with others who were suffering.
10:34 k those who were thrown into jail: Prisoners were dependent on friends and family for the most basic daily needs (cp. 13:3 l).
• when all you owned was taken from you: At times, the Roman government evicted groups of people from their homes and forced them to leave a city (see Acts 18:2-3 m). These Christians had faced this kind of persecution in the past and accepted it with joy (cp. Rom 5:3 n; Jas 1:2-4 o; 1 Pet 1:6 p). They anticipated better things . . . that will last forever (see Heb 11:35 q). God promises rewards to those who persevere faithfully.
Copyright information for
TNotes