The phrase “cloud of witnesses” is found in Hebrews 12:1 which says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” This verse comes in the midst of a passage comparing the Christian life to running a race. The “cloud of witnesses” refers back to the heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11, who provide inspiration and example for how to live by faith.
Old Testament Heroes of Faith
Hebrews 11 provides a survey of heroic figures from the Old Testament who demonstrated faith in God:
- Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice (Hebrews 11:4)
- Enoch was taken up to heaven without seeing death (Hebrews 11:5)
- Noah prepared the ark by faith when warned about the coming flood (Hebrews 11:7)
- Abraham obeyed God’s call to go to the promised land (Hebrews 11:8-10)
- Sarah conceived a child in old age, believing God’s promise (Hebrews 11:11)
- Abraham offered Isaac, believing God could raise him from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19)
- Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph blessed and prophesied by faith (Hebrews 11:20-22)
- Moses’ parents hid him from Pharaoh (Hebrews 11:23)
- Moses chose to suffer with God’s people rather than live in luxury (Hebrews 11:24-26)
- Israel crossed the Red Sea by faith (Hebrews 11:29)
- Rahab welcomed the spies, showing faith in their God (Hebrews 11:31)
Hebrews 11 continues describing many other examples of faith from characters and events throughout the Old Testament. All of these heroes from the past provide a “cloud of witnesses” – a large, invisible crowd surrounding Christians, cheering them on to live by faith as they did.
The Great Crowd of Witnesses
1. They are witnesses in the sense of spectators. The word “witness” can mean someone who watches an event unfold. The heroes of old have finished their races and now watch and cheer for those still running.
2. They are witnesses in the sense of providing testimony. The lives and examples of these heroes bear witness to the value of living by faith in God’s promises. Their testimony encourages future generations.
3. They are witnesses in the sense of martyrs. Many of those described in Hebrews 11 were persecuted or killed for their faith. The word “witness” is sometimes used specifically for a martyr. The crowd witnesses of what it means to suffer for Christ.
So this great cloud is not some vague group of supernatural beings. They are the tangible heroes of the Old Testament who demonstrated faith in action. By pondering their example, we gain insight and motivation to live by faith with endurance like they did.
Encouragement to Run Our Race
The cloud of witnesses provides a model for how to strip off sin, run patiently, and endure suffering in this life:
Hebrews 12:1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
As we run the race, we must lay aside the sin and distractions that entangle us and threaten to make us stumble. With patient endurance, we fix our eyes on Christ as the ultimate example of one who ran before us and endured the cross. Considering His perseverance motivates us to continue running when we feel like giving up.
The cloud of witnesses demonstrated lives of faith despite struggle and suffering. Their example encourages us to throw off sin, embrace God’s promises, and run with endurance no matter what obstacles we face. Surrounded by these great heroes of old, we’re inspired to live by faith until the day we finish the race.
Key Points
– The “cloud of witnesses” in Hebrews 12:1 refers back to the Old Testament heroes of faith described in Hebrews 11.
– These heroes provide a model of faith and endurance for Christians to imitate as they run the race set before them.
– The cloud is described as “witnesses” because they watch and cheer for those still running, provide testimony through their examples of faith, and sometimes witnessed through martyrdom.
– Referring to them as a “cloud” emphasizes they are a vast crowd surrounding Christians and encouraging them to finish the race while persevering through struggle and suffering.
– Christians must lay aside sin and distractions to run the race of faith with endurance, fixing our eyes on Christ as the ultimate example of one who endured the cross.
– The testimony and examples of the cloud of witnesses from the Old Testament spur us on to live by faith in God’s promises until the end.
