Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,
Hebrews 12:1 (NET)
In some translations, Hebrews 12 begins with the word "therefore". This word should cause us to look backward to see what preceded the "therefore", because use of this word in the Bible always hearkens back to what just came before. In this case chapter 11, you will recall, was a recitation of many heroes of faith. All were witnesses to the power and glory of God. Some became martyrs, dying horrible deaths, because their witness was so unbreakable, their love for God so eternal; others did not, as God did not require that of them.
The Greek word "martyron" ( μαρτύρων) occurs 9 times in the New Testament according to the Englishman's concordance, and one of those 9 is in Hebrews 12:1. When we look at this word, we naturally think of the English word "martyr". But, do you know how it is translated almost every time? It is translated "witnesses". (The King James translates in "martyrs" in Revelation 17:6, but most translations of that verse do not.)
Hebrews 12:1 states that we are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses". What does this mean? The author of Hebrews had just listed many faithful followers of God, all of whom were at that time (and are still) dead. Is it they, to whom the author refers as this "great cloud of witnesses"? It would certainly seem so.
Because of that pesky word "cloud" some believe that the dead can "see" us, here in this mortal plane, and they use this verse as the basis. Do the dead gather around some giant screen in Heaven, where they cheer us on to godliness, like some sort of multidimensional, spiritual Olympics? You hear manifestations of this belief in the comments of people who have lost a loved one: "Mother is watching over me." While this type of belief may comfort some, I do not believe it to be an accurate interpretation of Scripture. Although God has allowed (for His eternal purposes) on rare occasions the veil between Heaven (and Hell) and Earth to be pulled aside for a moment1 , there is no indication that the dead view us as we live our mortal lives.
What does it mean then, that we are surrounded by "so great a cloud of witnesses"?
In his epic poem, "Ulysses"2, the poet, Alfred, Lord Tennyson says this: "I am a part of all I have met."
No, we did not know personally these great heroes of the Christian faith. We did not meet them face-to-face, not yet. We did meet them, though, in the pages of the Holy Bible. We have read of their exploits, their triumphs, and their horrible failures in some cases. We have met those who did not respond in faith (Cain, Saul, Pharaoh, Judas, e.g.) and those who did.
These pioneers, these veterans, surround us, in our Christian walk.
When I look in the mirror or when I look at my mother, aunts and uncles, or remember my father and other loved ones who have "gone on", I see how those who went before me have been used by the Holy Spirit to shape me. Those "witnesses" to the all-surpassing greatness of Jesus Christ, both living and dead, not only inspire me; their examples help to keep me focused in my faith walk.
The word "surrounded" in verse one does not only connote that there are others who are "nearby". The word occurs only a few times in the New Testament. But, when it does occur it has been translated thus3: "encompassed about" or "bound with chains" (Acts 28:20) or, even in one instance, "having a stone around the neck" (Luke 17:2). So, the deeper meaning of that Greek word (perikeimenon)is that the testimonies of these witnesses, these heroes of faith, not only merely "surround" us, they bind us up. Their examples lift us up. Such amazing stories of redemption encourage us, spur us on to greater faith in our own lives.
I don't know about you; but, I have people like that in my faith circle today. Some are family; others might as well be. Just by spending time with them, I am encouraged and strengthened in my daily walk. And, I thank God for them! They make me want to BE more for God, to DO more for God, and to similarly exhort and encourage others through my witness, as well.
Sources:
1 1 Samuel 28, Luke 16:19-31, 2 Corinthians 12:2, and others
2 https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/45392
3 http://biblehub.com/greek/perikeimenon_4029.htm
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