The Pulpit Commentary — Hebrews — Section 298

For ye had compassion on them that were in bonds." In a truly ChriRtirm spirit they sympathized with others w_ho we~e in tribulation ; they wept w!th those who wept; they me.de common cause with their persecuted brethren. 2. Their sufferi:nq.9 were nf great .severit!f, They "en~ur_ed a. gre~t conflict of sufferings." The severity of the suffenngs of the early Christians 1s witnessed to by very many portions of the New 'l'estament (Acts v. 17-42; vi. 9-15; vii. 54-60; viii. 1-4; ix. 1, 2; xii. 1-5 • "Kiv. 19; xvi. 19-24; xxi. 27-32; xxii. 24, 25; 1 Cor. iv. 9-13; 2 Cor. iv. 8-11 ; lei. _23-2~; _1 }'.et. iv, 12-19; Rev, i!, 9, ~O). 3. Their sufferings were because of their Christianity. "After ye were 1llummated, ye endured," etc. This enli"hten- ment is that which led them to embrace Christianity anrl trust in Christ (cf. eh. ;i, 4). 'l'hey endured persecutions for his Name's sake. 4. Their sufferings were patuntly endured. "Ye endured "-the word used by the sacred writer indicates endurance "without losing heart or hope." They "took joyfully the spoiling of their posses- sions." Like the apostles they "rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name." One thing which sustained them in this noble endurance of cruel persecutions was their assurance that they possessed precious and imperishable treasures. "Knowing that ye have for yourselves a better possession and an abidin"' one." 'l'hey had treasure in heaven beyond the reach of their mightiest and most malignant enemies. Three things concerning this possession are worthy of brief notice. (1) Its certainty. They knew that it existed, and existed for them; for they had the earnest of it in their hearts. (2) Its superiority. It is "better" than any earthly possessions. (3) Its perpetuity. " .An enduring substance." Heavenly possessions are inalienable and imperishable. The knowledge that they had these sustained them under the loss of earthly possessions and sore tribulations. If any are called to suffer in the cause of Jesus Christ in these days, let them think of these noble endurers of far severer afflictions, and gather courage and patience from their example. II. SUFFERINGS ·RECALLED FOB THE MAINTENANCE OJ' FA.ITH Ill THE PBESE..."i'r. "Call to remembrance the former days, in which," etc. It is implied that they were suffering in the time then present because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and would probably have to suffer for some time (cf. eh. xii. 3-13). They are exhorted to call to mind the tribulations which they had already borne victoriously to inspire them in the endurance of present and future afflictions, and to preserve them from apostasy. This was not to be an occasional exercise, hut a constant habit. Hence the sacred writer uses the present tense, the force of which is thus given by .Alford, "Call ever to remem bro.nee the former days." But how would this recollection of past trials and vic- tories assist them in their present conflicts ? 1. All the fruit of their farmer sufferings would be lost if they did not continue faithful. "To begin in faith, but not to endure, leads to useless sacrifices, vain hopes, and fruitless sufferings." These Hebrew Chris- tians had already borne far too much in the cause of Christ for them to abandon that cause now because they were called to bear more tribulation. They were like capitalists who had invested so much in this enterprise, that they had only to call to mind the amount of their investments to save them from giving up their interest in it because other calls were made upon them. 2. All the help afforded them informer sufferings was available unto them still. The God who had helped them in the past would not forsake them in future trials; for he is ever the same-the same in wisdom, in power, in faithfulness, in goodness. Thus, the recollection of former deliverances should be an inspiration in present trials and for future difficulties. ".All the historic triumphs of the Divine arm stimulate us in the present battle." "Because thou hast been my Help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice." Thus David frequently reasoned (cf. 1 Sam. xvii. 32-37). .And thus should we encourage ourselves in God, especially in seasons of aull.'ering or of sorrow, of temptation or tribulation.-W. J. Vere. 35-37.-0hristian fidelity and its reward. "Cast not away therefore your confidence, which bath," etc. We have in our text- I. .A GREAT BEW.A.RD PROMISED. "Great recompense of reward.••. Ye might receive the promise.'' By ",the promise" is meant here, not the promise itself, but the blessings promised; not the word of promise, for this they had already, but the good things which that word assured unto them. By the recompense of reward and the promised blessings we understand one and the same thing; i.e. "the promise of the eternal  288 THE- EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. [oH, X. 1-39,