Hebrews 10:32-34 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

But As if he had said, I trust you will be preserved from so terrible a ruin; and in order that you may, I exhort you to call to remembrance the former days To look back upon past events, which, if duly considered, may be very instructive, and may prove the means of establishing you in your resolution of adhering to the gospel. In particular, reflect on what you have suffered, and how you have been supported and delivered, that you may not despond upon the approach of similar evils, but may still trust in God and persevere in his service; in which, after you were enlightened With the knowledge of God and of his truth; ye endured Courageously sustained, through God's help; a great fight of afflictions A grievous persecution from your unbelieving brethren, and great and various troubles and distresses, on account of your faith in, and profession of, the gospel; and therefore you should not fall off now at last, lest you lose the fruit of all these sufferings. There were various persecutions of the Christians in Judea, particularly the great persecution after the death of Stephen, Acts 8:1, and Herod's persecution, Acts 12:1. But perhaps the apostle here refers to the persecution in Judea, mentioned 1 Thessalonians 2:14, in which the believing Hebrews showed great love to their suffering brethren, Hebrews 6:10. Their enduring this persecution with fortitude and patience, the apostle calls here πολλην αθλησιν, a great combat, in allusion to the combats in the Grecian games. Partly, &c. Both in respect of your own sufferings and of your sympathy with others in theirs; while ye were made a gazing-stock Θεατριζομενοι, made a public spectacle, or openly exposed, as in a theatre. See on 1 Corinthians 4:9. By reproaches Cast on you as atheists, or enemies to the true God, for deserting the institutions of Moses; and afflictions Which befel you on that and other accounts; and partly while ye became companions of them that were so used In pitying, owning, visiting, and relieving them who were treated in the same cruel manner. For ye had compassion on me Ye sympathized with all your suffering brethren, and with me in particular; in my bonds Both at Jerusalem and at Cesarea; and ye took joyfully For the sake of him who died for you; the spoiling of your goods The loss of your property; knowing in yourselves Or, rather, knowing that you have for yourselves; in heaven Laid up for you there; a better, than any which you lose, and an enduring substance Even unspeakable and eternal riches, glory, and felicity, when all the possessions of earth have perished, and all its sorrows have come to a perpetual period.