To the general assembly— The word Πανηγυρις properly signifies a stated convention upon some joyful and festive occasion; particularly it is applied to the concourse at the Olympic games: in which view it expresses a very elegant and lively opposition to the case of the Israelites; who were struck with a general terror, when they were convened before mount Sinai. The first-born are all such as inherit the birth-right; that is, all the faithful saints of God. The words, of all, are thought to have a peculiar emphasis here; implying that God will judge all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles. (See Romans 3:30.) whence the inference is easy, that we ought to follow peace with all men, and to receive to communion all such as God justifies, The spirits of just men made perfect means the souls of such as enjoy complete happiness with God in heaven, so far as may consist with the separate state.
Related Commentaries of Hebrews 12:23
Hebrews 12:23
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are writtenf in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,