The Path of Tribulation Heb. 10:32–34. (129)
“Christ has not enlisted us on this condition, that we should after a few years ask for a discharge, like soldiers who have served their time, but that we should pursue our warfare even unto the end” John Calvin. It therefore becomes a solemn and searching question for each of us to face: to what extent am I now being antagonized by the world? God’s Word emphatically declares, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” 2Tim. 3:12.
- “Partly, whilst ye were made a gazing-stock, both by reproaches and afflictions; and partly, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used” v. 33. One or two features of what their “great fight of affliction” had consisted of. Some of them were made a public spectacle to their neighbors, by the malicious accusations brought against them, and by the derision and punishment laid upon them; while others were the “partners” of those who were also cruelly treated. Ps. 71:7, Zec. 3:8, 1Cor. 4:9. The principal reference here is to the loss which they had sustained in their characters and reputations, and unto many people this is a sore trial; almost anything is easier to bear than obloquy and disgrace. But sufficient for the disciple to be as his Master: they slandered Him and said He had a demon.
- Reproach and slander are exceedingly trying, and if we are not upon our guard, if we fail to gird up the loins of our minds 1Pet. 1:13, we are likely to be so cast down by them as to be incapacitated for duty. Ps. 69:9; 74:22; 79:12; 89:51, 2Cor. 12:10. Despondency and despair are never excusable in the Christian and must be steadily resisted. We need to make up our minds that if, by grace, we are determined to follow the example which Christ has left us we shall have many enemies—especially in the religious world—who will scruple at no misrepresentations of our motives and actions. We must learn to undervalue our reputations and be content to be regarded as “the off scouring of all things”; we must seek grace to emulate Him who “set His face like a flint” Isa. 50:7, who “endured the cross, despising the shame” Heb. 12:2. Unless we cultivate His spirit, we shall be at a great disadvantage when sufferings come upon us.
- Not only had the Hebrew Christians suffered personally, but they had fellowship also in the sufferings of others. This is a Christian duty, and privilege. As members of the same Family, as fellow pilgrims toward the better Country, as called to serve together under the same Banner, it is only meet that we should bear “one another’s burdens,” and “weep with them that weep.” Of Moses it is recorded that “He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God…” Heb. 11:24, 25. To be a companion of those who suffer for Christ, is an evidence of our love for His brethren, of courage in suffering, and of readiness to succor those who are persecuted because of the Gospel. We do well to frequently ponder Matt. 25:42–45, Phi. 1:7; 4:14, 1Thes. 2:14, 2Tim. 1:8, 16–18.
- “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds” v. 34. This is a grateful acknowledgment of the sympathy which the Hebrews had shown him in an hour of need. This may be a reference to the time when he lay bound in chains at Jerusalem or Rome Acts 21:33, 28:20, Eph. 3:1; 4:1; 6:20, Phi. 1:7, 2Ti. 1:16; 2:9 when their love for him was shown by their prayers, and perhaps letters and gifts. It is the bounden duty for Christians to express in a practical way their compassion for any of Christ’s suffering servants, doing everything in their power to succor, support and relieve them. Equally so is it the duty of God’s ministers to thankfully own the kindness shown them: Christ himself will yet publicly bear witness unto the services of love which have been shown unto His brethren Matt. 25:34–40.
- “These words supply one of the many proofs that the apostle Paul was the author of this Epistle, for of the other persons whom some have fancied wrote it, such as Luke, Barnabas, Clement etc., there is no hint anywhere in Scripture, nor in ecclesiastical history, of any of them suffering bonds in Judea. But the lying of Paul in bonds and imprisonments was renowned above all others. Hence, he styled himself in particular “Paul, prisoner of Jesus Christ” Philem. 1:1, and gloried in this peculiar honor as “an ambassador in bonds” Eph. 6:20, and as such, desired the saints at Colosse to remember him at the throne of grace Heb. 4:3. Thus, his “bonds” being above all others so familiar, such a subject of the churches’ prayers, this reference here in Heb. 10:34 at once identifies the writer.” Pink Arthur W
- “And took joyfully the spoiling of your goods” v. 34. They had not only patiently “endured” the great fight of affliction but were happy in being counted worthy to suffer for Christ—a blessed triumph was that of the mighty grace of God over the weakness of the flesh. God is able to strengthen in the inner man. Col. 1:11, Mat. 5:11, 12, Act. 5:41, Jas. 1:2. Blessed is it when the heart is brought to hold lightly all earthly comforts and conveniences, for it is easier then to part with them should we be called upon to do so.
