Have you ever known a person who turned his or her back on Christ and the church and simply walked away? Perhaps you have struggled to maintain your own Christian commitment in the face of disillusionment, spiritual confusion, loss of perspective, or outright persecution. The book of Hebrews points us to Christ. It provides light to help struggling Christians see Jesus clearly and stand firm. S…
1Por tanto, nosotros también, teniendo en derredor nuestro tan grande nube de testigos, despojémonos de todo peso y del pecado que nos asedia, y corramos con paciencia la carrera que tenemos por delante,
2puestos los ojos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de la fe, el cual por el gozo puesto delante de él sufrió la cruz, menospreciando el oprobio, y se sentó a la diestra del trono de Dios.
3Considerad a aquel que sufrió tal contradicción de pecadores contra sí mismo, para que vuestro ánimo no se canse hasta desmayar.
4Porque aún no habéis resistido hasta la sangre, combatiendo contra el pecado;
5y habéis ya olvidado la exhortación que como a hijos se os dirige, diciendo: Hijo mío, no menosprecies la disciplina del Señor, Ni desmayes cuando eres reprendido por él;
6Porque el Señor al que ama, disciplina, Y azota a todo el que recibe por hijo.
7Si soportáis la disciplina, Dios os trata como a hijos; porque ¿qué hijo es aquel a quien el padre no disciplina?
8Pero si se os deja sin disciplina, de la cual todos han sido participantes, entonces sois bastardos, y no hijos.
9Por otra parte, tuvimos a nuestros padres terrenales que nos disciplinaban, y los venerábamos. ¿Por qué no obedeceremos mucho mejor al Padre de los espíritus, y viviremos?
10Y aquellos, ciertamente por pocos días nos disciplinaban como a ellos les parecía, pero este para lo que nos es provechoso, para que participemos de su santidad.
11Es verdad que ninguna disciplina al presente parece ser causa de gozo, sino de tristeza; pero después da fruto apacible de justicia a los que en ella han sido ejercitados.
12Por lo cual, levantad las manos caídas y las rodillas paralizadas;
13y haced sendas derechas para vuestros pies, para que lo cojo no se salga del camino, sino que sea sanado.
14Seguid la paz con todos, y la santidad, sin la cual nadie verá al Señor.
15Mirad bien, no sea que alguno deje de alcanzar la gracia de Dios; que brotando alguna raíz de amargura, os estorbe, y por ella muchos sean contaminados;
16no sea que haya algún fornicario, o profano, como Esaú, que por una sola comida vendió su primogenitura.
17Porque ya sabéis que aun después, deseando heredar la bendición, fue desechado, y no hubo oportunidad para el arrepentimiento, aunque la procuró con lágrimas.
18Porque no os habéis acercado al monte que se podía palpar, y que ardía en fuego, a la oscuridad, a las tinieblas y a la tempestad,
19al sonido de la trompeta, y a la voz que hablaba, la cual los que la oyeron rogaron que no se les hablase más,
20porque no podían soportar lo que se ordenaba: Si aun una bestia tocare el monte, será apedreada, o pasada con dardo;
21y tan terrible era lo que se veía, que Moisés dijo: Estoy espantado y temblando;
22sino que os habéis acercado al monte de Sion, a la ciudad del Dios vivo, Jerusalén la celestial, a la compañía de muchos millares de ángeles,
23a la congregación de los primogénitos que están inscritos en los cielos, a Dios el Juez de todos, a los espíritus de los justos hechos perfectos,
24a Jesús el Mediador del nuevo pacto, y a la sangre rociada que habla mejor que la de Abel.
25Mirad que no desechéis al que habla. Porque si no escaparon aquellos que desecharon al que los amonestaba en la tierra, mucho menos nosotros, si desecháremos al que amonesta desde los cielos.
26La voz del cual conmovió entonces la tierra, pero ahora ha prometido, diciendo: Aún una vez, y conmoveré no solamente la tierra, sino también el cielo.
27Y esta frase: Aún una vez, indica la remoción de las cosas movibles, como cosas hechas, para que queden las inconmovibles.
28Así que, recibiendo nosotros un reino inconmovible, tengamos gratitud, y mediante ella sirvamos a Dios agradándole con temor y reverencia;
29porque nuestro Dios es fuego consumidor.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of fa…
12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17).
12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It entangles us and restricts us from moving by faith.
II
Versículo 2
II. 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian lif…
12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian life will depend on our keeping our eyes on Jesus—staying focused on him and his work on our behalf. • Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith: Jesus has accomplished everything necessary for faith under the new covenant to be a reality. • disregarding its shame: Crucifixion was the most shameful form of execution, meant to humiliate and torture the person crucified. It was used only for slaves and criminals who were not Roman citizens. Christ treated that shame as if it were nothing. • seated in the place of honor: The author again alludes to Ps 110:1 (see also Heb 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12).
III
Versículo 3
III. 12:3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people: The recipients of Hebrews had beco…
12:3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people: The recipients of Hebrews had become weary and were about to give up—they were emotionally fatigued because of the persecution they were facing. The key to their endurance was to focus on Jesus, who had been through even worse hostility.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 12:4 not yet given your lives: This community had not yet faced martyrdom for the faith. (This is…
12:4 not yet given your lives: This community had not yet faced martyrdom for the faith. (This is one reason to date Hebrews prior to Nero’s persecution in the mid-60s AD.) If Jesus could endure a shameful death, the hearers should be able to endure lesser persecution.
V
Versículo 5
V. 12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regard…
12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regards hardship as the Lord’s loving discipline for his children. God can turn a wide variety of trials and difficulties to our good, training us in righteousness and holy character.
VI
Versículo 7
VI. 12:7-8 disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involv…
12:7-8 disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involved in day-to-day aspects of raising their children. Discipline was seen as a necessary, healthy, and important component of preparing the child for adulthood. A lack of fatherly discipline—in this case, a lack of hardships in life—is a mark of illegitimacy, not a blessing.
VII
Versículo 9
VII. 12:9 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). Here, the lesser situatio…
12:9 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). Here, the lesser situation is the respect shown to an earthly father when he is giving discipline. We should submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits in the more important context of our relationship with God. We should adopt a posture of yielding to God as to a good Father, trusting that he is helping us grow even through painful circumstances.
VIII
Versículo 10
VIII. 12:10-11 There are at least two limitations on an earthly father’s discipline. First, his discipl…
12:10-11 There are at least two limitations on an earthly father’s discipline. First, his discipline, or education, is only for a few years (literally for a few days)—children eventually leave home. Second, earthly fathers were doing the best they knew how from their limited perspectives. By contrast, God’s discipline lasts throughout life and is always good for us, based on his limitless knowledge and love. His goal is that we might share in his holiness. Although it is painful, discipline brings about a peaceful harvest of right living. It brings God’s children into a state conducive to harmonious relationships and doing what is right (see also Rom 5:3-4; 8:17, 28; 2 Cor 4:17; Phil 1:12-14; Jas 1:2-4; 1 Pet 1:7; 4:14).
IX
Versículo 12
IX. 12:12-13 The author, alluding to Isa 35:3-8 and Prov 4:26, encourages those who are emotionally a…
12:12-13 The author, alluding to Isa 35:3-8 and Prov 4:26, encourages those who are emotionally and spiritually exhausted. According to Isa 35, God is in the process of defeating his enemies and is making a straight path for the righteous so that they will not fall.
X
Versículo 14
X. 12:14 Those who are living a holy life have confident hope of seeing the Lord (see 1 Jn 2:28; 3:2…
12:14 Those who are living a holy life have confident hope of seeing the Lord (see 1 Jn 2:28; 3:21; 4:17).
XI
Versículo 15
XI. 12:15 The poisonous root of bitterness alludes to people turning their backs on God’s covenant to…
12:15 The poisonous root of bitterness alludes to people turning their backs on God’s covenant to serve other gods (Deut 29:18). Bitterness can corrupt the church.
XII
Versículo 16
XII. 12:16 Ancient Jewish literature describes Esau as sexually immoral because he was married to the …
12:16 Ancient Jewish literature describes Esau as sexually immoral because he was married to the Hittite women Judith and Basemath (Gen 26:34; see Jubilees 25:1; Philo, On the Virtues 208). • Esau’s lack of regard for his birthright (Gen 25:29-34) was godless. His willingness to give up God’s blessings for immediate satisfaction illustrates the opposite of faith.
XIII
Versículo 17
XIII. 12:17 Hebrews sees Esau’s disregard for his inheritance (12:16) and his loss of the blessing (Gen…
12:17 Hebrews sees Esau’s disregard for his inheritance (12:16) and his loss of the blessing (Gen 27:30-40) as intrinsically related. The result was bitter tears. By analogy, those who reject an inheritance through Christ’s new covenant have only bitterness in their future.
XIV
Versículo 18
XIV. 12:18-24 This passage contrasts the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, represented by M…
12:18-24 This passage contrasts the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, represented by Mount Sinai (12:18-21), is depicted as impersonal, intimidating, and unapproachable; it booms, flashes, and terrifies. The new covenant, represented by Mount Zion (12:22-24), is depicted as relational, welcoming, and celebratory.
12:18 The descriptions of Mount Sinai come directly from God’s encounter with Israel at that mountain (see Exod 19:16-22; 20:18-21; Deut 4:11-12; 5:23-27). The images communicate separation from a holy God.
XV
Versículo 19
XV. 12:19 The awesome trumpet blast and a voice terrified the people (see Exod 19:16, 19; 20:18; Deut…
12:19 The awesome trumpet blast and a voice terrified the people (see Exod 19:16, 19; 20:18; Deut 4:12) so that they begged God to stop speaking (Exod 20:19).
16
Versículo 22
16. 12:22 No: There is a strong contrast between the old and the new covenant. Believers have now com…
12:22 No: There is a strong contrast between the old and the new covenant. Believers have now come to wonderful Mount Zion, which is closely associated with Jerusalem and represents God’s dwelling place. • heavenly Jerusalem: See study note on 8:5. • The new covenant constitutes a relationship with God by which we experience his presence with joy, peace, and fellowship.
17
Versículo 23
17. 12:23 The word translated assembly is usually translated “church”; it speaks of God’s assembled p…
12:23 The word translated assembly is usually translated “church”; it speaks of God’s assembled people. • God’s firstborn children refers to people who are members of the new covenant (cp. 1:6; 2:10-13). • The concept that God’s people have their names . . . written in heaven speaks of God’s special attention to his people (see also Exod 32:32; Ps 69:28; Isa 4:3; Dan 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). • For God’s children, God as judge is the vindicator of his people (cp. Pss 9:8; 58:11; 94:2; Isa 11:4; Jer 22:16). • Those who have already died have now been made perfect by the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 10:14).
18
Versículo 24
18. 12:24 Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (8:7-13; 9:11-14; 10:15-18). His sprinkled blood,…
12:24 Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (8:7-13; 9:11-14; 10:15-18). His sprinkled blood, used as the sacrifice for sins, speaks of forgiveness. • The blood of Abel cried out to God from the ground, demanding vengeance for his murder by Cain (Gen 4:10). By contrast, Jesus’ blood cries out that the price for sins has been paid for those in the new covenant (Heb 10:16-18).
19
Versículo 25
19. 12:25-29 As the final warning in the book (see 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31), this passage pla…
12:25-29 As the final warning in the book (see 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31), this passage plays off the image of God speaking in 12:18-24.
12:25 God is the One who is speaking his revealed word in his Son, Jesus (1:1-3). The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14): Moses’ warning the people under the old covenant is the lesser situation, and God’s warning us from heaven is the greater situation. If people did not escape judgment when they were warned by Moses, those who reject the message of the Son of God will certainly not escape punishment.
20
Versículo 26
20. 12:26-27 shook the earth: Exod 19:18; Judg 5:5; Pss 68:8; 77:18. • “Once again I will shake not o…
12:26-27 shook the earth: Exod 19:18; Judg 5:5; Pss 68:8; 77:18. • “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also”: Quoting Hag 2:6, the author emphasizes that all of creation will be shaken and removed at the judgment at the end of the age (1 Cor 7:31; 2 Pet 3:10, 12; Rev 21:1).
21
Versículo 28
21. 12:28-29 God deserves holy fear and awe. • our God is a devouring fire: This quotation from Deut …
12:28-29 God deserves holy fear and awe. • our God is a devouring fire: This quotation from Deut 4:24 speaks at once of God’s awesome power and of his right to judge.
Nuevo Testamento
Hebrews — Capítulo 12
Have you ever known a person who turned his or her back on Christ and the church and simply walked away? Perhaps you have struggled to maintain your own Christian commitment in the face of disillusionment, spiritual confusion, loss of perspective, or outright persecution. The book of Hebrews points us to Christ. It provides light to help struggling Christians see Jesus clearly and stand firm. S…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Por tanto, nosotros también, teniendo en derredor nuestro tan grande nube de testigos, despojémonos de todo peso y del pecado que nos asedia, y corramos con paciencia la carrera que tenemos por delante,
2puestos los ojos en Jesús, el autor y consumador de la fe, el cual por el gozo puesto delante de él sufrió la cruz, menospreciando el oprobio, y se sentó a la diestra del trono de Dios.
3Considerad a aquel que sufrió tal contradicción de pecadores contra sí mismo, para que vuestro ánimo no se canse hasta desmayar.
4Porque aún no habéis resistido hasta la sangre, combatiendo contra el pecado;
5y habéis ya olvidado la exhortación que como a hijos se os dirige, diciendo: Hijo mío, no menosprecies la disciplina del Señor, Ni desmayes cuando eres reprendido por él;
6Porque el Señor al que ama, disciplina, Y azota a todo el que recibe por hijo.
7Si soportáis la disciplina, Dios os trata como a hijos; porque ¿qué hijo es aquel a quien el padre no disciplina?
8Pero si se os deja sin disciplina, de la cual todos han sido participantes, entonces sois bastardos, y no hijos.
9Por otra parte, tuvimos a nuestros padres terrenales que nos disciplinaban, y los venerábamos. ¿Por qué no obedeceremos mucho mejor al Padre de los espíritus, y viviremos?
10Y aquellos, ciertamente por pocos días nos disciplinaban como a ellos les parecía, pero este para lo que nos es provechoso, para que participemos de su santidad.
11Es verdad que ninguna disciplina al presente parece ser causa de gozo, sino de tristeza; pero después da fruto apacible de justicia a los que en ella han sido ejercitados.
12Por lo cual, levantad las manos caídas y las rodillas paralizadas;
13y haced sendas derechas para vuestros pies, para que lo cojo no se salga del camino, sino que sea sanado.
14Seguid la paz con todos, y la santidad, sin la cual nadie verá al Señor.
15Mirad bien, no sea que alguno deje de alcanzar la gracia de Dios; que brotando alguna raíz de amargura, os estorbe, y por ella muchos sean contaminados;
16no sea que haya algún fornicario, o profano, como Esaú, que por una sola comida vendió su primogenitura.
17Porque ya sabéis que aun después, deseando heredar la bendición, fue desechado, y no hubo oportunidad para el arrepentimiento, aunque la procuró con lágrimas.
18Porque no os habéis acercado al monte que se podía palpar, y que ardía en fuego, a la oscuridad, a las tinieblas y a la tempestad,
19al sonido de la trompeta, y a la voz que hablaba, la cual los que la oyeron rogaron que no se les hablase más,
20porque no podían soportar lo que se ordenaba: Si aun una bestia tocare el monte, será apedreada, o pasada con dardo;
21y tan terrible era lo que se veía, que Moisés dijo: Estoy espantado y temblando;
22sino que os habéis acercado al monte de Sion, a la ciudad del Dios vivo, Jerusalén la celestial, a la compañía de muchos millares de ángeles,
23a la congregación de los primogénitos que están inscritos en los cielos, a Dios el Juez de todos, a los espíritus de los justos hechos perfectos,
24a Jesús el Mediador del nuevo pacto, y a la sangre rociada que habla mejor que la de Abel.
25Mirad que no desechéis al que habla. Porque si no escaparon aquellos que desecharon al que los amonestaba en la tierra, mucho menos nosotros, si desecháremos al que amonesta desde los cielos.
26La voz del cual conmovió entonces la tierra, pero ahora ha prometido, diciendo: Aún una vez, y conmoveré no solamente la tierra, sino también el cielo.
27Y esta frase: Aún una vez, indica la remoción de las cosas movibles, como cosas hechas, para que queden las inconmovibles.
28Así que, recibiendo nosotros un reino inconmovible, tengamos gratitud, y mediante ella sirvamos a Dios agradándole con temor y reverencia;
29porque nuestro Dios es fuego consumidor.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of fa…
Versículo 2
II. 12:2 Jesus is the supreme example of faithful endurance (3:1). Our endurance in the Christian lif…
Versículo 3
III. 12:3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people: The recipients of Hebrews had beco…
Versículo 4
IV. 12:4 not yet given your lives: This community had not yet faced martyrdom for the faith. (This is…
Versículo 5
V. 12:5-6 In these verses, the encouraging words are quoted from Prov 3:11-12, a passage that regard…
Versículo 7
VI. 12:7-8 disciplined by its father: Fathers from Greco-Roman as well as Jewish families were involv…
Versículo 9
VII. 12:9 The author argues from lesser to greater (see study note on 9:14). Here, the lesser situatio…
Versículo 10
VIII. 12:10-11 There are at least two limitations on an earthly father’s discipline. First, his discipl…
Versículo 12
IX. 12:12-13 The author, alluding to Isa 35:3-8 and Prov 4:26, encourages those who are emotionally a…
Versículo 14
X. 12:14 Those who are living a holy life have confident hope of seeing the Lord (see 1 Jn 2:28; 3:2…
Versículo 15
XI. 12:15 The poisonous root of bitterness alludes to people turning their backs on God’s covenant to…
Versículo 16
XII. 12:16 Ancient Jewish literature describes Esau as sexually immoral because he was married to the …
Versículo 17
XIII. 12:17 Hebrews sees Esau’s disregard for his inheritance (12:16) and his loss of the blessing (Gen…
Versículo 18
XIV. 12:18-24 This passage contrasts the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, represented by M…
Versículo 19
XV. 12:19 The awesome trumpet blast and a voice terrified the people (see Exod 19:16, 19; 20:18; Deut…
Versículo 22
16. 12:22 No: There is a strong contrast between the old and the new covenant. Believers have now com…
Versículo 23
17. 12:23 The word translated assembly is usually translated “church”; it speaks of God’s assembled p…
Versículo 24
18. 12:24 Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant (8:7-13; 9:11-14; 10:15-18). His sprinkled blood,…
Versículo 25
19. 12:25-29 As the final warning in the book (see 2:1-4; 4:12-13; 6:4-8; 10:26-31), this passage pla…
Versículo 26
20. 12:26-27 shook the earth: Exod 19:18; Judg 5:5; Pss 68:8; 77:18. • “Once again I will shake not o…
Versículo 28
21. 12:28-29 God deserves holy fear and awe. • our God is a devouring fire: This quotation from Deut …