Who are the "great cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 12:1?

[ALAYMAN]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

 

[Castor Muscular]

One of them is Abraham, who offered up his only begotten son, Isaac.  I'm guessing the pizza delivery guy was the real father of Ishmael. 

 

[Ransom]

1.

The point is, "They persevered, and so can you."

 

[T-Bone]

1.

The point is, "They persevered, and so can you."

Agreed and the point is their perseverance, not that they are literally watching over us!

After all this is not a Bette Midler song!

 

[rsc2a]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

"Yes."

 

[christundivided]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

"Yes."

You look really silly endlessly choicing "all the above". Its your answer for just about everything.

 

[christundivided]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

#1

I would add that doesn't have to be limited to those specifically mentioned. It can be applied any one that's a faithful witness to faith. Verse 36 speaks of "others".

 

[JustABigKid]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

#2
(IMO only) I think all the saints that have gone on before us are looking down, but I also believe that it is more those that directly impacted our lives while here on earth. I believe they are urging us to continue on. I believe that they may even be petition our Lord to give us strength when they see us in need.

 

[Smellin Coffee]

Cloud of witnesses? Chicago Cubs fans.

They will show up every day to watch inferior productivity! 

 

[ALAYMAN]

#2
(IMO only) I think all the saints that have gone on before us are looking down, but I also believe that it is more those that directly impacted our lives while here on earth. I believe they are urging us to continue on. I believe that they may even be petition our Lord to give us strength when they see us in need.

On what basis do you arrive at the conclusion that the verse pertains to those in heaven watching us?

 

[JustABigKid]

Just a personal belief nothing more.

 

[AresMan]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

1. They were the historic figures of faith in the previous chapter who looked for ("witnessed") the promise revealed in Christ that we have, although they did not experience it in this life.

 

[AresMan]

#2
(IMO only) I think all the saints that have gone on before us are looking down, but I also believe that it is more those that directly impacted our lives while here on earth. I believe they are urging us to continue on. I believe that they may even be petition our Lord to give us strength when they see us in need.

On what basis do you arrive at the conclusion that the verse pertains to those in heaven watching us?

Here you go. Hyles believed it.

'nuff said.

 

[ALAYMAN]

Heb 12:1  Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,


Who do you think these witnesses are?

1) Great historic figures of faith (referred to in the previous chapter)
2) Saints looking on from heaven cheering us on
3) The classic doctrine of the communion of the saints
4) Other(please explain)

I wouldn't argue with you, but I WOULD distinguish some of what you said as the difference between interpretation and application.  One meaning, many applications, and all that.  The writer of Hebrews had a specific group of people in mind when he spoke of the cloud, probably those alluded to from chapter 11 when he began with a "therefore" which begins chapter 12.  The application undoubtedly would be broader than those who preceded him in the faith, encompassing those historically who might follow, and even those in our personal sphere of heroes of the faith that spur us on to persevere.

personally i believe it;s everyone and everything that witnesses our journey through this life... both in heaven and on earth..... remembers what we have done.... and in some cases even records it..... .......... in the previous chapter he talks about specific things other believers did out of faith and things of God they remained faithful to.... though they didn;t realize the rewards or promises made to the faithful while in this life ... they nonetheless remained faithful..... i think paul was telling us to continue on like those before us did because our works will witnessed and remembered by the rest of the world just as theirs were.......  just my opinion on it from reading both chapters 11 and 12.... not a Bible scholar but that;s what i gathered from it......