Summary and conclusions

The task that remains in this final chapter is to gather up the results of this study and to state them succinctly and with due force. Then, as a sort of epilogue, I will offer several theological theses on “Endurance in Suffering,” touching on the relationship of suffering to sin and eschatology. These theses will incorporate the results of this study, but will intentionally push beyond its limits and broaden the discussion to include other biblical passages and to address modern concerns.

The impetus for this study was the suspicion that the primary frameworks in which Hebrews 12.1–13 was read were inadequate, especially with regard to the latter part of the passage. Martyrological influences on verses 1–3 are undeniable, but have sometimes been exaggerated. The athletic imagery in this passage was universally recognized, but had not been “pushed” to see if Jesus could be viewed chiefly as the model athlete, the champion of faith who had successfully reached the goal, as opposed to the supreme martyr who had laid aside joy to accept suffering. The athletic interpretation would capitalize on the imagery of the passage, both the explicit and the latent, and would bring together the agon motif so common in Hellenistic moralists and the rhetorical tradition of using exemplars to enjoin desired behavior.

Similarly, the influence of wisdom traditions is seen in verses 4–11, most obviously in the citation of Proverbs 3.11–12.