Introduction

Few human experiences are quite so universal as suffering. Its forms and its causes are diverse. Because of its prominence and persistence in human experience, religious traditions (and sometimes philosophy) have given considerable attention to suffering, whether to lament its existence, explain its origin, ascribe some purpose to it, rally forces to alleviate it, or simply to encourage those who face it. Jewish and Christian traditions have done all of the above.

This study focuses on a specific NT passage which addresses the problem of suffering: Hebrews 12.1–13. The text is enclosed by athletic imagery and unified by a common paraenetic aim. The author likens the life of faith to a race, an άγών, a process of rigorous discipline, and he urges his readers to endure their struggles and not to be faint-hearted. There are, nevertheless, two distinct sections in the passage: verses 1–3 and 4–13. The first of these issues a call to the readers to “run with endurance,” surrounded by the great cloud of witnesses enumerated in chapter 11 and looking to the example of Jesus, who suffered hostility and death. The second section contains a similar exhortation to endure, this time substantiated by an understanding of suffering as divine παιδεíα. In short, the author offers the readers two means of encouragement: the supreme paradigm of endurance in suffering and a view of suffering as divinely purposeful and personally beneficial.