"YOU NEED ENDURANCE"

 Hebrew Christians would have to endure tests of their faith as conditions in Judea deteriorated. (Hebrews 10:36) Although some Hebrew Christians had faced intense persecution, many had accepted Christianity during a period of relative peace. Paul mentioned that although had endured difficult tests of faith, they had not thus far suffered as Jesus did, that is, to the point of death. (Hebrews 12:4) With the spread of Christianity, however, the Jewish opposers were becoming increasingly bitter and fanatical. Just a few years earlier, Paul's appearance in Jerusalem stirred up a riot. More than 40 Jews "bound themselves with a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul." (Acts 22:22; 23:12-14) Despite such a climate of religious fanaticism and hatred, those Christians would still need to meet for worship, preach the good news, and keep themselves strong in faith. 

What would help the Hebrew Christians to endure the opposition they faced? Paul knew that they needed to have the right view of their trials. He thus explained that God might allow tests of faith as part of a Christian's training.  (Hebrews 12:7.) Such training can help one to cultivate and refine Christian qualities. By focusing on the end result of such trials, those Hebrew Christians would find it easier to endure. - HEBREWS 12:11.

Paul urged the Hebrew Christians to endure trials with greater determination. He was in a good position to write to them about this. As a former persecutor of Christians, he knew what they were up against. He also knew how to endure persecution. After all, he experienced various form of opposition after becoming a Christian. (2 Corinthians 11:23-25) So Paul could speak with conviction about what it takes to endure. He reminded those Christian that when enduring trials, they needed to rely not on themselves but on Jehovah. Paul would say with courage:  "Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid." - HEBREWS 13:6.

Next time: "YOU NEED ENDURANCE" - Conclusion

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