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I. THE SUFFERINGS TO WHICH THE APOSTLE ADVERTS. "A great fight of afflictions." The term affliction is usually employed by us to denote bodily indisposition; but it is evident that the reference here is to persecution. The words, "a great fight," show that these Hebrews had a severe struggle to maintain; and it would be well for us to contrast the sufferings of the early Christians with what we have to endure. In addition to this general representation, the apostle proceeds to enumerate some of the special evils which they had to encounter. By the term "reproaches," we are given to understand that they were the objects of false and slanderous accusations, which has been the case with the people of God in all ages (Psalm 69:20). This is a severe trial, especially to tender and sensitive minds. But what says the Saviour? (Matthew 5:11, 12). And what says the apostle? (1 Peter 4:14-16). "With reproaches the apostle again connects the term "afflictions," or persecutions; and, from what is stated in the following verse, it is evident that the spoliation of their property is mainly intended. The notoriety connected with these proceedings added to their trials. "Partly, whilst ye were made a gazing-stock," &c. The object of their persecutors was openly to expose them to scorn, and to excite public feeling against them. Then their own sorrows were enhanced by the warm sympathy they felt for their fellow-sufferers. "Part]y, whilst ye became companions of them that were so used." As believers, being united to Christ, partake of the fellowship of His sufferings; so, being united to each other, they cannot but share the afflictions which are accomplished in their brethren around them.

II. THE ENCOURAGING CONSIDERATIONS WHICH HE ADDUCES (ver. 34).

1. The conduct of these persons demands our highest admiration. Simply to acquiesce without murmuring would have been no small matter; but to meet joyfully such a visitation, was strange indeed. When the harvest is suddenly blasted, the utmost we expect in the husbandman, after all his care and toil, is patient resignation; no one, under such circumstances, thinks of joy. But these persons took joyfully the spoiling of their goods — those goods including their earthly all.

2. They were influenced by the consideration of the treasure laid up for them in heaven, which the spoiler could not reach, nor aught else destroy. They knew that they had there a better and a more enduring substance than the possessions of this passing world.

(1)  More satisfying.

(2)  More enduring.

III. THE DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS WHICH HE ENFORCES.

1. Confidence. This feeling is to be regarded as the fruit of faith, and is displayed by courage in the face of difficulties and oppositions. It includes freedom from bondage and fear, and also a prevailing persuasion of our acceptance with God.

2. Patience. This is another fruit of faith, and is not the least important of those things which are lovely and of good report. There are three things which call for the exercise of this grace. We have need of it —

(1)  In bearing provocation.

(2)  In suffering affliction.

(3)  In waiting under delays and disappointments.In each of these senses the Hebrews had to exercise this grace, but especially in the latter. What the apostle exhorts them to cultivate is the opposite of that impatience which cannot wait; but he tells them that they would not have to wait long. "For yet a little while," &c. The overthrow of the Jewish state would put an end to their power to annoy them. O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest and not comforted, think of this "little while." Every wave is numbered between thee and the desired haven; and then the little while of time will be swallowed up in the unending ages of eternity.

3. Perseverance. "Now the just shall live by faith" — in the exercise of a calm and constant trust in God — "but if any man draw back, My soul," &c. To draw back, after putting our hands to the gospel plough, is a sin highly aggravating in its nature, and, if persisted in, one that will be most awful in its results (2 Peter 2:20-22; Hebrews 6:4-6; Hebrews 10:26-31). Some years ago there was a shipwreck in one of our channels. Among the passengers were a father and his son. They were a considerable distance from shore, but, as their lives were at stake, they resolved to make an effort to reach it by swimming. Before long, the son became very faint, and the father, perceiving it, cried out, "Hold on! Hold on! " Again and again did he repeat the words, Hold on! and he did not cry in vain. The youth was stimulated thereby; and at length, in spite of the roaring winds and boisterous waves, they reached the shore in safety. Now, what this shipwrecked father said to his fainting son would we say to those who have named the name of Christ, especially to the young disciple. By all the fearful consequences with which backsliding will be attended we bid you, Hold on!

(Expository Sermons.)

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KJV: But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

WEB: But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings;