Hebrews 12:1

[FrankF]

I see in the Scriptural Reference Guide on the CA tracts that Heb. 12:1 is cited as support for praying to the saints.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely . . .” (Heb. 12:1).

Can anyone explain this? It is extremely unclear to me.

Thanks!

-Ed

 

[guanophore]

I see in the Scriptural Reference Guide on the CA tracts that Heb. 12:1 is cited as support for praying to the saints.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely . . .” (Heb. 12:1).

Can anyone explain this? It is extremely unclear to me.

Thanks!

-Ed

This is a reference to what the Apostles Creed calls the “Communion of Saints”. If you look through Chap. 11 of Hebrews you will see a litany of tribute to many of the faithful that came before. It is this “cloud of witnesses”, the holy men and women that have gone before us in the faith, to which St. Paul refers in 12:1. Inspired by their prayers, faith, and good example we should also persevere in our narrow way.

Among the members of the communion of saints are Elijah and Moses, who appeared to Jesus and spoke with him about His upcoming departure (from His flesh) in Jerusalem:

Matt 17:2-4
3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Eli’jah, talking with him."

The Catholic Church teaches that the Saints and Angels are present in the Kingdom of Heaven in the invisible realm, just as we are present in this tangible realm. We are all members of One Body, and are parts one of another. That is how we can pray for one another. Hope this helps.

 

[juliamajor]

I see in the Scriptural Reference Guide on the CA tracts that Heb. 12:1 is cited as support for praying to the saints.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely . . .” (Heb. 12:1).

Can anyone explain this? It is extremely unclear to me.

Thanks!

-Ed

okay- read Chapter 11 first. The Epistle writer is talking about examples of faith . They were our spiritual ancestors- our examples of endurance"clouds of witnesses"

 

[FrankF]

This is LOTS of help. Thanks to both of you!

-Ed

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

In the context of the book of Hebrews 11:1-12:3 is a “chapter”, the witnesses is the testimonies of those in Hebrews 11, often called the “by faith” chapter. In short, it simply refers to the earthly testimony of those who went before us in the OT. To see that I am right take the time to outline the book of Hebrews for yourself, to understand the flow of the arguments being made.