But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great fight with afflictions;
All Commentaries on Hebrews 10:32 Go To Hebrews 10
John Chrysostom
AD 407
The best Physicians after they have made a deep incision, and have increased the pains by the wound, soothing the afflicted part, and giving rest and refreshment to the disturbed soul, proceed not to make a second incision, but rather soothe that which has been made with gentle remedies, and such as are suited to remove the violence of the pain. This Paul also did after he had shaken their souls, and pierced them with the recollection of Hell, and convinced then, that he must certainly perish, who does despite to the grace of God, and after he had shown from the laws of Moses, that they also shall perish, and the more [fearfully], and confirm it by other testimonies, and had said, It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God Hebrews 10:31: then, lest the soul desponding through excessive fear, should be swallowed up with grief, he soothes them by commendations and exhortation, and gives them zeal derived from their own conduct. For, he says, call to remembrance the former days, in which after ye had been enlightened, you endured a great fight of afflictions. Powerful is the exhortation from deeds [already done]: for he who begins a work ought to go forward and add to it. As if he had said, when you were brought in [to the Church], when you were in the rank of learners, you displayed so great readiness, so great nobleness; but now it is no longer so. And he who encourages, does thus especially encourage them from their own example.
And he did not simply say, ye endured a fight but a great [fight]. Moreover he did not say temptations but fight, which is an expression of commendation and of very great praise.
