Therefore seeing we also are surrounded with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily ensnare us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Read Chapter 12
Clement Of Rome
AD 99
Wherefore, having so many great and glorious examples set before us, let us turn again to the practice of that peace which from the beginning was the mark set before us.
Laying aside every weight; i.e. all that may hinder us when we run in the way of virtue.
To the fight proposed to us. In the Greek it is more clear: let us run the proposed race. He compares the condition of Christians to those who run a race, who fight or strive for a prize in the Olympic games, who strip themselves, and make themselves as light as possible, the better to run and fight. (Witham)
This Christian's life is both a race and a combat. In baptism we enter the lists; therefore we must fight in running to Jesus Christ, for he is the term, the goal, and the prize. To run well, we must be as light and disengaged as possible; and the same if we hope to combat with success. We should look up to the battles fought by our captain, Jesus Christ, and contemplate the glory he now enjoys on that account; for this he means to share with us, if we imitate his virtues: let us then rejoice to suffer with our Captain (archegon) here, and we shall be glorified with him hereafter.
In many places the Scripture derives its consolation in evils from corresponding things. As when the prophet says, From burning heat, and from storm, and rain. Isaiah 4:6 This at least he says here also, that the memory of those holy men, reestablishes and recovers the soul which had been weighed down by woes, as a cloud does him who is burnt by the too hot rays [of the sun.]
And he did not say, lifted on high above us, but, compassing us about, which was more than the other; so that we are in greater security.
What sort of cloud? A load of witnesses. With good reason he calls not those in the New [Testament] only, but those in the Old also, witnesses [or martyrs]. For they also were witnesses to the greatness of God, as for instance, the Three Children, those with Elijah, all the prophets.
Laying aside all things. All: what? That is, slumber, indifference, mean reasonings, all human things.
And the sin which does [so] easily beset us; εὐπερίστατον, that is either, which ea...
