1 Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, leaving behind all the weight of the sin which surrounds us, let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who having been offered joy, endured the cross {Gr. stauros – stake}, despising the shame and was seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied in your souls and faint.
4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, fighting against sin.
5 And ye have quite forgotten the consolation which speaks unto you as unto sons, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art reproved of him:
6 for whom the Lord loves, he chastens and scourges everyone whom he receives as a son.
7 If ye endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father does not chasten?