The Hebrew Christians were greatly persecuted by Rome. They were tempted to drop out of the race of the Christian life (in fact, many did), because it was too hard and unrewarding. Here the author of this letter to those Hebrew Christians encourages them with stories of former “saints” who ran and won the race, and now closes this section saying, in essence: “If you don’t run, you can’t win!”
Scripture: Hebrews 11:32 - 12:3