What does it mean in the bible when it talks about that we are surrounded by "so great a cloud of witnesses"?
This can be found in Hebrews Chapter 12.
2006-11-03 16:21:56 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It refers to what the Christian Church calls "the Communion of Saints", which is one of the doctrinal truths mentioned in the Apostles' Creed. The endless interaction between the saints on Earth and the saints in heaven.
2006-11-03 16:29:37 · answer #1 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In scriptural texts, clouds are often used to carry or convey spiritual presence. The Lord appeared in a cloud to guide the children of Israel through the wilderness to the promised land. The resurrected Jesus was received by a cloud as He ascended into heaven. At the end of the world, the Savior will descend in the clouds with power and great glory. (See Ex. 13:21; Acts 1:9; Matt. 24:30.)
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrews: “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, … looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:1–2).
Peter is talking about many people who testify as to Christ, and how we should join them.
2006-11-04 00:44:47 · answer #2 · answered by Rainfog 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Heb 12:1 should be th last verse of chapter 11 and then it would make more sense. Good question, keep digging. More gold to be found.
2006-11-04 00:30:47 · answer #3 · answered by rapturefuture 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Those mentioned in chapter 11 and other heros of The Faith.
edit note: avoid the essen cult link above
2006-11-04 00:28:38 · answer #4 · answered by IdahoMike 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think whats trying to be explained is that we are surround by or are always in gods presence and not to be weighted down by our sins but to let go and repent and live the race of life regardless of our failures if we strive to be obedient and keep the faith our loyalty will pay off when we are called home and stand before god for the final judgment
2006-11-04 00:43:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is talking about how the true followers are working hard in the work of witnessing about God and his kingdom, they are busy in telling people about God's will and praising his name just like Jesus did when he was on earth,and a great cloud is meaning there are a huge number of them who are busy telling people what God's will andhis holy Name is. In other words,amongst all of his true followers a great Number of them are doing his will and proclaiming the good news of God's kingdom and what it will do for mankind!
2006-11-04 00:42:00 · answer #6 · answered by I speak Truth 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Witnesses are usually people who go around and spread the word of the Lord.
2006-11-04 00:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by love my Lord 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
That there are higher beings running the material world who are empowered by God. They are Called demi-gods or angels. They know our every action. Nothing goes unseen. God is not giving out punishment directly, he has a hierarchy or servants doing that business Go to hhtp://www.essene.org for the truth on Christianity
2006-11-04 00:27:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it means a great number, so that we are surrounded all over by them.
2006-11-04 01:31:35 · answer #9 · answered by todaywiserthanyesterday 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
...I believe it means that a huge group of believers has died, but their lives encourage us and challege us to lives of obedience to Christ, and to love and good deeds. We also have those who are living who encourage in godliness also - like our brothers and sisters in our congregations, who are watching and praying for us - it's like we're in a great race, or we are in a great stadium, and they are watching and cheering us on to a Christ-honoring finish.
2006-11-04 00:37:33 · answer #10 · answered by carson123 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋