Discovery BoxHebrews 12:1 
Context12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 1 we must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us,
Hebrews 12:24
Context12:24 and to Jesus, the mediator 2 of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does. 3
1 tn Grk “having such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.”
2 tn The Greek word μεσίτης (mesith", “mediator”) in this context does not imply that Jesus was a mediator in the contemporary sense of the word, i.e., he worked for compromise between opposing parties. Here the term describes his function as the one who was used by God to enact a new covenant which established a new relationship between God and his people, but entirely on God’s terms.
3 sn Abel’s shed blood cried out to the Lord for justice and judgment, but Jesus’ blood speaks of redemption and forgiveness, something better than Abel’s does (Gen 4:10; Heb 9:11-14; 11:4).
