But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The writer points to the past not just to remind them of hardship, but to highlight that their "enlightenment" wasn't just an intellectual moment, but a spiritual empowerment that enabled them to endure "a great conflict of sufferings." This suggests that the intensity of their early struggles was a direct result of their newfound faith, calling them to action like athletes in a contest.
But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After warning of the severe consequences of turning away from God, the writer shifts to encouragement, reminding them of their past faithfulness. He urges them to remember the intense struggles and sufferings they endured with courage after they first became Christians, highlighting their own prior resilience. This recollection is meant to strengthen their resolve and faith for the present challenges, just as they bravely faced hardship after their spiritual enlightenment.
Your faith journey wasn't just a casual decision. The Bible uses a powerful word to describe the moment you truly began.
The verse speaks of a time "after you were enlightened." This word 'enlightened' (or 'illuminated') points to the profound spiritual awakening that happens when we first truly grasp and accept the truth of the Gospel.
Your faith journey has likely included struggles, but the Bible frames these challenges in a surprisingly active way.
The phrase 'a great fight of afflictions' isn't just about passively enduring hardship. It paints a picture of an intense spiritual battle.
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Understand the original words
phōtisthentes · Greek Verb (participle)
The spiritual illumination or regeneration that occurs when the Gospel is understood and accepted by faith, moving a person from darkness to light.
athlēsin · Greek Noun
A state of severe hardship or conflict; in the NT, it often refers to the persecution Christians undergo for the sake of the Gospel.
The author reminds the readers of their early, courageous stand for their faith, likely in the face of severe persecution shortly after their conversion, to bolster their resolve amidst current struggles.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The pivotal events of Christianity, leading to the formation of the early church and the initial spread of the Gospel message.
c. 33-36 AD
Stephen's Martyrdom and First Persecution
The stoning of Stephen marks the beginning of significant persecution against early Christians in Jerusalem, forcing many to scatter.
c. 40s AD
Saul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul (later Paul), a persecutor of Christians, is converted and begins his own mission, which would heavily influence the early church.
c. 44 AD
Herod Agrippa I's Persecution
King Herod Agrippa I executes James and imprisons Peter, demonstrating ongoing hostility toward the nascent Christian movement.
c. 50-52 AD
Paul's Ministry in Corinth and Rome
Paul establishes the church in Corinth and faces opposition, later being sent to Rome under house arrest, where he continues to minister.
c. 54-64 AD
Nero's Persecution of Christians
Emperor Nero blames Christians for the Great Fire of Rome, initiating a brutal period of persecution that likely impacted Christians throughout the Roman Empire.
c. 64-69 AD— this verse
Writing of the Epistle to the Hebrews
The author encourages believers facing intense pressure and potential apostasy, reminding them of their initial bold commitment and the faithfulness of God.
This passage speaks of living in a manner worthy of the gospel, which includes striving and standing firm, echoing the 'hard struggle' and perseverance mentioned in Hebrews.
2 Timothy 2:5It uses similar imagery of athletic contests ('fight') to describe the Christian life, highlighting the need for discipline and effort in enduring hardship.
1 Peter 4:12This verse directly addresses believers enduring fiery trials, emphasizing that such suffering is not strange but part of their calling and should not cause surprise.
Galatians 3:4This passage asks about the extent of suffering the Galatians experienced after believing, similar to how the author of Hebrews prompts the readers to recall their past struggles.
Hebrews 6:4-5This is a direct parallel, as both passages refer to the initial 'enlightenment' and the subsequent experiences of suffering that believers underwent.
ellicottHebrews 10:32: "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;"
(32) In the last six verses the writer has enforced his exhortation by an appeal to the danger of falling away and the fearful consequences of unfaithfulness. From warning he now turns to encouragement, as in Hebrews 6; and here, as there, he thankfully recalls the earlier proofs which his readers had given of their Christian constancy and love. Let them call t…
vincentHebrews 10:32: "But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;"
After ye were illuminated (φωτισθέντες)See on Hebrews 6:4.A great fight (πολλὴν ἄθλησιν)Ἄθλησις N.T.o, olxx. See on ἀλθῆ strive, 2 Timothy 2:5. See Introduction, on the allusions in the epistle to persecution.
The writer points to the past not just to remind them of hardship, but to highlight that their "enlightenment" wasn't just an intellectual moment, but a spiritual empowerment that enabled them to endure "a great conflict of sufferings." This suggests that the intensity of their early struggles was a direct result of their newfound faith, calling them to action like athletes in a contest.
After warning of the severe consequences of turning away from God, the writer shifts to encouragement, reminding them of their past faithfulness. He urges them to remember the intense struggles and sufferings they endured with courage after they first became Christians, highlighting their own prior resilience. This recollection is meant to strengthen their resolve and faith for the present challenges, just as they bravely faced hardship after their spiritual enlightenment.
After warning of the severe consequences of turning away from God, the writer shifts to encouragement, reminding them of their past faithfulness. He urges them to remember the intense struggles and sufferings they endured with courage after they first became Christians, highlighting their own prior resilience. This recollection is meant to strengthen their resolve and faith for the present challenges, just as they bravely faced hardship after their spiritual enlightenment.
"But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings," — The writer points to the past not just to remind them of hardship, but to highlight that their "enlightenment" wasn't just an intellectual moment, but a spiritual empowerment that enabled them to e…
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Last reviewed October 2026