Hebrews 10:32-34

Hebrews 10:32-34

[32] But  call to remembrance  the former  days,  in  which,  after ye were illuminated,  ye endured  a great  fight  of afflictions;  [33] whilst ye were made a gazingstock  both  by reproaches  and  afflictions;  and  whilst ye became  companions  so  used.  [34] For  ye had compassion  and  took  joyfully  the spoiling  knowing  yourselves  that ye have  a better  and  an enduring  substance. 

What does Hebrews 10:32-34 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In the past the original readers had proved faithful in severe trials of their faith. They had stood their ground when others had encouraged them to abandon it. They had withstood public shame and persecution for their faith. They had also unashamedly supported other believers who had undergone persecution in the same way.
"In the world of the first century the lot of prisoners was difficult. Prisoners were to be punished, not pampered. Little provision was made for them, and they were dependent on friends for their supplies [1] ]. For Christians visiting prisoners was a meritorious act ( Matthew 25:36). But there was some risk, for the visitors became identified with the visited. The readers of the epistle had not shrunk from this. It is not pleasant to endure ignominy, and it is not pleasant to be lumped with the ignominious. They had endured both." [2]
They had also been willing to suffer material loss because they looked forward to a better inheritance in the future (cf. Luke 21:19). Moreover they had done this joyfully, not grudgingly.
"The eternal inheritance laid up for them was so real in their eyes that they could lightheartedly bid farewell to material possessions which were short-lived in any case. This attitude of mind is precisely that "faith" of which our author goes on to speak." [3]