1 Therefore, seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, leaving behind all the weight of the sin which surrounds us, let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who having been offered joy, endured the stake, despising the shame and was seated at the right hand of the throne of God.3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself lest ye be wearied in your souls and faint.