After talking about how we should fear the wrath of God if we fall away and do not continue in the truth, the writer of Hebrews then reminds them that there are things that should encourage them. When they were saved, they endured great struggles with sufferings. This could be specific to the readers because of the persecution of the Jews and the Romans, but it also applies generally. To truly be born again means to turn from things of the world and there will be people who will respond hatefully. He then talks about reproaches and tribulations. The word translated tribulations is really pressures, so he isn't saying that they suffered physically, but they did through words and treatment. An example is that they supported the writer when he was in chains. They did not separate from him, even though it resulted in them losing their worldly possessions. It testified to their faith because they were more concerned about the eternal inheritance than they were about earthly things. The confidence that we receive when we are tested and tried should not be treated as a minor thing. Instead, we should recognize it as a great reward from God.
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