| Geneva Study Bible {11} But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions; (11) As he terrified the fallers away from God, so does he now comfort them that are constant and stand firm, setting before them the success of their former fights, so stirring them up to a sure hope of a full and ready victory. People's New Testament 10:32 Call to remembrance the former days. Some former day of persecution, after they were illuminated, were enlightened (Revised Version) by the gospel. Possibly the great persecution at the death of Stephen (Ac 8:1) is referred to, or that of Ac 12:1-3. Wesley's Notes 10:32 Enlightened - With the knowledge of God and of his truth. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 32. As previously he has warned them by the awful end of apostates, so here he stirs them up by the remembrance of their own former faith, patience, and self-sacrificing love. So Re 2:3, 4. call to remembrance-habitually: so the present tense means. illuminated-"enlightened": come to "the knowledge of the truth" (Heb 10:26) in connection with baptism (see on [2581]Heb 6:4). In spiritual baptism, Christ, who is "the Light," is put on. "On the one hand, we are not to sever the sign and the grace signified where the sacrifice truly answers its designs; on the other, the glass is not to be mistaken for the liquor, nor the sheath for the sword" [Bengel]. fight of-that is, consisting of afflictions. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 10:32-39 Many and various afflictions united against the early Christians, and they had a great conflict. The Christian spirit is not a selfish spirit; it puts us upon pitying others, visiting them, helping them, and pleading for them. All things here are but shadows. The happiness of the saints in heaven will last for ever; enemies can never take it away as earthly goods. This will make rich amends for all we may lose and suffer here. The greatest part of the saints' happiness, as yet, is in promise. It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God's time to give it is come. He will soon come to them at death, to end all their sufferings, and to give them a crown of life. The Christian's present conflict may be sharp, but will be soon over. God never is pleased with the formal profession and outward duties and services of such as do not persevere; but he beholds them with great displeasure. And those who have been kept faithful in great trails for the time past, have reason to hope for the same grace to help them still to live by faith, till they receive the end of their faith and patience, even the salvation of their souls. Living by faith, and dying in faith, our souls are safe for ever. | 
