Theodoret of Cyrus: Cloud of Testifying Witnesses

With such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, then, let us also lay aside every burden of sin clinging to us and with perseverance run the course ahead of us (v.1). The models of godliness are set before us on all sides, he is saying, in such vast numbers as to resemble a cloud in density and testify to the power of faith. Accordingly, let us keep our eyes on them, be light on our feet and rid ourselves of the burden of unnecessary worries, in this way being able also to avoid sin that is easy to contract.

- Theodoret of Cyrus (around A.D. 393 to around A.D. 457), Commentary on Hebrews, Chapter 12, in Theodoret of Cyrus, Commentary on the Letters of St. Paul, Volume 2, p. 188 (2001), Robert C. Hill translator.