(The Greek word Paul uses for race is agona, being our English word agony. It is a mode of
athletic contest or severe emotional strain and anguish as when Jesus "being in an agony He
prayed more earnestly:"the greatest thought of it being His agony on the cross saying "My God,
my God, why hast thou forsaken me.")

The Christian does not run merely under the stimulus of the achievements of the Old -Testament
worthies, he is encouraged by the present view looking away unto Jesus the Author and Finisher
of faith. (Not our faith). The word “our” is not in the original, the sentence cannot therefore mean
that as Author Me originated faith in us and as Finisher sustains it and brings to a perfect issue,
true as that may be, But He was the only one who began a pathway of faith and perfectly
exemplified the principle, finishing the whole Marathon race without defect or halt. Each of the
Old Testament worthies cited did his little bit of straight running amidst witch which might be
tortuous in his life. But in Hebrews 11, God concentrates attention only on what will form links
in the chain of faith. "Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God”. The idea of Author and finisher
is expanded in this passage. What controlled Him in His path on earth and the patient endurance
of the Cross was the reward, i.e., the joy which is now His at the right hand of God. He sees of
the travail of His soul and derives infinite satisfaction therefrom.