Hebrews 12:23

“To the general assembly, etc..] A “panegyris”, the word here used, was a public and solemn assembly of the Greeks, either at their games, or feasts, or fairs, or on religious accounts; and signifies a large collection and convention of men; and sometimes the place where they met togethers f298; and is here used, by the apostle, for the church of God, consisting of all his elect, both Jews and Gentiles, and the meeting of them together: they met together, in the infinite mind of God, from all eternity; and in Christ, their head and representative, both then and in time; and at the last day, when they are all gathered in, they will meet together personally; and a joyful meeting it will be; and…”

“written in heaven--enrolled as citizens there. All those who at the coming of "God the Judge of all" (which clause therefore naturally follows), shall be found "written in heaven," that is, in the Lamb's book of life (Rev 21:27). Though still fighting the good fight on earth, still, in respect to your destiny, and present life of faith which substantiates things hoped for, ye are already members of the heavenly citizenship. "We are one citizenship with angels; to which it is said in the psalm, Glorious things are spoken of thee, thou city of God" [AUGUSTINE]. I think ALFORD wrong in restricting "the Church of the first-born written in heaven," to those militant on earth; it is rather, all…”

“To the general assembly - see the notes on Hebrews 12:22. And church of the first-born - That is, you are united with the church of the first-born. They who were first-born among the Hebrews enjoyed special privileges, and especially pre-eminence of rank; see the notes on Colossians 1:15. The reference here is, evidently, to those saints who had been distinguished for their piety, and who may be supposed to be exalted to special honors in heaven - such as the patriarchs, prophets, martyrs. The meaning is, that by becoming Christians, we have become in fact identified with that happy and honored church, and that this is a powerful motive to induce us to persevere. It is a consideration which…”

“To the general assembly - The word properly signifies a stated convention on some festival occasion. And church - The whole body of true believers, whether on earth or in paradise. Of the first - born - The first - born of Israel were enrolled by Moses; but these are enrolled in heaven, as citizens there. It is observable, that in this beautiful gradation, these first - born are placed nearer to God than the angels. See Jam 1:18. And to God the Judge of all - Propitious to you, adverse to your enemies. And to the spirits - The separate souls. Of just men - It seems to mean, of New Testament believers. The number of these, being not yet large, is mentioned distinct from the innumerable…”

“12:23 The word translated assembly is usually translated “church”; it speaks of God’s assembled people. • God’s firstborn children refers to people who are members of the new covenant (cp. 1:6; 2:10-13). • The concept that God’s people have their names . . . written in heaven speaks of God’s special attention to his people (see also Exod 32:32; Ps 69:28; Isa 4:3; Dan 12:1; Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). • For God’s children, God as judge is the vindicator of his people (cp. Pss 9:8; 58:11; 94:2; Isa 11:4; Jer 22:16). • Those who have already died have now been made perfect by the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 10:14).”

“the general: Psa 89:7, Psa 111:1; Act 20:28; Eph 1:22, Eph 5:24-27; Col 1:24; Ti1 3:5 the firstborn: Exo 4:22, Exo 13:2; Deu 21:17; Psa 89:27; Jer 31:9; Jam 1:18; Rev 14:4 which: Exo 32:32; Psa 69:28; Luk 10:20; Phi 4:3; Rev 13:8, Rev 20:15 written: or, enrolled God: Heb 6:10-12, Heb 9:27; Gen 18:25; Psa 50:5, Psa 50:6, Psa 94:2, Psa 96:13, Psa 98:9; Mat 25:31-34; Joh 5:27; Th2 1:5-7; Pe1 2:23 the spirits: Heb 11:4, Heb 11:40; Ecc 12:7; Co1 13:12, Co1 15:49, Co1 15:54; Co2 5:8; Phi 1:21-23; Phi 3:12-21; Col 1:12; Rev 7:14-17 Hebrews 12:24”