'Former' in the Bible

God, having spoken in former times in fragmentary and varied fashion to our forefathers by the prophets,

Indeed, because it was weak and ineffective, the former commandment has been annulled,

The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing,

who does not {need every day} like the former high priests to offer up sacrifices for his own sins [and] then for the [sins] of the people, because he did this once for all [when he] offered up himself.

In calling [it] new, he has declared the former [to be old]. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old [is] near to disappearing.

By this the Holy Spirit signifies that the way into the Holy Place [the true Holy of Holies and the presence of God] has not yet been disclosed as long as the first or outer tabernacle is still standing [that is, as long as the Levitical system of worship remains a recognized institution],

then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will.” [And so] He does away with the first [covenant as a means of atoning for sin based on animal sacrifices] so that He may inaugurate and establish the second [covenant by means of obedience].

But call to remembrance the former days, in which, after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions;

Remember your former leaders--it was they who brought you God's Message. Bear in mind how they ended their lives, and imitate their faith.