[1]Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report. [3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. [4] By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. [5] By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. [6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. [7] By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. [8] By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. [9] By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: [10] For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. [11] Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. [12] Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
Verse 1 Expanded Bible Comments
| Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What is faith? | "The substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." |
| What are the two component elements of faith? | R1822:10 Intellectual assurance and heart reliance. |
| Of what "substance" is Paul here speaking? | The substance of those things in the Gospel, i.e., our hope in Christ. |
| What kind of "evidence" is here being spoken of? | The evidence that comes from deduction. That which is logical to sanctified reason. For example: The resurrection of the dead, The Jubilees, The Parallels, Times of the Gentiles, The Lord's Return, etc. |
| Can one have faith without substance and without evidence? | Not the kind of faith that Paul is here speaking of. 1 Pet. 3:15. |
Verse 2 Expanded Bible Comments
| For by it the elders obtained a good report. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Paul here speaks of "the elders." Who are these? | The Ancient Worthies. |
| By what means did these elders obtain a good report? | By Faith. Not the Law Covenant because the Law made nothing perfect because its mediator was not perfect. R4388:14 |
| Were works involved? If so, how. If not, why not? | Yes. Jas. 2:26. |
Verse 3 Expanded Bible Comments
| Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What "worlds" were created by God? Is Paul here telling us of planets other than our earth? | Probably not. The word here translated "worlds" is Strong's 165 which is more correctly rendered "ages." See RVIC. see Psa. 33:6. |
| What does Paul mean when he says "the worlds were framed?" | God set boundaries. Since the thought here is that of time (ages) it becomes clear that those ages have boundaries that God set for them. In each one He has a special work that is to be done. - Compare with Job 38 (note: it is God who is speaking) |
| To whom does Paul attribute the current order of creation? | God. |
| "Things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." What does that mean? | This is similar to verse 1. We deduce that a convergance of order, beauty, complexity and consistancy are not the results of random chance. By observation alone we should be able to realize the existance of a creator. [BBE] "By faith it is clear to us that the order of events was fixed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made from things which only seem to be." [Weymouth] "Through faith we understand that the worlds came into being, and still exist, at the command of God, so that what is seen does not owe its existence to that which is visible." |
Verse 4 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What was the sacrifice of Abel? What was the sacrifice of Cain? | Abel's sacrifice was the firstlings of his flock. Cain's sacrifice was of the fruit of the ground.Gen. 4:3,4 |
| In what manner was Abel's sacrifice considered to be "more excellent" than that of Cain? | Abel took of the firstlings, i.e., the best. This is not said of Cain's sacrifrice. Abel sacrificed an animal (emblematic of the sacrifice of Christ). |
| How did faith play a part in Abel's sacrifice? | Apparently Abel first sought out to know what would bring God's approval. R1614:15 - Compare Gen. 3:7, 21. In vs 7 we are told that Adam and Eve made clothing from fig leaves. This was not acceptable to God so in vs 21 God gave them clothing of animal skins. Abel evidently was diligent in his faith toward God and recognized this as being God's way. Therefore Abel chose not only an animal but he chose to sacrifice of "the firstlings of his flock." |
| What witness did Abel obtain? | "The Lord had respect unto Abel and his offering." Gen. 4:4 |
| "God testifying of his gifts." What gifts? | Those mentioned, i.e., the firstlings of his flock and the fat thereof. |
| How could Abel, being dead, speak? | Figuratively. Actions speak louder than words. |
Verse 5 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| In referring to Enoch this verse uses the terms "translated" and "translated." What does that mean? | The Strong's for these are 3346 and 3331. 3346 us used It is found only in the book of Hebrews. Besides this verse it is in Heb. 7:12 and Heb. 12:27. Both of these verses speak of the removing of something that is not permanent. This might be better translated as "God had removed him." Compare RVIC. | This verse says that Enoch did not see death. How does this harmonize with verse 13 which says that "these all died?" | Possibilities: 1. Enoch was taken at a relatively young age, 365. This at a time when most were living to be around 900. 2. One of the supportive books outside the bible claimed that man had degenerated to cannibalism. Enoch was taken (died) without witnessing that kind of death. |
| What was the testimony that Enoch had? | That he pleased God. Gen. 5:24 |
Verse 6 Expanded Bible Comments
| But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What good works must one do to be able to approach God? | It is not a matter of works for all the works of the fallen flesh are imperfect. See Matt. 19:16-30. |
| What is the first element we need in order to be pleasing to God? | Faith. |
| Why do we need this particular element? | Because we are physical beings and as mere men we cannot physically see God. John 1:18; 1 John 4:12 |
| Can someone have faith in something that he is not sure even exists? | Absolutely not! |
| Is believing in God enough to please Him? | No. We must also recognize that He rewards those who are seeking after Him. - Jas. 2:19 |
| Does God reward all who seek Him? | Perhaps. The real promise here is aimed at those "who diligently seek Him." |
Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What things were "not seen as yet" that required Noah to have special faith? | Gen. 2:5-6. |
| In what way did Noah demonstrate faith? | He built the Ark at a time when there was no evident need for anything even remotely like it. From where was this flood to come, seeing there had as yet been no rain? |
| What motivated Noah to prepare the ark? | The standard version says he was moved with "fear." The word fear would be better translated as "reverence." |
| How did Noah save his house? | By building the ark which carried them safely through the flood. |
| How did Noah condem the world? | 1 Pet. 3:20; 2 Pet. 2:5. Since Noah was "a preacher of righteousness" he would not have remained silent during the time when he was building the ark. He condemned the world both by word and by action. His action was shown by building the ark in obedience to God. |
| How did Noah become "the heir of righteousness?" | By demonstrating his faith in the building of the ark. Remember that there had been no rain up to that time. Gen. 2:5,6. |
Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Abraham demonstrate his faith? | By leaving his home and going to a place unknown to him. |
| What prompted Abraham to uproot his family and travel hundreds of miles to an unknown place? | He was called of God. |
| What was he promised at that time? | Gen. 12:1-3.
|
Verse 9 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What does it mean to "sojourn?" | A temporary stay. |
| Where did Abraham sojourn? | In the land of promise. |
| For how long was the sojourning? | 430 years. Exo. 12:40. |
| Did Abraham dwell in the tabernacle? | No. A tabernacle is a temporary dwelling. |
| Did Abraham's son and grandson remain with him during his sojourning? | No. The thought is that Abraham was not the only one to sojourn. Isaac and Jacob did so also. |
Verse 10 Expanded Bible Comments
| For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| For what city did Abraham look? | It was not a literal city that Abraham looked for. A city is symbolic of a government. That government is the Kingdom of God. |
| Who is the maker of this city? | God. |
Verse 11 Expanded Bible Comments
| Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Paul says that Sarah had a child when she was past age. How old was she when Isaac was born? | 90. Gen. 17:17. |
| What important element was involved with Sarah giving birth to Isaac when she was quite advanced in years? | Faith. |
| What was Sarah's reasoning process? | Paul says she reasoned (judged) that God was faithful and that God had promised to Abraham a son. |
Verse 12 Expanded Bible Comments
| Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Who is "the one" that Paul is hear speaking of? | Abraham. |
| Why does he say that he was "as good as dead?" | Because he was well past the normal time for men to have children. |
| Why did Paul mention both the stars in the sky and the sand of the sea shore when describing Abraham's seed? | To indicate that the promise to Abraham had two parts, i.e., his seed had two parts. 1) The stars of heaven, picturing the spiritual or heavenly phase, and 2) The sand of the sea shore, picturing the earthly phase of the Kingdom. |
[13] These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. [15] And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. [16] But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Verses 13, 14 Expanded Bible Comments
| These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. [14] For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Did these faithful ones of old escape the death penalty passed on Adam? | No. 1 Cor. 15:21,22; Rom. 3:23; 6:23 |
| Did they receive the promises? | Paul says no. |
| What promises? | Paul has here been speaking of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, i.e., of inheriting the land and of blessing all the families of the earth. |
| How did these faithful ones see the promises "afar off?" | They, by faith, saw the result of the promises, i.e., that God would reward those faithful to Him. They looked forward to the Kingdom of God. |
| What effect did this looking forward have on these faithful ones? | It gave them the strength to endure. Paul here says they were persuaded of them, they embraced them and recognized they were not permanent citizens of this order of things but they belonged to the Kingdom age. |
| What does it mean to be "strangers and pilgrims on the earth?" If not "on the earth," then where? | The thought here is that they were striving for the Kingdom of God (even if they did not have complete knowledge of it.) They were travelers, nomads and not possessors of the country. |
| How did the actions of these Ancient Worthies "declare plainly" that they sought another country? | R5189:5 |
| What was that other country which they sought? | The Kingdom of God. |
Verse 15 Expanded Bible Comments
| And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| From what country did they come out? | They came from Ur of the Chaldees and from Egypt. But this is not the country of which Paul is speaking. The country they came from is "this present evil world." |
| What is the importance of setting and holding firm to a righteous goal? | It is just as Paul here declares. If these faithful ones had been mindful, longing for the ways of this evil order of things, they would have lacked the determination to continue on to be faithful, or, as Paul says, "they might have had opportunity to return." Consider, for example, how quickly the children of Israel turned back to the ways of Egypt when Moses delayed to come down from the mountain after receiving the ten commandments. |
Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments
| But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What is that "better country" they desire? | The Kingdom of God. |
| Paul says the country they desired was "an heavenly" country. Did the Ancient Worthies expect to go to heaven? | No. They desired the Kingdom of God, ruled from heaven, as opposed to the imperfect worldly governments of fallen man. |
| How does God view their determination? | He is not ashamed of them. |
| What does God do for them? | He has prepared them a city (government), i.e., the earthly phase of the Kingdom, where they will be princes in all the earth. Psa. 45:16. |
[17] By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. [18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: [19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. [20] By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. [21] By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. [22] By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. [23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. [24] By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. [27] By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. [28] Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. [29] By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. [30] By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. [31] By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
Verse 17-19 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son. [18] Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: [19] Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What was Abraham's test of faith? | He was to sacrifice his only son Isaac for a burnt offering. Gen. 22:1-2. |
| Why was this such a particularly difficult trial for Abraham? | Because Isaac was a miracle child given to Abraham and Sarah long after child-bearing age. This was their only son. |
| What bearing does the expression "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" have on this trial? | The promise of God that the seed of Abraham would bless all the families of the earth was declared, by God, to be through Isaac. And now God told Abraham to kill Isaac. |
| What was Abraham's reasoning that allowed him to proceed? | Abraham reasoned that the only way God could fulfill His promise to Abraham, that the blessing would come through Isaac, was to raise Isaac from the dead. |
| How did Abraham receive Isaac from the dead? | When the angel stopped Abraham from killing his son he, in a figure, received Isaac from the dead. |
| Is there a picture in this story that is for our benefit? | Abraham pictures God who sacrificed His only begotton son to provide a ransom for the world of mankind. In providing Abraham a ram God was showing us that Jesus would be the lamb slain for us. Abraham receiving his son Isaac from the dead pictured the receiving of Jesus from the dead in the resurrection. |
Verse 20 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Isaac show his faith in blessing Jacob and Esau? | R4388:1 |
Verse 21 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Jacob demonstrate his faith when blessing Joseph's sons? | Here we need to recognize that it was not Jacob's blessing of his twelve sons that is mentioned by Paul, but the blessing of the two sons of Joseph, Ephriam and Manasseh. We note also that in this blessing (Gen. 48:8-18) Jacob gave the chief blessing to Josehp's younger son Ephriam. This is a common pattern. The firstborn was to receive the chief blessing, yet there are several instances where that blessing goes to the younger. This is clearly overruled by God to show that the chief blessing was not to go to the firstborn - natural Israel but was instead to go to the younger, i.e., spiritual Israel. See Gal. 4:21-28. R4388:1 |
Verse 22 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Joseph demonstrate his faith in mentioning his bones? | He knew that God would remove Israel from the land of Egypt. He desired that his body, at which time of their deliverance, should be removed from Egypt. His faith was demonstrated in that he believed that God would deliver Israel from Egypt. Gen. 50:24-25. |
Verse 23 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Whose faith is here being spoken of? | The parents of Moses. |
| How was this faith demonstrated? | By hiding the baby Moses. |
| What was the king's commandment? | That the newborn Israelite males should be cast into the Nile river. Exo. 1:22. |
Verse 24-26 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; [25] Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; [26] Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What did Moses have that other Israelites did not have? | He was part of the Royal court in Egypt. |
| What did Moses give up in order to be in God's favor? | All that came with royalty at that time. |
| How could Moses esteem "the reproach of Christ" in any fashion, seeing that the first Advent of Christ was still over 1,500 years in the future? | R2909:3 The Jews believed in the promise of the coming Messiah, associating it with the Abrahamic promise. This naturally brought the reproach of their enemies. Moses chose to cast his lot in with the Jews and their trust in the promise of a coming Messiah. |
| What was the recompense of reward in which Moses had respect? | "He hoped by allying himself with his own people to preserve his share in the Abrahamic promises." [R2909:3] .. "In order to have the proper respect for the reward which God promises, it is necessary that we hold it up before us continually." [R5082:8] EBC |
Verse 27 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Moses forske Egypt? | By following after the God of the Hebrews and not following the Egyptian ways. |
| What reason would Moses have to fear "the wrath of the king?" | The king of Egypt would not be pleased to find that he was not following their gods and their customs. |
| How did Moses endure, "as seeing him who is invisile?" | R4388:5 |
Verse 28 Expanded Bible Comments
| Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Did it really require faith to keep the passover? | Yes. The previous plagues were of such a nature that they might explained away by natural causes, or they could be duplicated by the magicians. Not so with a plague that would affect only the firstborn. |
| What was the concern if he failed to keep the passover? | That God might also take his life and/or the lives of his people. |
Verse 29 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| Was faith required to pass through the Red sea? | Yes. This had not been done before. |
| Did the Egyptians exercise faith in following the Israelites into the sea? | No. They saw the Israelites were passing over and were not hurt, therefore they reasoned that they could too. Besides, they apparently feared the wrath of pharoah more than the wrath of God. |
Verse 30 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| What did faith have to do with the conquest of the city of Jericho? | Of course it required faith. Can you imagine men, ready for battle, and instead of attempting to storm the walls of the city they simply march around it while the priests blew on their trumpets? |
| Why do you suppose Paul adds "after they were compassed about seven days?" | R4070:33 |
Verse 31 Expanded Bible Comments
| By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. | |
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| Question | Answer |
| How did Rahab demonstrate her faith? | By hiding the Hebrew spies. |
| Why would Paul, after telling us what kind of a woman she was, mention her in connection with these faithful ones of the past? Compare 1 Cor. 6:15-20. | See R4388:7 We know nothing of her circumstances, her upbringing or how she was affected by the fall. What we do know is that when the time came, she demonstrated faith in the God of Abraham and, at the risk of her own life, protected the two spies that Joshua had sent into the city. This act indicated she had faith. We also note that she became one of the anscestors of David (Ruth 4:13,16,17) and therefore one of the anscestors of Jesus. |
[32] And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: [33] Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: [36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. [39] And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: [40] God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Verse 32 Expanded Bible Comments
| And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Does the list that Paul here gives complete the remainder of the Ancient Worthies? | No. As he says, "time would fail me to tell..." |
Verse 33 Expanded Bible Comments
| Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, [34] Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. [35] Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: [36] And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: [37] They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; [38] (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What kind of experiences did these faithful ones of the past have? | Most trying and difficult ones. These suffered incredible things at the hands of non-believers. |
| Who "quenched the violence of fire?" | The three Hebrews. See Dan. 3. |
| Did any of those mentioned in verse 33 "stop the mouths of lions?" | No, but Daniel did. This proves behond any doubt that the list given by Paul is a partial one. |
| Were any "sawn asunder?" | Tradition has it that the prophet Isaiah endured this. |
| Why did they do it? | "That they might obtain a better resurrection." |
Verse 39 Expanded Bible Comments
| And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Who obtained a good report? | The Ancient Worthies. |
| How did they obtain this good report? | By the exercise of their faith. But note, in each case their faith was backed up by actions. |
| What promise did they fail to receive? | The promise given to Abraham that he and his seed were to bless all the families fo the earth. |
| Since these ancient worthies received a good report, what reward do they receive? Please site scriptures. | They will receive a reward that is better than that of the world of mankind but less than that of the church. We believe that will be a resurrection as perfect men. Psa. 82:6-7 The princes in this reference are Adam and Jesus, the only two perfect men. Both are described in scripture as being the son of God. Mark 1:1; Luke 1:25; 3:38; John 9:35-37; 10:36.
The church are also spoken of as the sons of God. 1 Jn. 3:2. Psa. 45:16, Isa. 1:26, Isa. 2:3, Isa. 32:1 Matt. 11:11 - none greater than John the baptist. Least in kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Heb. 10:19-20 - New way was not open until after Jesus died. |
Verse 40 Expanded Bible Comments
| God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| "God having provided some better thing for us.." Better than what? | Better than the "better resurrection" that these faithful ancient worthies were seeking. |
| Who is "us" in this verse? | The church. |
| Since we are imperfect does this mean the Ancient Worthies will not be made perfect? | The better thing for us is not what we receive now but that which we receive upon proving faithful unto death. |
| What is that better thing? | The "first resurrection" to the Divine Nature. |