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BY FAITH nations were conquered (Hebrews 11:33; Joshua 12; 2 Samuel 8 ). BY FAITH justice was administered (Hebrews 11:33 (NIV); 1 Kings 21:19 ). BY FAITH promises were obtained (Hebrews 11:33; Joshua 21:43 ). BY FAITH they shut the mouths of lions (Hebrews 11:33 (NIV); Daniel 6 ). BY FAITH they quenched the violence of the fire (Hebrews 11:34; Daniel 3:17, 28 ). BY FAITH escaped the edge of the sword (Hebrews 11:34; 2 Kings 6:11-18 ). BY FAITH out of weakness made strong (Hebrews 11:34; 1 Samuel 14:14 ). BY FAITH enemies fled (1 Samuel 17:51 ). BY FAITH the dead were raised to life (Hebrews 11:35; 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:18-37).
There are still those who because of their faith and faithfulness to Jesus are like Jesus, despised and rejected of men (Isaiah 53:3 ), and the world is not worthy of them. They can endure such trials because material comforts are not as important to them as their faith and spiritual values, which enrich not only for time but for eternity.
Because of their faith endured torture (Hebrews 11:35 e.g. Genesis 39:20; Judges 16:21-31 ). The better resurrection is not a temporary return to this life, but a spiritual body, imperishable, without corruption (1 Corinthians 15:44-49; Philippians 3:21 ) - like Christ's (Luke 24:36-43 ). Because of their faith they endured trial of mocking - scourging - chains and imprisonment (Hebrews 11:36 e.g. Genesis 39:20; Jeremiah 37:16; 38:6; 1 Kings 22:27 ). Because of their faith, stoned (Hebrews 11:37; 2 Chronicles 24:21 ). Because of their faith sawn in two (Hebrews 11:37 ). It is traditionally held that Isaiah was sawn in half during the reign of the wicked Manasseh. Because of their faith many were reduced to wanderers, impoverished as to clothing, destitute, afflicted, tormented (Hebrews 11:37 ).
Hebrews 11:39 "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:" (KJV)
Not receiving the promise could refer back to Hebrews 11:10,16. They did not see the reign on earth of God's Messiah, nor the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2 ). Their not receiving the promise means they lived in faith all their lifetime, receiving divine approval, before the fulfilment of the promise of Christ Jesus the Lord who came in the flesh to establish the new covenant by the shedding of His own blood - and to fulfill all the Old Testament promises (See Luke 1:67-79; Romans 1:2-5 ).
We have the better provision in Christ, and His full salvation.
"If those on whom the great light of grace had not yet shone showed such surprising constancy in bearing their ills, what effect ought the full glory of the gospel to have on us? A tiny spark of light led them to heaven, but now that the Sun of righteousness shines on us what excuse shall we offer if we still cling to the earth?" John Calvin Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews. Eerdman's, Grand Rapids
Jesus would have us live out our faith in Him to the fullest.
The truth expressed may well refer to the first resurrection (Revelation 20:1-7 ) when believers of both old and new covenants will receive physical resurrection, and be made perfect or complete at the same time. However, there is emphasised the fact of the redemption of these Old Testament heroes of faith and ours being only complete in Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTIONAre people tortured and martyred for their faith today (Hebrews 11:36-37 )?
Did those who demonstrated such faith enjoy the full blaze of light you experience?
Do you believe Jesus wants you to live out your faith in Him to the fullest (Hebrews 11:40 )?
