Hebrews 11 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

We now enter into an extremely famous passage that we have modernly coined the hall of faith. These are those that have gone before us in faith, having established a model for us to follow in. All of the greats that we would look upon, even some not so greats, are established by way of faith. For an author whose goal it is to reinforce the faith of those he writes to, sharing the testimony of these men and women proves to be especially beneficial.

He begins by offering a revelation concerning faith. In my personal and professional opinion, this passage does not give us a good definition of faith. Rather, it gives a revelation concerning faith, much like a parable does not define a spiritual reality but helps reveal it. The revelation provided here is that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. It validates hope as well as unseen things. And those before received a good testimony as a result.

As the author goes through each individual, he highlights an important reality. Without faith, it is impossible to please God. This carries a heavy degree of weight toward those who are considering stepping away from faith. However, to reinforce the necessity of faith, the author continues.

The very character of these individuals that were listed is that they also had not received the fullness of the promise but understood that they would yet come. They were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Their home was not in the things of this world. They looked for a better homeland, a heavenly one.

The testimony even comes to the people of Israel and how they overcame their enemies by faith. Kingdoms were subdued. Righteousness was worked. Promises were obtained. Lions' mouths were stopped. Fire was quenched. The sword was escaped. Weak were made strong. Dead were raised to life. But even still, among those who were prophets, they suffered horrid fates. Nevertheless, they endured in faith.

The hall of faith is of tremendous encouragement to the reader. It serves its purpose to encourage us to press on and move forward in our faith, recognizing that there is great reward while still being humbled at the fate many may endure through lives lived by faith. The heart and soul of those who came before was living for a heavenly calling. We may receive this great testimony for ourselves just as much as the reader of the day. May we continue to grow steadfast in our faith as we study this passage this week.

What observations are you making in this passage?