Thursday, 4 April 2019

…of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:38

This is a description of those who have been referred to in the preceding verses. He has described their plight, their character, and their ill-treatment by the world.… Read the rest

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. Hebrews 11:37

The author continues with the sad list of the ill-treatment of the people of faith recorded in Scripture and in the traditions of the Jewish people.… Read the rest

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. Hebrews 11:36

The author continues on with his list of afflictions of the faithful of ages past, now noting that, “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings.” The prophets of old, in particular, received mockings from the people.… Read the rest

Monday, 1 April 2019

Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Hebrews 11:35

Whereas the author noted active deeds of faith in the previous verses, he now notes passive acts through verse 38. Here he says, “Women received their dead raised to life again.” The Greek literally reads, “by a resurrection,” and it should be translated that way.… Read the rest

Sunday, 31 March 2019

…quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Hebrews 11:34

The list of deeds of the faithful continues in this verse. Here, the author reminds us of the great faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three men who stood against the king of Babylon at the risk of being thrown into a fiery furnace.… Read the rest