Study Notes and Questions for Hebrews 11:1-40 INTENTIONAL FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD RESTS ON HIS PROMISES

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1 Gerald Neufeld Study Notes and Questions for Hebrews 11:1-40 INTENTIONAL FAITH THAT PLEASES GOD RESTS ON HIS PROMISES Context: The preacher-pastor of this sermon felt deep love and concern for the people of his congregation. His great desire in this letter was to encourage them to be faithful to Christ in the face of very costly discipleship. He also knew that God s promises to them were guaranteed by His love and sovereignty and he knew that Christ, as their royal high priest, was interceding even now for them in their most difficult trials. In encouraging them he has just described to them their own faithfulness, endurance and courage. He had told them to remember these former days when they had endured a hard struggle with suffering (Hebrews 10:32-36). They had been loyal to Jesus in these days by holding on to their faith even though they were publicly humiliated, losing their homes, businesses and community. They had stood with others who had suffered in the same way. And not only this they had done this joyfully and without regret or grumbling all because they knew that there was a lasting, permanent reward that could never be taken from them. It is likely that these events had occurred around 49 AD 1. Since then however life had returned to normal and they were once again able to build their businesses and homes. But now persecution had a greater and broader scale was threatening to return 2. Fear and time had worn them down and now they needed to be motivated and encouraged in a sustained enduring commitment. This was God s will and desire for them; to face this renewed persecution without wavering in their commitment to Him. It was through this unflinching commitment that they would please and glorify God. With this background the preacher now begins the most well known chapter in the letter, the description of faith and the OT people who were examples of such a sustained committed trust in the surety of God s promises. A modified version of Rhee s outline is (Rhee, ): A. Celebrating faith (11:1-3) B. Abel s example (11:4) C. Enoch s example (11:5) D. Impossible to please God without faith (11:6) E. Noah s example (11:7) F. Abraham s faith (11:8-10) G. Sarah s conception of Isaac by faith (11:11-12) X. Exiles seeking the City of God (11:13-16) G Abraham sacrifice of Isaac by faith (11:17-19) F Abraham children s faith (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) (11:20-22) E Moses era examples of faith (11:23-29) D Faith in conquering Jericho (11:30-31) C Triumph through faith (11:32-35a) B Suffering through faith (11:35b-38) A Importance of faith (11:39-40) 1 The most likely historical event that is being refered to is the expulsion of Jews and Jewish Christians by edict of Claudius in 49 AD. The reason for the expulsion was the disturbances in the Jewish quarters of Rome to Jesus being proclaimed as Messiah (Lane, 145). See also Acts 18:1-2 where Aquila and Priscilla had to leave Rome but then later returned (Romans 16:3-5). 2 This was likely the historical events surrounding Nero in 64 AD. 1

2 Notes The immediate textual context of this chapter is the quotation from Habakkuk 2:3-4 given in the previous verses (Hebrews 10:37-38). Those that please God are those who live by faith and those who do not, who shrink back, do not please God. But then he again states he believes they that is, his congregation are those who do not shrink back. He now gives a catalogue of Old Testament personalities as examples of those who also did not shrink back and who by faith pleased God. He is using these heroes of faith as examples to be imitated by his own congregation. Earlier he has already stated to them to become imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12). He now returns to this topic in detail. 11:1-3 As already stated this chapter follows directly on from Hebrews 10:39 and is directed to those who have faith and preserve their souls. faith (without an article) means to believe God s promises and, therefore, obey His commands given in both the OT and NT eras; that is, it is not restricted to a NT truth. The word assurance has two meanings; it can mean the nature or essence of a thing (cf. KJV and Hebrews 1:3; 3:14) and, second, it can mean a sense of conviction. Combining these definitions we understand that faith is an assurance that makes the things hoped for that is, God s promises (i.e., things not seen ) real (nature or essence) by being absolutely certain that the promises hoped for will happen (conviction). This faith then actually proves the reality of the promise that is not seen (Guthrie, 225; Johnson, 135). In the same way that our eyes give us certainty of the existence of physical things, so the eye of faith gives us a similar conviction of the invisible things. We see these future promises of God in their reality. Lane writes that in this chapter faith is shown to be a quality of response to God which celebrates the reality of promised blessings and the objective certainty of events announced but as yet unseen (Lane, 147). As the examples will show such a faith rests in the certainty of a hope in the fulfillment of future promises and is not deterred by disappointments and suffering in the present. This is what the preacher wants his congregation to understand for themselves as they faced such an uncertain future. by it the people of old received their commendation The preacher now states that there were people in the OT era that had this kind of living faith. Such faith produced a divine recommendation or approval by God even though there was often much moral failure in their lives. However despite great hardship they maintained their obedient commitment to God and this was counted as virtuous. Note also the word commendation here and again at the end of this chapter on faith (v. 39) to form a single literary section (Inclusio). The preacher begins at the very beginning by giving the interesting example of how we understand the universe to come into being. It was created out of nothing by the word of God. He recognizes that this understanding of how the universe was formed is only possible by faith. The visible world is dependent on something not visible; i.e, the word of God, which is unseen but is more real then the visible. Earlier (Hebrews 1:2) he had stated that it was through the Son of God that the universe came to be and here he makes it plain that there was nothing that existed before the creation and that all matter was part of the created order. This has profound implications concerning the purpose and goal of creation; it was and is to reveal the glory of God. 11:4 Abel The preacher interprets the more acceptable to the faith Abel had in God because it appealed to God s mercy while Cain s was a demand for entitlement (Johnson, 136). Because of the attitude and faith of Abel, he was also commended as righteous. Such a 2

3 faith clearly pleases God. However, even though it pleased God, Abel was murdered but now lives in the heavenly Zion (Hebrews 12:23). Yet, he still speaks in the faith that he had despite death. As Guthrie states, The main thought is that the kind of faith which Abel exercised can communicate over the whole stretch of time. It still provides a source of inspiration (Donald Guthrie, 228). Interestingly, the preacher later in his sermon comes back to the topic of Abel s blood by comparing it to Jesus blood. So in Hebrews 12:24 he states that Jesus blood speaks a better word then the blood of Abel. By this he means that the blood of Abel speaks for judgment and justice (Genesis 4:10-11) while Jesus blood speaks about atonement and forgiveness. 11:5 Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24) also had a life of faith that pleased God which walked with God means. God is pleased because of Enoch s faith; so he was not one who shrank back and is one of the righteous ones. God is a rewarder of such faith (Hebrews 10:35). His life of faith certainly contrasted with the corruption of his time (Genesis 6:1-4). As Enoch was rewarded, so to, the house-church congregation will be rewarded if they do not shrink back. 11:6 So the first two examples focus on pleasing God through their faith despite the difficulties of their situations. This is one of the main themes of the preacher to his congregation: that believing in God and His promises when the world around looks dark and bleak is how one worships, glorifies and pleases God. This is the primary purpose of their and our existence: to glorify God through our intentional active and obedient faith. So when the preacher states that a person must believe that he [God] exists he is not simply talking about a general belief in a supernatural being but a profound personal commitment to the promises of a sovereign God to whom worship and obedience is naturally due. Such faith pleases God; a kind of faith He rewards. 11:7 Noah (Genesis 6:8-9; 13-22) is also seen as a man of faith because of his obedience (action) to God s warning even though there was no natural evidence for it. Noah responded even though these events as yet [were] unseen ; i.e., things in the future but in due time it will be seen (i.e., flood waters) although if no action is taken it will then be too late. There is also a note of reverent fear and awe in Noah s faithful response. This belief in God s sovereign purpose resulted not only in his salvation but incorporated the salvation of his family ( household ). Then too the preacher states that Noah was the heir of righteousness that comes by faith clearly seeing faith as Paul does (Romans 4:11; 10:6) as the means through which righteousness comes. 11:8-10 Abraham s faith (Genesis 12-22) The preacher now begins his extensive focus on Abraham and his family (Hebrews 11:8-22). It is significant that the preacher refers to the initial call of God to leave Haran and go to a land I will show you (Genesis 12:1) rather than the more well known reference to Abraham s faith in Genesis 15:6 ( and he believed the LORD and he credited it to him as righteousness ). If Abraham is obedient, God promises to make him a great nation and make his name great; this is a conditional promise based on Abraham s obedience. Abraham does go and based on his obedience God makes a royal grant covenant with him (Genesis 15:1-20). even though he did not know where he was going This is a classical statement of faith. People want to know all the details of how things are going to be worked out. This is no easy obedience. Note even the difference between the specific instructions to Noah. Abraham is around 75 years old when he is asked to move his entire family from one of the most civilized and advanced cities of that time and era (Haran) to become a 3

4 stranger and alien in a strange land. Yet as the text indicates, he did not hesitate in going. However, rather then finding a city of comfort, he finds nothing but difficulties going from place to place and then again having to leave almost immediately to Egypt because of a famine in Canaan (Genesis 12:10f). And although the preacher calls this the land of promise during Abraham s lifetime it was anything but; even when he died he had no possession of any land except the cave that he purchased from Ephron the Hittite for a burial site for Sarah (Genesis 23:10-20). And although he may well have thought that God would have him build a great city in this land he remained a nomadic tent dweller a far cry from his life in Haran. Yet despite all of this, he continued to place his hope in God and a future city of God, a heavenly Jerusalem whose architect and builder is God. Abraham had a clear vision of the future. Commenting on this for us today, William Lane writes: This is a remarkable perspective from which to respond to the hardening of attitudes toward the life of faith. In many persons there is found little or no interest in spiritual reality. They express a basic satisfaction with day-to-day routine, but exhibit no concern for where they are going. They have no goals; they display no striving; they appear to be motivated by no dreams. They suffer from what can be labeled as destination sickness. They have no defined destination; they are merely drifting. Abraham did not suffer from destination sickness. (Lane, 153). heirs with him of the same promise The emphasis is on Abraham s family inheriting his promises that were still unfulfilled during their lifetime. They also looked forward to a promised future fulfillment. 11:11-12 Sarah s faith 3 It seems somewhat surprising to us that Sarah would be mentioned as a women of faith; and although Sarah s faith seems very faint to us, God accepted it as genuine (Genesis 18:9-15; 21:1-2). Physically it all seemed impossible but God had promised and Sarah had accepted that promise as true. Her role in the future people of God was no less than Abraham himself. And although we read of her doubt and frustration in being able to become pregnant, she must have changed her mind and heart from doubt to hope in the promises of God. Once again this hope must be victorious over all that is rational, natural and understood to be the common experience. Such is the nature of godly faith that pleases and glorifies God. It is a hope and faith in the promises of a sovereign loving God who is trustworthy to fulfill them. Although they did not see it themselves out of their faith were born descendants as many as the stars of the heaven. 11:13-16 The City of God The preacher now takes a break and summarizes the faith of these people, highlighting particularly that during their mortal pilgrimage they did not see God s promises fulfilled. He interprets their faith as looking forward to a city that was already mentioned in v. 10 that is outside of the limitations of earthly time and space; a heavenly city of God. It is important to remember that the preacher was writing to his congregation in Rome that at the time was considered the most important significant and culturally advanced city on earth. Cities were viewed as cultural centers and the height of civilization. 3 Verse 11 likely refers to Sarah rather than Abraham as the NIV suggests (compare with TNIV) although both are involved in the miracle of Isaac s birth. 4

5 In this central section the preacher is not simply commenting on the faith of those faithful ones that went before, but he is directly encouraging his own congregation. He is tell them how they too should live given their precarious situation; they should live as strangers and exiles on earth and not to think about that land from which they had come out but instead to look forward to a heavenly one. Although things do look bleak for them if they are faithful in believing the promises of a better country and a city prepared for them, then God will not be ashamed (a human quality) to be identified with them the highest commendation possible (Donald Guthrie, 235). As such this section is to be viewed as an example of how Christians should live out their lives on earth even when they are experiencing troubles and tribulations. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) these all died in faith refers to Abraham, Sarah and their families. To die in faith means that even at death they had not experienced the fulfillment of the promises, yet they welcomed them from a distance (NIV). having confessed that they were strangers and aliens (NASB) see Genesis 23:4. They did not simply acknowledge (ESV) or admitted (NIV) but confessed it as a counterpart to their confession of faith in God s promises. If our citizenship is in heaven ( heavenly one ) then we are resident aliens on this earth without rights and privileges; this is what the preacher wanted to have his friends understand (O Brien, 419). See also Hebrews 12:22-24; 13:14 on more detail on this heavenly homeland. 11:17-19 Abraham s faith (again) The sacrifice of Isaac This is the supreme example of Abraham s faith revealed in his obedience to God s command. The depth of pathos ( only son ), moral dilemma ( offer up Isaac ) and paradox (the death of the son of promise ) is not gone into detail here. The story was of course very familiar to the congregation. The emphasis here is on the absolute faith Abraham had in God to be able to keep His promise even if that meant raising Isaac from the dead after he had been sacrificed. There is no doubt that Abraham was going to go through with the sacrifice even though from all outward appearances it would have been the end of the promise. With Isaac gone there was no future hope in a nation of any size. To have such a faith expressed in obedience is difficult to fathom. The preacher therefore gives five different aspects of Abraham s faith from vv. 8 to 19 showing that he was the representative father of those who have an active intentional faith in the promises of God. 1. v. 8 By faith he departed 2. vv By faith he sojourned 3. vv By faith he fathered 4. vv By faith he died an alien 5. vv By faith he offered his only son of promise 11:20-22 Abraham s children of faith (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) The preacher now mentions three of Abraham s children as examples of faith. Very little is said about Isaac and his two sons other than both received a blessing based on God s promises (Genesis 27:28-29, 39-40). Later the preacher will mention Esau in more negative terms (Hebrews 12:16). Isaac understood that the blessings had been reversed. 5

6 Jacob also is understood as a man of faith when he pronounced God s blessing on the sons of Joseph. And again, with respect to Ephraim and the older Manasseh it is the younger that is blessed. In accepting this deviation from the cultural norm, Jacob is accepting God sovereignty and choice as an act of faith and obedience (Genesis 48:8-22). Joseph s faith is viewed somewhat differently from Isaac and Jacob s since it has to do with his hope and confidence that God would one day lead the family out of Egypt and back into the Land of Promise (Genesis 50:24-25). 11:23-29 Faith of Moses (and parents) The preacher now turns to Moses; first from a family and personal perspective and then a national understanding of faith. Moses parents are first to be mentioned who saw that the child was beautiful (see also Stephen s speech in Acts 7:20) clearly, there was something godly about the baby. As an adult, Moses choose to be associated with his enslaved peoples rather than enjoying the safety and pleasures of the palace that would have been available to him. What Moses understood by faith was that there were things more valuable then the treasures of Egypt. What is specifically mentioned is the reproach of Christ (cf. Hebrews 13:13). So Moses understood the reward of the reproach of Christ as more valuable than the worldly pleasures of Egypt. This required a far-sighted faith in God s promises. This reference to Christ seems surprising to us since it reads back into the story the New Testament understanding of Christ. But the preacher has done this before and so does not hesitate to see Christian understanding in the old stories: he interprets the old in light of the new. As a result, Moses was forced to leave Egypt 4 but then returned to lead his people out of Egypt to the Land of Promise. In all of this he obeyed the instructions God gave him despite the difficulties he faced, observing the Passover and then eventually taking the people through the Red Sea. Somewhat surprisingly, the preacher does not mention the giving of the covenant at Sinai to Moses. He had mentioned it several times before. But to Moses faith it is not significant since Moses faith concerns looking ahead to the coming of Christ. 11:30-31 Faith in conquering Jericho The strange instructions of the defeat of Jericho were obediently followed by the people through their faith. The miraculous manner in which the walls fell, and the encircling of the walls over seven days, required a significant corporate faith. To the citizens inside Jericho this all must have looked very odd, and not much to worry about. This was because they did not know anything about the power and instructions of God. Interestingly the preacher does not identify who has faith; rather the focus is on God and His work. However there was one person within the city who was able to understand the significance of these events. She was obedient while the others were disobedient. Although she was a prostitute and a Gentile, the faith of Rahab resulted not only in helping the Israelites conquer Jericho but she also became part of the lineage of Jesus in being the mother to Boaz (Matthew 1:5). Clearly this is one of the best examples of faith taking the form of action rather than simply words (James 2:21-26). 4 Although Exodus 2:14-15 states that Moses was afraid, the preacher (as does Stephen) understands that this fear was not a fear that drove him from Egypt. Instead, although he did expereience fear of Pharaoh, it did not control his actions. He wanted to free his brothers but they did not want it, it was for this reason he left Egypt. 6

7 11:32-35a Triumph through faith The preacher now suggests enough has been said with the examples of faith and then rather than going into detail he summarizes six leaders from the time of the judges to king David and to these he also adds the prophets. All of these together include the entire history of Israel. He concludes this section of triumph or victory through faith with the resurrection of the dead. This section then focuses on triumphs and victories of faith while on earth. The faith of these judges seems also surprising. Their lives were far from flawless in their trust and faith in God. Verses contain nine sets of three groups of three. The first group lists conquests that were obtained through faith: kingdoms (1 Samuel 7:3-14), enforced justice (2 Samuel 8:15) and fulfilled promises (Judges 4:6-7, 14; 6:12-16; 7:7; 13:5; 2 Samuel 7:11-14). The time of the judges until David contain many instances of such achievements. The second set of three emphasizes endurance and deliverance, they include: stopping the mouths of lions (Daniel 6:16-28; Judges 14:5-6; 1 Samuel 17:34f), quenching the power of fire (likely a reference to the Daniel 2:49-3:30), and escaping the edge of the sword for which there are also many examples (1 Kings 19:2; 2 Kings 6:31-33). And the third triplet mentions achievements through deliverance: were made strong out of weakness (Isaiah 38), became mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection The two major examples of this is Elijah raising the widow s son (1 Kings 17:17ff0 and Elisha raising the Shunammite son (2 Kings 4:18ff). Interestingly in both cases the faith was that of the prophets rather than the mother s although they were certainly involved. The resurrection refers to resuscitation back to life with the same mortal body as before in the same way that resurrection of the dead occurred in the New Testament. In all cases, the person died again. Jesus resurrection is the only one in which a new life and body was given. 11:35b-38 Suffering through faith Although the previous section highlighted the triumph and victory of faith while on earth ( they escaped the edge of the sword v. 34), the preacher now, once again, focuses on those who despite their faith and obedience did not experience such a rescue ( they were killed with the sword v.37). This significant change is highlighted by a But (Greek δὲ) (in v. 35b. see NET, and NLT translation, NASB uses and while ESV and NIV do not translate the conjunction): But others were tortured. The fulfillment of God s promises is not always experienced during our earthly existence. This is important for the preacher s congregation (and us) to understand since they were now facing grave opposition and oppression. There is little doubt that they were praying for safety and deliverance from such danger. However, if we are correct in assuming the looming opposition was related to Nero s reign, their experience was very difficult. Commenting on this William Lane writes: The experiences surveyed in verses 35b-38 were those which could become the sufferings of the preacher s friends jeers, floggings, pursuit, and death. They presuppose a commitment which lays hold of God in the furnace of affliction precisely when there is no indication that God will break through and rescue his people in some miraculous manner. When tormentors taunt, Where is your God? men and women of committed faith respond, I will place my trust in him! (Lane, 155). An OT example of this is Daniel s three friends who were about to be burned alive: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. (Daniel 3:16 18) 7

8 not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection To accept release most likely refers to having to renounce commitment to God s law (see 2 Maccabees 6:18ff which concerns eating pork). This they refused to do since they were looking to a better resurrection; not a resuscitation back to physical life but to an eternal life. 11:39-40 The importance of faith The preacher s account of the triumphs and trials of faith are now concluded in a summary statement. None of the promises given to these Old Testament heroes of faith could be fulfilled until the coming of Christ. Although they were commended through their faith they did not see the fulfillment of the promise of salvation in Christ. This is the meaning of something better for us it is the coming of Christ and the revelation of the gospel. apart from us they should not be made perfect The faithful believers of the Old Testament times, as well as those who hear the gospel of Christ directly, are together made complete (perfect) as a people of God and individually perfect (holy, justified, righteous) through the perfect person and work of Christ. Biography F.F. Bruce, The Epistle To The Hebrews (Revised), The New International Commentary on the New Testament, Gordon D. Fee, Gen. Ed., Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, R. T. France, Hebrews, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Revised Edition, Volume 13, Gen. Ed., Tremper Longmann II & David E. Garland, Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, Donald Guthrie, Hebrews, The Tyndale New Testament Commentary, Leon Morris, Gen. Ed., Nottingham, England:Inter-Varsity Press, Dennis E. Johnson, The Epistle To The Hebrews, Institute of Theological Studies, Course Notes, Grand Rapids: Outreach Inc William L. Lane, Hebrews, A Call To Commitment, Vancouver, British Columbia:Regent College Publishing, Peter T. O Brien, The Letter to the Hebrews, The Pillar New testament Commentary, D.A. Carson, Gen. Ed., Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Victor Rhee, Chiasm and the Concept of Faith in Hebrews 11, Bibliotheca Sacra 155 (July-Sept 1998), Dallas Theological Seminary, 1998, pp ). Ray C. Stedman, Hebrews, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series, Grant R. Osborne, series editor, Downer Grove, Illinois:InterVarsity Press,

9 Questions Study it: 1. The preacher now begins his well-known passage on faith. Outline the reasons why he now spends so much of this sermon on this topic. What is the key-verse that should be kept in mind throughout this passage (hint: Habakkuk 2:3-4). 2. [11:1-3] In what sense is faith a subjective feeling or conviction and in what sense is it an objective reality? 3. [11:4-6] How do the two examples of Abel and Enoch differ and how are they the same? What does the preacher want his congregation to understand when he says they are to believe that he [God] exists? 4. [11:8-10] Why was Abraham s obedience to the initial call of God so amazing? What happened when he first arrived in the Canaan? How many people were blessed by his obedience? 5. [11:8-19] Describe in some detail all the ways that Abraham was faithful. 6. [11:13-16] Describe how the preacher tells his congregation to live given their precarious situation? What promises of God does he highlight? 7. [11:32-35a and 35b-38] Compare and contrast the triumphs and suffering of those who are faithful. Why does the preacher emphasize these two categories? 8. [11:39-40] What does the preacher mean when he states that, apart from us they should not be made perfect? Live it: 1. Have you ever been tempted to shrink back from faith? What encouraged you not to? Does the weak faith of the judges, whose faith none-the-less pleased God, encourage you? 2. Faith in this passage is not described as simple belief intellectual assent, but a joyful obedience to the instructions and reality of the sovereign LORD. How have you described faith in the past? Describe how this passage has deepened your understanding of faith. That is, how has it helped your assurance or conviction of the certainty of God s promises and how has it helped you not to shrink back in the face of opposition or difficulties? 3. One of the greatest desires of a Christian is for God to be pleased with us; that is, to hear the words, well done thou good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21-23). How does this passage instruct us to please God? 4. The primary emphasis of this chapter is on the hope; that is, faith in the reality of the future promises of God. Which promises of God are most important to you? Do promises that focus on life after death and on heavenly things seem less real and more abstract? Do the everyday concerns and problems of life for which you need help from God now, place future promises in the background? How could you make them part of joy and hope for today? 5. Do you read biographies of men and women of faith that have lived throughout Christian history? How have these helped in your own faithfulness? 6. How did these heroes of faith live while on earth (vv )? How are we to live? How does this work out in practice? 9