How does Hebrews 11:2 connect with other biblical examples of faith? Hebrews 11:2 in context “For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:2) • “By it” = by faith (v. 1) • “The elders” = the ancient men and women of God recorded in Scripture • “Obtained a good testimony” = God Himself bore witness to their lives, stamping them with His approval Faith’s reward: divine commendation • Genesis 15:6 — “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Psalm 106:31 — speaking of Phinehas, “It was credited to him as righteousness for endless generations to come.” • Romans 4:3 — Paul echoes Genesis 15:6 to show that God’s commendation still rests on faith, not works. • James 2:23 — the same verse is cited again; faith brings friendship with God. Snapshots of commended faith in Hebrews 11 • Abel — offered a better sacrifice (v. 4); God “testified” about his gifts. • Enoch — “he was attested to be pleasing to God” and never saw death (v. 5). • Noah — “being warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark” (v. 7). • Abraham — obeyed the call to go, lived as an alien, offered up Isaac (vv. 8-10, 17-19). • Sarah — received power to conceive “because she considered Him faithful who had promised” (v. 11). • Moses — chose ill-treatment with God’s people over palace privilege (vv. 24-27). • Rahab — welcomed the spies “by faith” and was spared (v. 31). • The unnamed — judges, prophets, martyrs who “obtained a good testimony through faith” (v. 39). Old Testament echoes beyond Hebrews 11 • Genesis 6:22 — “So Noah did everything exactly as God commanded him.” Faith acts. • 2 Chronicles 20:20 — “Believe in the LORD your God and you will be upheld.” Faith steadies. • Daniel 3:17-18 — the three Hebrews trusted God to deliver; if not, they still would not bow. Faith stands firm. New Testament confirmations • Matthew 8:10 — Jesus marvels at the centurion: “I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith.” Commendation continues. • Mark 2:5 — “When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’” Faith provokes divine action. • Luke 8:48 — “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” Faith receives. • 2 Corinthians 5:7 — “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” The same pathway for believers today. Connecting the thread • Hebrews 11:2 announces the principle; the rest of Scripture supplies the portraits. • Whether offering, walking, building, moving, waiting, suffering, or standing, faith is the common denominator God honors. • The “good testimony” is God’s public endorsement that a life anchored in His promises is never wasted. |
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