What is the meaning of Hebrews 11:2? This The single word points back to the definition of faith in Hebrews 11:1—“Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see”. The writer anchors the entire chapter on that truth. Faith, not human effort, explains every victory recounted in Scripture (Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 5:7; John 20:29). is why Here the author draws a straight line from faith to divine approval. • Faith recognizes God’s character (Hebrews 10:38) • Faith relies on God’s promises (Romans 1:17) • Faith looks to Jesus as “the Author and Perfecter” (Hebrews 12:2) • Faith receives “the outcome… the salvation of your souls” (1 Peter 1:8-9) Because faith does all of that, it is the reason—“why”—God acknowledges His people. the ancients These are the men and women who lived before Christ yet trusted God’s word: • Abel, Enoch, Noah (Hebrews 11:4-7) • Abraham and Sarah (11:8-12) • Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and many more (11:20-32) They span centuries but share one distinguishing mark: faith. God calls Himself “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Matthew 22:32; Exodus 3:6), underscoring the continuity of faith across generations. were commended To be commended means God Himself bore witness to their trust. He declared them righteous—“Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Their deeds flowed from belief, but belief came first (Psalm 106:31; Luke 1:6). God still “works in you what is pleasing in His sight” (Hebrews 13:21), so the pattern remains: faith leads to divine approval, which then produces obedient action. summary Hebrews 11:2 reminds us that faith, defined in verse 1, is the very reason God approved the Old Testament saints. Their stories prove that trusting God’s unseen promises brings His commendation. That same faith, fixed on Christ today, invites the same approval and empowers a life that honors Him. |
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