Hebrews 11 is a loved passage of scripture. Many refer to it as the great Hall of Faith because of its listing of some of the great fathers of the faith. Many, though, just consider the passage as just that- the Hall of Faith. Few consider the actual context and history of the chapter. This paper is designed to quickly observe the history of this great chapter and discuss all the ideals mentioned in the chapter.
To study a book of the Bible or even just the chapter, the context needs to be discovered. This will give a greater understanding of the ideals. The case of Hebrews 11 is no different. First, there is great discussion on who is the author of Hebrews. Nobody really knows. Some assert that the author is Paul, but others will greatly disagree because of the difference in this book from Paul’s other writings (Geisler 253). What is known about the author is shown in Norman Geisler’s, renowned author and co-founder of Southern Evangelical Seminary, A Popular Survey of the New Testament. He shows these things about the author of the book of Hebrews- “he was not one of the twelve apostles, he wrote before the destruction of Jerusalem, he was well versed in the Old Testament, he wrote in a more technical Greek than the other New Testament writers, he was familiar with the Platonic thought, he emphasized Jesus’s (sic) earthly ministry and high priestly ministry, he was associated with Timothy, he was in Italy when he wrote, and he was known well enough to be accepted by the readers without mentioning his name” (253). Although Geisler shows that much is known about the author of Hebrews, no one can agree on the identity of this person. Secondly, the recipients of this book need to be identified. The recipients of the book of Hebrews are identified as Hebrew Christians (254). Lastly, to know why Hebrews 11 exists the actual purpose of the whole book needs to be shown. Geisler divides the purpose into three ideas- showing the sacrificial system was fulfilled by Christ’s death, warning about the risk involved in returning to the former ideas of Judaism, and encouraging the believers in their faith (255). So, in the end the purpose of chapter eleven can be seen in the latter parts of Geislers division- the encouragement of their faith. This is surmised because in reading of the previous chapters the first two divisions are seen and then the whole topic of chapter eleven is faith including it in the third division.
Now that the history of the book and chapter has been shown the discussion of the actual contents of the chapter can be discussed. The author begins his encouragement by defining the idea of faith. He says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb. 11:1-3). Faith is defined by Webster’s online dictionary, “America's foremost publisher of language-related reference works,” as allegiance to a duty or person or complete trust (“Faith”). R.E.O White, principal of Baptist Theological College of Scotland, divides faith into a three part definition. He says, “"...Christian faith always contains a mental content, a moral power and a personal relationship with God" (White 11). He also refers to Jesus as the “Pioneer and Perfecter (sic) of faith” (119). Dr. David Jeremiah, a pastor who also has his own radio and television broadcast, says that the promises of God are the basis of faith (Jeremiah 10). He also divides the definition of faith into three categories but uses verse six of chapter eleven to develop them. He says, “Faith is pleasing to God, believing that God is, and seeking God” (12-14). C.E. Colton, who was pastor of a church in Texas, also develops a definition of faith in his The Faithfulness of Faith. He says, “Faith deals with that which is to be and that which is present but unseen” (Colton 8). He also says, “Faith is both active and passive…we need both” (96). Whereas these authors give further definitions of faith, a definition is given in this very chapter in the first verse. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1). Jeremiah expounds on this fact telling that "'Substance' means faith grasps God's promises and brings them right into the present moment of our experience" (Jeremiah 10). He also shows on the second part of evidence that "Faith sees what the physical eye cannot see" (12). Therefore, faith is grasping the promises of God and believing what cannot be seen.
After defining faith the author decides to encourage these Hebrew Christians by giving them examples of the past to follow. The first example he gives is of Abel- “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh” (Heb. 11:4). This verse shows the idea that Abel gave his sacrifice in Genesis out of faith and not his own works, whereas his brother did his own thing and thought works was more acceptable than a blood sacrifice. Jeremiah says, “One came in faith, the other didn’t” (Jeremiah 23). The story goes, “And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the Lord. And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Gen. 4:1-5). Most know the outcome of the story as Cain killing Abel. This verse is showing that although Able was murdered his story and example of faith lives on. The next example given is the example of Enoch- “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). The story of Enoch is found in Genesis 5. He is known as one of the men of the Bible that never died which is what this verse illustrates. It can be assumed that because of his faith he was not destined to die but to be taken up to the Lord. Jeremiah points out that Enoch did not always walk with God. He says, “The text says ‘after he begot Methuselah [at age 65], Enoch walked with God.’ Apparently for the first 65 years of his life Enoch didn’t walk with God” (Jeremiah 34). He also asserts that Enoch lived so close with God in a time that no one else did so for Jeremiah shows his readers that “so closely did Enoch walk with God that God revealed to him the judgment that was coming upon the earth” (36-37). The judgment Jeremiah refers to is the flood of Noah. He shows that Enoch was told that the judgment would come after him and his son, Methuselah, was gone. The math Jeremiah does in his book, Heroes of the Faith, shows that the same year Methuselah died the flood came. The next example shown is Noah- “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Heb. 11:7). Noah had faith in God enough to build an ark in a place where there was no rain. He believe that what God said what he would do would really happen. Noah also lived where no one walked with God as Jeremiah points out- “everything man did was infected by sin and wickedness” (47). Abraham is the next example pointed out. He is actually shown twice in this chapter. The first is referring to when he went out of his land according to God’s command to go wherever the Lord would lead- “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (Heb. 11:8). Even though he did not know where he was going or when he would get there, he went. The second mention is when he was told to sacrifice Isaac- “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure” (Heb. 11:17-19). Sara is also mentioned in this text- “Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised” (Heb. 11:11). Jeremiah compares Sara's laughter to that of a Christian doubting. Although she doubted at one point she still had faith in God in the end (Jeremiah 77). Isaac and Jacob are the next two mentioned. Their cases are similar- “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff” (Heb. 11:20-21). Both of these men had great faith in their God that they passed on to the next generations. The next mentioned is Joseph. He is mentioned for having faith enough that God would keep his promise in giving Israel a land that he ordered his bones not buried in Egypt but taken with Israel to the Promised Land. Moses is the next mentioned. He is mentioned for choosing to suffer with his people even though he had great position and eventually leading them out of Egypt and around the Wilderness. Joshua is the next mentioned for his feat of Jericho. He had faith enough in God to pursue taking over the city and in an interesting way. Although the way he conquered the city seems unorthodox, it was how God commanded so he did it because of his faith in God. Next, Rahab is mentioned- By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Heb. 11:31). Jeremiah shows that Rahab was one who did not know much about God but “she stepped out in faith on the little she knew” (Jeremiah 118). Although she had no previous knowledge she believed that the God of the Israelites was the true God and helped them in their conquest. Lastly, it is important to not that these names mentioned are not the only people with faith. The author includes an inclusion portion in his closing of this chapter. He says, “And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
Hopefully, through this quick study this chapter and the reasoning behind it can be better understood. Faith is a very important factor in the Christian life for “without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). Whether referred to as the “Hall of Faith” or just a great portion of scripture it is one of great encouragement. It is truly a great chapter of encouragement for the Hebrew Believer and now the Believer in general.
Works Cited
Colton, C. E. The Faithfulness of Faith. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1985. Print.
"Faith." 1a and 2b 2. Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Merriam-Webster Online, 2010. Web. 24 April 2010.
Geisler, Norman L. A Popular Survey of the New Testament. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2007. Print.
Jeremiah, Dr. David. Heroes of the Faith. San Diego: Turning Point for God, 2001. Print.
KJV Reference Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994. Print.
White, R.E.O. The Exploration of Faith. Chicago: Moody Press, 1969. Print.
Outline
Target Audience—Any with an interest in discovering more about Hebrews 11.
Thesis— This paper is designed to quickly observe the history of this great chapter and discuss all the ideals mentioned in the chapter.
I. Introduction of Topic (Hebrews 11)
II. Context of Chapter
A. Author
B. The Recipients
C. Purpose of Book of Hebrews
D. Reason for Chapter 11
III. Introduction of the Idea of Faith
A. Define Faith by Outside Sources
B. Define Faith by the Scripture Studying
IV. The “Dubbed” Hall of Faith
A. Able
B. Enoch
C. Noah
D. Abraham
1. First mention
2. Second mention
E. Sarah
F. Isaac
G. Jacob
H. Joseph
I. Moses
J. Joshua
K. Rahab
L. Others
V. Conclusion (Summary)
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