hebrews-11:1-6,-hebrews-11:2-niv

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:4

Verse 4 4.By faith Abel offered, etc. The Apostle’s object in this chapter is to show, that however excellent were the works of the saints, it was from faith they derived their value, their worthiness, and all their excellences; and hence follows what he has already intimated, that the fathers pleased God by faith alone. Now he commends faith here on two accounts, — it renders obedience to God, for it attempts and undertakes nothing, but what is according to the rule of God’s word, — and it... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:5

Verse 5 5.By faith Enoch, etc. He chose a few of the most ancient, that he might make a transition to Abraham and his posterity. He teaches us that through faith, it was that Enoch was translated. But we ought especially to consider the reason why God in so unusual a manner removed him from the earth. The event was remarkable, and hence all may know how dear he was to God. Impiety and all kinds of corruptions then prevailed everywhere. Had he died as other men, it would have not occurred to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:6

Verse 6 6.But without faith, etc. What is said here belongs to all the examples which the Apostle records in this chapter; but as there is in the passage some measure of obscurity, it is necessary to examine its meaning more closely. But there is no better interpreter than the Apostle himself. The proof, then, which he immediately subjoins, may serve as an explanation. The reason he assigns why no one can please God without faith, is this, — because no one will ever come to God, except he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. On the senses in which the word ὑπόστασις (translated "substance") may be used, see under Hebrews 1:2 . As to the sense intended here, views differ. There are three possible ones, expressed in the text and margin of the A.V., substance, ground, and confidence. The first is understood by the Fathers generally, the idea being supposed to be that, inasmuch as things not yet experienced, but only... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

The nature of faith. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, " etc. This is not a definition or description of what is called, in theological phrase, saving faith. It does not set forth faith in Jesus Christ in particular, but faith in its general meaning and its comprehensive exercise. The text teaches us that— I. FAITH IS THE DEMONSTRATION OF INVISIBLE REALITIES . It is "the evidence of things not seen;" Revised Version, "the proving of things not seen."... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

Faith in its relation to the future and the unseen. I. FAITH IN ITS RELATION TO THE FUTURE . 1. Nothing is more to be desired than a hopeful outlook towards the future. The future may be regarded doubtfully, fearfully, or even despairingly; on the other hand the question rises if it be not possible to regard the future with a hope which shall become a duty. Doubtless there are many who do look hopefully forward, but they are hopeful simply because of a disposition... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1-3

The nature and power of faith. In the close of the previous chapter, the apostle has spoken of faith as the principle of spiritual life, and the spring of patient endurance. He has quoted a great saying from Habakkuk, "The just shall live by faith;" and he now proceeds to vindicate its truth in a series of brilliant biographical illustrations. First of all, however, the apostle supplies a theoretic definition or description of saving faith. I. THE NATURE OF FAITH . (Verse 1)... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:2

For in this ( i.e. faith, ἐν ταύτῃ ) the elders obtained a good report ; literally were witnessed of ; i.e. it was in respect of their faith, which inspired their deeds, that they were praised. (For a similar use of the preposition ἐν , cf. 1 Corinthians 11:22 , ἐπαινέσω ἐν , τούτῳ ). Thus is introduced the illustrative review of Old Testament instances, the purpose of which has been explained above. It begins from the beginning, Abel being the first example. But... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:2

The great characteristic of the elders. I. THE TERM BY WHICH THEY ARE INDICATED . The elders. Those spoken of are these who had lived the life of the flesh centuries before, but the term is not used merely to indicate this fact. We know from the subsequent illustrations that the men of long ago are meant; but there is a much more comprehensive meaning in their being spoken of as πρεσβύτεροι . πρεσβύτερος is a relative word, its correlative being νεώτερος (see 1... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:3

By faith we perceive that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen (or, that which is seen ) have (or, has ) not been made of things which do appear. "By the word of God" has reference to "and God said," of Genesis 1:1-31 ., which chapter enunciates the primary article of all definite religions faith, viz. the existence and operation of God, as the unseen Author of the visible universe. Even without a revelation to declare this, faith's... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:1-3

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:3

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