Sunday, October 25, 2026
Bible Study Hebrews 11: 1-40
A Commentary of the Book of Hebrews
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: King James Version
Bible Study Hebrews 11: 1-40
Text:
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 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. 4 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. 5 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. 6 But 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. 7 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. 8 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. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 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. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.
32 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: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 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. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 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; 38 (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
For by it the elders obtained a good report. For by it the elders obtained a good report. “Now” makes clear that this is a present reality for the believer. Considering the preceding context, defining “faith” (Greek, pistis, which denotes faith, faithfulness, or steadfastness) as the “substance”—or literally, “what stands under”—of things hoped for clarifies that genuine faith is a reliable hope anchored in the Lord’s true word and promise. This echoes the opening of the epistle regarding the supreme reliability of a message delivered “in Son”. Yet, this represents only one side of the equation. Aligned with previous warnings, faith is additionally “the evidence of things not seen”. Here, the writer adopts the same perspective as James: “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). For example, Abraham accepted and believed the promise, being entirely convinced (Greek, elengchos) to act on it without ever witnessing its literal fulfillment. This conceptual framework is vital for understanding the examples that follow. The epistle’s warnings are clear: a fruitful life of faith cannot exist without both its structural foundation (hope) and its outward evidence—action motivated by conviction (love).
Verse 2: “For by it the elders obtained a good report.“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. “
As clearly demonstrated in the cases of Abel and Enoch, it was through their faith that God explicitly recognized them as righteous.
Verse 3: “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.”
Scripture reveals that God formed the world by His Word, even though no human witnessed the creation. We therefore understand that the visible creation is not the ultimate, self-existent reality.
Verse 4: “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.”
From the very beginning, the Lord revealed that a blood sacrifice would be necessary to make atonement for sin. Consequently, it was "by faith" in God"s word that "Abel offered unto God a more excellent (Greek, pleiōn; "better") sacrifice than Cain". While neither of their individual sacrifices could ultimately atone for sin—a completion achieved solely through the blood of Christ—these early offerings were made in faithful obedience to God"s command. They served as "a shadow" (10:1) foreshadowing Christ"s definitive atonement. The fundamental issue was not the inherent quality of Cain"s offering, but rather his lack of obedience rooted in faith (see 2:1); he chose human wisdom over the explicitly revealed will of God (see Rom. 10:3). Because Abel"s sacrifice was offered in the obedience of faith, it was superior, and through it he "obtained witness" (Greek, emartyrēthē; "had witness born to him"). This parallels the final, perfect blood sacrifice of Christ on the cross, which also fulfilled the divine will. God Himself bore witness to Abel"s righteousness (see "God ... spake in time past unto the fathers," 1:1), "God testifying ... and by it" (lit., "God bearing witness ... through it"). As a result of this divine validation, "he being dead yet speaketh".
Verse 5: “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.:
Enoch, who did not experience death, served as a foreshadowing of the rescue from death that Jesus provides to those who believe. The fundamental standard for proper worship is pleasing God, which requires keeping our focus entirely on the Lord Jesus Christ rather than on our own emotions or feelings.
Verse 6: “But 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.
Acceptable worship, recognizing God as the Creator of the universe, and perceiving our true source of hope all fundamentally rely upon the presence of absolute faith, not works.
Verse 7: “ 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.”
When Noah built the ark, rainfall was entirely unprecedented. While faith inherently discerns invisible realities beyond the material world, this passage specifically highlights faith directed toward future events that remain absolutely certain due to God's promises. The impending judgment of the flood was completely unseen when the divine warning was given. In reverent obedience to God's word, Noah built the ark, securing salvation for his family through his active faith. Consequently, the unbelieving world stood condemned by its fixation on the immediate present, while Noah became an heir to the righteousness obtained through faith.
Verse 8: “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.”
Throughout this epistle, we have observed that true worship of God naturally results in obedience and active service to Him, prompting one to fulfill His divine will. His obedience was a direct extension of his faith, just as his worship had been.
Verse 9: “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:”
Although God had promised them the land, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob never established a permanent settlement or took physical possession of it. Guided by faith, Abraham journeyed to the region, and all three patriarchs resided there as temporary dwellers. They lived out their days in steadfast reliance on a divine pledge of inheritance, fully aware that its fulfillment lay many generations in the future, far beyond their own lifetimes.
Verse 10: “for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
Abraham demonstrated his faith in the promise of a homeland through three distinct actions: first, he obediently left Ur at God's call to journey toward an unknown inheritance; second, he resided as a temporary dweller in the very land that had been promised to him; and third, he looked past the physical landscape of Canaan toward a permanent, heavenly city and country designed and established by God Himself.
Verse 11: “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.”
Although Sarah was barren and Abraham was, regarding reproductive possibilities, "as good as dead," their faith in the promise of offspring was ultimately rewarded with the miraculous conception of Isaac. Despite experiencing periods of doubt and encountering misguided alternatives, Abraham and Sarah ultimately "judged him faithful who had promised".
Verse 12: “Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.”
Although these events occurred entirely through faith, it is important to observe that the complete fulfillment of God’s promise remained unseen by Abraham and Sarah during their lifetimes.
Verse 13: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
Abraham joyfully anticipated the future arrival of Jesus the Messiah from a distance. Furthermore, until Christ returns, all heirs of salvation live as displaced individuals on this earth, existing in exile as they await their true, promised inheritance.
Verse 14: “For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.”
Faith focuses prospectively upon the future, just as contemporary believers maintain a forward-looking perspective.
Verse 15: “ And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.”
Any individual retains the capacity to return to worldly pursuits should they remain content with temporal matters. Conversely, a child of God, sustained by faith, perseveres continually forward.
Verse 16: “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.”
Believers under the Old Testament recognized that the promises and hope they anticipated by faith were heavenly rather than merely physical in nature.
Verse 17: “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,”
Although Abraham had another son, Ishmael, through Hagar, Isaac was distinct as his unique, one-of-a-kind child. Born specifically in fulfillment of God's divine promise, Isaac stood as the sole inheritor of that covenant, not Ishmael.
Verse 18: “of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:”
Because God's promise was given specifically concerning Isaac, he was considered the uniquely begotten son.
Verse 19: “accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”
Because the divine promises required Isaac to have descendants to remain valid, Abraham obeyed God’s command to offer up the son of promise with the unwavering assurance that “God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.” While Isaac’s deliverance served as a figurative resurrection, a literal resurrection awaits faithful believers who surrender their lives, patterned after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 20: “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”
Isaac bestowed a prophetic blessing upon Jacob and Esau, declaring by faith that Jacob would inherit a fertile territory and exercise authority over various nations, as well as the offspring of Esau.
Verse 21: By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.“
Jacob, who was himself a younger brother elevated above his elder sibling, demonstrated prophetic foresight during his blessing. He anticipated that the descendants of Joseph's younger son would eventually achieve greater numbers and influence than those of the older son.
Verse 22: “By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.”
By ordering his bones to be carried to the Promised Land, Joseph showed a deep conviction in future events that were completely hidden from view. He remembered the Lord's promise of the Exodus, a covenant originally given to Abraham before Isaac's birth, which would involve four centuries of oppression before it was fulfilled.
Verse 23: “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.”
Moses was born to devout parents who demonstrated unwavering commitment to God, illustrating that faith was an integral element from the time of his birth.
Verse 24: “By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;”
The functioning of faith is clearly seen in Moses' life. Even though he was brought up in the royal palace and stood in line as the prospective successor to Pharaoh's throne, Moses possessed the deep spiritual conviction required to choose the path of righteousness.
Verse 25: “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;”
Moses recognized that refusing the divine commission to lead Israel would constitute a transgression against God. Grounded in the firm assurance that God would deliver Israel by his hand, he consciously chose to forsake the fleeting enjoyments of Egyptian privilege.
Verse 26: “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.”
By uniting with the people of the Messiah during their time of suffering, Moses bore reproach for Christ's sake. His connection to the Messiah was further established through his divine calling as a prophet and leader, granting him insight into the Messiah's future trials and ultimate exaltation. Because of this, whoever undergoes trials due to a genuine devotion to God and the redemptive message of the gospel likewise shares in the sufferings of Christ.
Verse 27: “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.”
Moses demonstrated that genuine faith necessitates corresponding action. In contemporary discourse, many profess belief yet remain passive; however, true faith is inherently manifested through deeds. While salvation is granted independently of human effort, a saving faith inevitably generates constructive works. Consequently, Moses "forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible".
Verse 28: “Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”
Throughout his life, Moses profoundly illustrated the nature of faith through his steadfast compliance with divine instruction. Upon receiving God's command, he demonstrated the requisite faith to render complete obedience. This enduring conviction led him to renounce the rich privileges of Egypt, depart into the wilderness, and subsequently return to accomplish the deliverance of his people.
Verse 29: “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”
The crossing of the Red Sea demonstrated the profound faith of Moses rather than that of the Israelite populace. Upon advancing to the water's edge, he struck the sea with his staff, and through his singular faith, the waters parted, enabling the congregation to traverse safely to the opposite shore. Although the people subsequently joined in the Song of Moses and were collectively identified with his leadership, the underlying faith that effected the miracle belonged uniquely to Moses.
Verse 30: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.”
After Moses, Joshua stepped into leadership and steered Israel toward the Promised Land, a task demanding immense endurance. Jericho, the first major impediment to their conquest, was overcome by faith instead of standard military tactics. Their ultimate victory—the bringing down of the city walls—resulted directly from Joshua following divine instructions with precise attention to detail.
Verse 31: “ By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.”
Rahab demonstrated her allegiance to God by safeguarding the Israelite spies. Consequently, she was justified and became an ancestor of Jesus Christ, despite her former background as a prostitute.
Verse 32: “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:”
The question is rhetorical. The author subsequently references numerous additional individuals and heroic deeds to demonstrate the power of faith.
Verse 33: “who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,”
Although Daniel is not mentioned by name in this list of the faithful, the phrase "stopped the mouths of lions" serves as an indirect reference to him.
Verse 34: “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.”
This constitutes the war of faith, and these individuals emerge as the victors.
We now observe the expansive nature of faith, which has permeated every dimension of life.
Verse 35: “Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:”
The statement "Women received their dead raised to life again" references the account of the widow of Zarephath, whose son was raised from the dead by the prophet Elijah (1 Kings 17:17–24).
The subsequent clause, "And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection," indicates that the author is now addressing the subject of martyrs.
Verse 36: “and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:”
The author here introduces a distinct category of the faithful whose witness was characterized not by overt triumph on the field of battle or public feats of spiritual valor, but by profound endurance. These "others" represent the perfect examples of divine heroism, demonstrating steadfastness amidst the severe trials of mockery, physical scourgings, and the deprivation of liberty through bonds and imprisonment.
Verse 37: “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;”
The text recounts that the faithful suffered egregious fates, such as being stoned or “sawn asunder.” Although historical tradition, as famously noted by Jerome, attributes the latter execution to the prophet Isaiah, this remains an unsubstantiated tradition rather than an established historical fact. The specific identities of those who endured such brutal martyrdom are not preserved. Additionally, others were subjected to rigorous testing, temptation, and death by the sword.
Verse 38: “(of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.”
These individuals, of whom the world proved unworthy, were relegated to the margins of civilization—deserts, mountains, and the solitude of caves—where they maintained their faithfulness despite profound isolation and affliction.
Verse 39: “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:”
While certain Old Testament covenants attained fulfillment, the ultimate object of their hope—the advent of the Messiah—remained unachieved during their lifetimes. This verse serves as a thematic synthesis of the sentiments expressed in verses 13–16, extending their application to the latter portion of the chapter.
Verse 40: “God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”
This verse shows both the difference between the Old and New Testament times and the fact that all of God's people are united. Even though those who lived before Jesus had deep faith, they didn't get to see God’s greatest promise come true while they were on earth. Still, they receive the same benefits from Jesus’ work as we do, and we are all "made perfect" together. Whether they lived then or we live now, we are all waiting for the day when everything is finally made perfect at Jesus' second coming.
Liberty to the Captives
Liberty to the Captives
Scripture: Isaiah 61:1 (KJV)
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me...to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”
Personal Reflection
What glorious words: “liberty to the captives.”
Jesus Christ did not come merely to make imprisoned sinners more comfortable. He came to set captives free.
At Calvary, Christ accomplished everything necessary for our deliverance. His cry, “It is finished,” declared that the debt had been paid and divine justice satisfied. The sacrifice was complete. Nothing remained to be added to His finished work.
That same Christ now speaks through His Word and Spirit into spiritually dead hearts: “Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
Sometimes that voice comes through preaching that wounds our conscience. We may initially resist it. We may think the preacher is too direct or the message too uncomfortable. Yet God often uses sharp truth as an instrument of mercy.
The Word exposes our chains so that we will desire freedom.
A prisoner who believes his cell is home will never seek deliverance. Likewise, sinners must first recognize their captivity. We must see that sin is not freedom. Rebellion against God is not independence. Serving our desires is not liberty.
True freedom begins when Christ opens our eyes to our bondage and calls us out.
Perhaps God’s Word is disturbing your comfort today. Do not immediately resist that disturbance. Ask whether Christ is graciously exposing something that has imprisoned you.
The voice that reveals your captivity may be the very voice calling you into freedom.
Contemplation
Is there an area where God’s Word is exposing bondage that I have mistakenly called freedom?
Puritan Quote
John Bunyan wrote:
“I saw that it was not my good frame of heart that made my righteousness better.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, expose every chain that binds me. Give me ears to hear Your Word and grace to walk in the liberty You purchased through Your finished work. Amen.
Application
Ask God to reveal one area where you have resisted biblical correction, and submit that area to His Word today.
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Nothing but the Blood
Nothing but the Blood
Scripture: 1 John 1:7 (KJV)
“And the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Personal Reflection
Once the Holy Spirit awakens a sinner, a terrible reality becomes clear: I am guilty before God.
Good intentions cannot erase that guilt. Religious works cannot wash it away. Tears cannot pay the debt. Baptism cannot remove it. Church membership cannot cancel it.
Something greater is required.
The sinner needs the blood of Christ.
At the heart of the gospel stands the substitutionary death of Jesus. Paul declared that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.” The awakened sinner sees both sides of this glorious truth: I am unclean and unable to cleanse myself, but Jesus Christ has provided the cleansing I desperately need.
The blood reminds us that forgiveness is free to us but infinitely costly to God.
Our salvation required the death of the spotless Lamb. Christ bore the judgment our sins deserved. The righteous One stood in the place of the unrighteous. The debt was paid, justice satisfied, and forgiveness secured.
Therefore, stop trying to make yourself clean enough to approach Christ.
Come because you are unclean.
The gospel does not say, “Clean yourself, and then come.” It says that sinners who come to Christ find cleansing in His blood.
And that blood does not cleanse merely respectable sins.
John says it “cleanseth us from all sin.”
Your darkest failure is not greater than Christ’s sufficient sacrifice.
Our confidence before God therefore rests nowhere within ourselves.
Our plea is Christ alone.
Our hope is His finished work.
Our cleansing is His precious blood.
Contemplation
Am I resting completely in Christ’s blood, or am I still trying to establish some righteousness of my own?
Puritan Quote
John Flavel wrote:
“Christ is altogether lovely.”
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I have no righteousness of my own to offer You. Thank You for shedding Your blood for sinners. Cleanse me, keep me near the cross, and make Your finished work my only confidence. Amen.
Application
Read 1 Corinthians 15:1–4 and thank Christ specifically that His death, burial, and resurrection—not your works—are the foundation of your hope.