Exploring the Scripture
This week’s lection continues to share models of faith in Jewish history. As with the previous verses, Hebrews 11:29–31 begins with the words by faith to stress that each character trusted God’s direction and their religious convictions in difficult circumstances.
The enslaved Israelites crossed the Red Sea, trusting God to hold back the waters. The Israelite army trusted that Jericho would fall after the unusual military tactic of marching around the city and blowing trumpets. Rahab, the prostitute, provided hospitality to the Israelite spies and, as a result, was spared when the Israelites captured her city.
Verse 32 names other great heroes of faith—six people plus “the prophets”—and begins a summary of heroic actions associated with these figures and others. Notes in the New Revised Standard Version allow the reader to look up each victory or suffering and identify the person and circumstances.
Some refer to recognizable Hebrew Testament figures. Some refer to brave people who lived years after the Hebrew Bible was written but before the New Testament Gospels and letters existed. These characters are found in the apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees, a history of the Jewish rebellion against the Seleucid (Syrian) conquest of Palestine.
2 Maccabees includes several theological ideas that entered Judaism two centuries before Jesus was born. Many Jews, including the Pharisees, embraced the resurrection of the dead. Jewish leaders taught people to pray for the dead, that God would forgive their sins, so they could live again when the day of resurrection came. 2 Maccabees is full of examples of people willing to die as martyrs. These stories and the examples listed in Hebrews became models for Christian martyrs.
“Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised” (v. 39). They lived and died in faith, trusting in the future they could not yet see. Besides, they were not resurrected (“what was promised”) when they died. According to Hebrews, those from previous eras who died in faith will be resurrected during the end times. That resurrection will be more glorious, perfect, and complete because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
This great “cloud of witnesses” (v. 12:1) encourages those being persecuted or martyred to endure faithfully without wavering. They must not succumb to any sin that would weaken their resolve or lead them astray. In the “race that is set before us” (v. 12:1)—or challenges they face—they must continue toward the final goal. Jesus Christ is the best example, the companion on their journey who “perfects” them as they grow as disciples and the reward after the struggle.
Christ endured the cross for their sake and, in solidarity with them, died a torturous death. Christ sits at God’s right hand, a phrase Psalm 110 used to signify victory over all enemies. Jesus Christ provides victory over death and sin to complete salvation through obedience and resurrection.
Although this passage looks to past heroes, the tone is one of hope and faith for the future. The past provides examples and witnesses for the current efforts. Faithfulness requires steadfast trust in the future we cannot see, held firmly in God’s hands.
Project Zion Podcast
Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.
Central Ideas
- Many previous believers have faithfully faced persecution and difficulties, providing models for us.
- Faithfulness does not prevent Christians from facing persecution, torture, and death or entering difficult, wild places of want.
- Faithfulness occurs as blessings of victory and endurance in death.
- Life as a disciple requires perseverance, steadfast patience, hope, and faithfulness.
Questions to Consider
- Reflecting on your life, how would you complete the sentence, “By faith, I…”?
- What must you give up to run the race set before you?
- Which heroes of faith steady you amid difficulties?
- What would happen if your congregation relied only on the past? What gives you hope and optimism for the future of your congregation?