Hebrews 11 as a Model of Faith and Hope
Hebrews 11 as a Model of Faith and Hope
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen" [1]. This chapter is renowned for its portrayal of faith as a steadfast trust in God's promises, even when their fulfillment is not yet visible. The passage begins by establishing the nature of faith and then proceeds to illustrate it through a series of examples from the Old Testament.
The literary context of Hebrews 11 is crucial for understanding its significance. The preceding chapter (Hebrews 10) exhorts believers to persevere in their faith, warning them of the dangers of apostasy. Hebrews 11 serves as a demonstration of this perseverance, showcasing the faith of Old Testament figures who endured hardships and uncertainties, trusting in God's promises [6].
The historical setting of Hebrews is a matter of scholarly debate, but it is generally understood to be written to Jewish Christians in the first century, possibly in the latter part of that century. The author appeals to the history of Israel to encourage his readers to remain faithful, drawing on a rich tradition of examples [2].
The key terms in Hebrews 11:1 are "faith" (πίστις, pistis), "assurance" (ὑπόστασις, hypostasis), and "proof" (ἔλεγχος, elenchos). "Faith" here is not limited to belief in the Gospel but encompasses a broader trust in God's character and promises. "Assurance" refers to the confidence or conviction that these promises will be fulfilled, while "proof" signifies the evidence or demonstration of the reality of things not seen [1].
One of the major exegetical decisions in interpreting Hebrews 11 involves understanding the nature of the faith described. According to Calvin, faith is not just about believing in the existence of God but involves trusting in His promises and character [4]. John Chrysostom, representing Eastern Orthodox thought, emphasizes the active nature of faith, highlighting its role in obedience and perseverance [5].
The range of interpretations of Hebrews 11 is broad, reflecting various theological traditions. commentators like Calvin stress the importance of faith in relation to the promises of God, seeing it as a means of appropriating the benefits of salvation. commentators, such as Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, interpret the chapter as an encouragement to perseverance, emphasizing the examples of Old Testament figures as models for Christian faith [6].
Hebrews 11 has functioned significantly in Christian tradition, influencing creeds, liturgy, and controversies. The chapter's emphasis on faith as a demonstration of trust in God's promises has shaped Christian understanding of perseverance and hope. The examples provided in the chapter have been used to encourage believers throughout history, offering a model of faith that is both steadfast and hopeful.
The connection between faith and hope is a recurring theme in the New Testament. In Hebrews 6:11, believers are exhorted to show "the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end" [2]. This hope is closely tied to faith, as both are directed towards the fulfillment of God's promises. The work of the Holy Spirit is also associated with hope, as seen in Romans 15:13 and Galatians 5:5 [3].
Sources
- Hebrews “Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. -- Hebrews 11:1”
- Hebrews “We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end, -- Hebrews 6:11”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Hope — In God -- Ps 39:7; 1Pe 1:21. In Christ -- 1Co 15:19; 1Ti 1:1. In God's promises -- Ac 26:6,7; Tit 1:2. In the mercy of God -- Ps 33:18. Is the work of the Holy Spirit -- Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5. Obtained through Grace. -- 2Th 2:16. The word. -- Ps 119:81. Patience and comfort of the Scriptures. -- Ro 15:4. The gospel. -- Col 1:5,23. Faith. -- Ro 5:1,2; Ga 5:5. The result of experience -- Ro 5:4. A better hope brought in by Christ -- Heb 7:19. Described as Good. -- 2Th 2:16. Lively. -- 1Pe 1:3. Sure and steadfast. -- Heb 6:19. Gladdening. -- Pr 10:28. Blessed. -- Tit ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 53.2: 64:7 66:24 Jeremiah 4:31 5:8 5:28 7:4 7:4 9:1 10:23 10:24 10:24 11:21 17:1 17:5 18:16 19:6 19:8 22:24 22:28 25:9 25:13 25:18 28:10 28:11 30:11 31:15 43:2 48:2 50:11 Lamentations 1:7 2:5 2:8 3:29 Ezekiel 15:3 16:26 20:11 20:24 20:25 26:2 26:14 37:1 43:15 43:15 47:11 Daniel 5:28 5:30 5:31 7:10 7:17 8:20 Hosea 1:7 6:4 8:14 9:6 13:3 Joel 1:13 2:13 2:23 2:28 Amos 1:3 3:6 4:1 4:1 5:10 5:19 8:11 Micah 1:3 1:11 2:11 7:9 7:16 Nahum 3:8 Habakkuk 2:1 2:1 2:1 2:2 3:2 3:2 3:13 Zechariah 9:14 13:4 14:3 Malachi 1:4 1:11 4:2 Matthew 2:14 3:12 3:12 3:12 3:12 ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1 1:2 1:3 1:20 1:26 1:26 2:7 2:17 2:18 3:5 3:9 3:9 3:10 3:16 3:18 3:19 4:4 4:7 4:7 4:9 4:10 6:2 6:5 6:9 7:1 11:4 12:1 12:7 12:7 13:15 13:15 15:5 15:6 17:14 18 18 18:15 18:17 18:21 18:21 21:12 22:1 22:1-2 22:12 23:4 25:27 26:18-22 27:41 28:20 37:7 37:9 37:10 47:9 47:9 47:31 49:9 Exodus 2:14 2:14 2:14-15 3:6 3:14 6:9 12:3 12:46 14:21 17:12 17:12 19 19:16 19:16 19:18 19:19 19:19 19:19 19:20 19:20 20:9 20:13 20:19 20:21 23:3 32:10 33:13 33:20 35:23 Leviticus 15:18 Numbers 5 6:3 9:12 11:12 14:3 14:29 16:5 17:12 Deu”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 11 (introduction): DEFINITION OF THE FAITH JUST SPOKEN OF (Heb 10:39): EXAMPLES FROM THE OLD COVENANT FOR OUR PERSEVERANCE IN FAITH. (Heb. 11:1-40) Description of the great things which faith (in its widest sense: not here restricted to faith in the Gospel sense) does for us. Not a full definition of faith in its whole nature, but a description of its great characteristics in relation to the subject of Paul's exhortation here, namely, to perseverance. substance, &c.--It substantiates promises of God which we hope for, as future in fulfilment, making them”