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Hebrews 11:2

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Van

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Hebrews 11:2 NASB
For by it the people of old gained approval.

Our first Greek word ("gar" - G1036- and translated "for") is used here to reinforce the validity of the statement, so an alternate translation choice might be "assuredly."

Next, "by it" refers to "faith" mentioned in the previous verse. So by faith...

Next, "the people of old" translates "elders" or forefathers. Here the context solves the dilemma, the old testament saints are in view, thus "believers of the old testament" might be a better understanding.

Next, "gained approval" translates "martyreō" G3140) which is a passive verb indicating a "good testimony" was bestowed upon them. God credited their faith as righteousness.

Of course this is obviously true concerning Abraham, but what about the others listed in the chapter?

The common threads are that each trusted in the validity of God future promises, even in the face of present unlikely circumstances, or God demonstrated His acceptance of the person's faith.

Able over Cain.
Enoch was taken up.
Noah and family over the others
Sarah's faith even in light of her age.
Isaac trusted in the future fulfillment of God's promises.
Joseph trusted in the promise of the "promised land."
Moses certainly had God's acceptance as demonstrated with miracle after miracle.
Joshua trusted the land would be given into his hand, even by blowing a horn.
Rahab trusted in God at the risk of her life.

What more shall we say?

Assuredly by faith the believers of the old testament had their faith credited as righteousness as demonstrated by God's confirming actions.
 
Deacon

Deacon

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What more shall I say? (Hebrews 11:32a)

The list that follows were people not necessarily noted for their powerful life of faith, but for the power of the God that they had a measure of faith in;
...Gideon (Judges 6) , Barak (Judges 4), Samson (Judges 13), and Jephthah (Judges 11).

Rob
 
V

Van

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Deacon said:
What more shall I say? (Hebrews 11:32a)

The list that follows were people not necessarily noted for their powerful life of faith, but for the power of the God that they had a measure of faith in;
...Gideon (Judges 6) , Barak (Judges 4), Samson (Judges 13), and Jephthah (Judges 11).

Rob
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I would think being listed in Hebrews Chapter 11 qualifies as being noted for their faith.

Hebrews 11:1 teaches that an aspect of faith is the assurance or full confidence in what is our hope, the conviction that something is true. Thus all these people acted in a way that demonstrated they believed in God, rather than giving lip service to God.

We see in Hebrews 11:33 your list of OT believers, who, through or by means of faith, conquered kingdoms, behaved properly, obtained blessing from God, and performed miracles.

But the Bottom line, is that you, Deacon, hit the mark, the power that comes through credited faith is from God! Those that believe any blessings flow from or through uncredited faith have another think coming.
 
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Van

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Ever wonder why with faith, we can uproot trees or move mountains? Luke 17:6 and 1 Corinthians 13:2.

If a servant of God is acting according to the will of God, based on his or her full commitment faith, and God has determined to bring that action to fruition, miracles may result. This is what Hebrews 11:2 teaches.

What is the common trait exhibited by those of "little faith?"
​

In Matthew 6:30, rather than being confident of God's necessary provision, they demonstrated their little faith by being unsure of God's provision in the future. ​
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In Matthew 8:26, Christ's disciples were afraid they might die in the boat, not trusting they would fulfill their future mission as Apostles of Christ.​

In Matthew 14:31, Peter was overcome with doubt about God sustaining him above the surface of the water.​

In Matthew 16:8 Christ disciples were so concerned about worldly needs, enough bread for the need, they missed the meaning of Christ's teaching concerning false doctrine. Just like Soil #3 of Matthew 13, they let worldly concerns choke out Christ's concerns.​

In Luke 12:28, they let worldly concerns about daily provisions, choke out their more important action, to seek first the kingdom of God, while depending on God to supply subordinate needs.​

​
 
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Van

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Now at the other end of the spectrum of faith descriptions, we find the Canaanite women, Matthew 15:28, and the Centurion, Matthew 8:10 and Luke 7:9.

The lady had a poor spirit which means a beggarly spirit, one that considered herself like a dog, but trusting in the provision of the Master. The Centurion, too was begging, not considering himself worthy but trusted in the commanding authority of Christ. Cliff note: God gives grace to the humble but opposes the proud.
 
P

percho

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From Galatians 3:23 and 25 YLT because it contains the definite article.

23 And before the coming of the faith,
25 and the faith having come,

Methinks V2 of Heb 11 states the elders were witnessed, that is things took place in their lives unto the coming of, the faith.

Under law until the death and resurrection, afterward under grace, ie under the resurrected Christ.
 
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