In verses 30-35a faith overcomes, bur in verses 35b-40 faith suffers adversity. Robert Bruce: ‘We learn that faith does not always bring a temporal deliverance, nor is a temporal deliverance ever promised, so no one can claim from God what his word has not guaranteed.’ Read Acts 12:1-3, 7 for James and Peter.
- Look to a better resurrection.
- 11:35. Those who suffered looked to a better resurrection – Isa.26:19; Phil.1:21-23.
- 11:36. This may have Jeremiah mainly in mind – Jer.20:1-2; 37:15. Robert Bruce: ‘We must have our eyes fixed on this better resurrection.’
- Look to approval from heaven, not the world.
- 11:37-38. The Old Testament saints were stoned – 2 Chron.24:20-21); sawn in two (Isaiah); tempted (not in all manuscripts); slain – 1 Kings 19:10; Charles Wesley: There are who suffer for Thy sake,/ Enjoy Thy glorious infamy,/ Esteem the scandal of the cross,/ And only seek divine applause. Contrast John 5:44.
- Look to the fulfilment of God’s promises.
- 11:39-40. The word ‘better’ is all through the book of Hebrews – a better covenant (7:22), a better sacrifice (9:23), a better priest (7:26), a better country (11:16), and a better resurrection (11:35). The saints of both Testament will be together.
- William How: O blest communion, fellowship divine!/ We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;/ Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine./ Alleluia, Alleluia!