The eleventh chapter of Hebrews has often been called the Hall of Faith chapter in the Bible. Admittedly, I too have referred to it as such, but as I have been considering the contents of the book of Hebrews, I find this description to be one that misses the point of the writer entirely.

The book of Hebrews was written as an appeal to Hebraic believers in the first century to persevere in their faith. The 11th chapter of Hebrews is an appeal to them to consider those who had come before them and persevered in their faith.

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is not a shrine of heroism for exploits of greatness. Rather, in the mind of the writer of Hebrews, it is a reference to only a few because there had been so many upon looking back who had persevered in faith. In verse 32 the writer says, 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…”

Consider that even Gideon, and King David’s personal triumphs of faith are not actually expounded on in this chapter. They are only mentioned along with others that the writer says, … for the time would fail me to tell of.

He then follows this by telling us that through faith they subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 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. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 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; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise… ~ v.33-39

The point of the chapter is not about admiring those who demonstrated extraordinary faith, but to remind his audience that others have gone before them and endured and finished their race. Thus in the mind of the writer, those mentioned in Hebrews 11, as well as those not mentioned, who persevered in faith to the end, are a great cloud of witness concerning the reward of faithfulness unto the end.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. ~ Hebrews 12:1-3

The message of chapter 11 is not about admiration for heroes of faith, the aim was always to bring the reader to set their sights on Jesus and to consider him!

May our gracious Heavenly Father give us an understanding heart.