Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Abraham » Faith of
Then what are we to say about our forefather Abraham? For if he was considered in right standing with God on the condition of what he did, he has something to boast of, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham put his faith in God, and it was credited to him as right standing with God." read more.
Now when a workman gets his pay, it is not considered from the point of view of a favor but of an obligation; but the man who does no work, but simply puts his faith in Him who brings the ungodly into right standing with Himself, has his faith credited to him as right standing. So David, too, describes the happiness of the man to whom God credits right standing with Himself, without the things he does having anything to do with it: "Happy are they whose transgressions have been forgiven, whose sins were covered up; Happy the man whose sin the Lord does not charge against him!" Now does this happiness come to the Jews alone, or to the heathen peoples too? For we say, "Abraham's faith was credited to him as right standing." Under what circumstances was it credited to him as right standing? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? Not after but before he was circumcised. Afterward he received the mark of circumcision as God's seal of his right standing with Him on condition of faith which he had before he was circumcised, that he might be the forefather of all who have faith while still uncircumcised, that they might have their faith credited to them as right standing with God; and the forefather of those Jews who not only belong to the circumcision but also follow in the footsteps of our forefather Abraham in the faith he had before he was circumcised. For the promise made to Abraham and his descendants, that he should own the world, was not conditioned on the law, but on the right standing he had with God through faith. For if the law party is to possess the world, then faith has been nullified and the promise has been made null and void. For the law results in wrath alone, but where there is no law, there can be no violation of it. So it is conditioned on faith, that it might be in accordance with God's unmerited favor, so that the promise might be in force for all the descendants of Abraham, not only for those who belong to the law party but also for those who belong to the faith group of Abraham. He is the father of us all, as the Scripture says, "I have made you the father of many nations." That is, the promise is in force in the sight of God in whom he put his faith, the God who can bring the dead to life and can call to Himself the things that do not exist as though they did. Abraham, building on hope in spite of hopeless circumstances, had faith, and so he actually became the father of many nations, just as it had been told him, "So numberless shall your descendants be." Because he never weakened in faith, he calmly contemplated his own vital powers as worn out (for he was about one hundred years old) and the inability of Sarah to bear a child, and yet he never staggered in doubt at the promise of God but grew powerful in faith, because he gave the glory to God in full assurance that He was able to do what He had promised. Therefore, his faith was credited to him as right standing with God.
Now when a workman gets his pay, it is not considered from the point of view of a favor but of an obligation; but the man who does no work, but simply puts his faith in Him who brings the ungodly into right standing with Himself, has his faith credited to him as right standing. So David, too, describes the happiness of the man to whom God credits right standing with Himself, without the things he does having anything to do with it: "Happy are they whose transgressions have been forgiven, whose sins were covered up; Happy the man whose sin the Lord does not charge against him!" Now does this happiness come to the Jews alone, or to the heathen peoples too? For we say, "Abraham's faith was credited to him as right standing." Under what circumstances was it credited to him as right standing? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? Not after but before he was circumcised. Afterward he received the mark of circumcision as God's seal of his right standing with Him on condition of faith which he had before he was circumcised, that he might be the forefather of all who have faith while still uncircumcised, that they might have their faith credited to them as right standing with God; and the forefather of those Jews who not only belong to the circumcision but also follow in the footsteps of our forefather Abraham in the faith he had before he was circumcised. For the promise made to Abraham and his descendants, that he should own the world, was not conditioned on the law, but on the right standing he had with God through faith. For if the law party is to possess the world, then faith has been nullified and the promise has been made null and void. For the law results in wrath alone, but where there is no law, there can be no violation of it. So it is conditioned on faith, that it might be in accordance with God's unmerited favor, so that the promise might be in force for all the descendants of Abraham, not only for those who belong to the law party but also for those who belong to the faith group of Abraham. He is the father of us all, as the Scripture says, "I have made you the father of many nations." That is, the promise is in force in the sight of God in whom he put his faith, the God who can bring the dead to life and can call to Himself the things that do not exist as though they did. Abraham, building on hope in spite of hopeless circumstances, had faith, and so he actually became the father of many nations, just as it had been told him, "So numberless shall your descendants be." Because he never weakened in faith, he calmly contemplated his own vital powers as worn out (for he was about one hundred years old) and the inability of Sarah to bear a child, and yet he never staggered in doubt at the promise of God but grew powerful in faith, because he gave the glory to God in full assurance that He was able to do what He had promised. Therefore, his faith was credited to him as right standing with God.
just as "Abraham put his faith in God, and it was credited to him as right standing with God"? So you see, it is the men of faith who are the real descendants of Abraham. Because the Scripture foresaw that God would bring the heathen into right standing with Himself on condition of faith, He beforehand proclaimed the good news to Abraham in the promise, "It is through you that all the heathen will be blessed." read more.
So the men of faith are blessed as partners with trusting Abraham.
So the men of faith are blessed as partners with trusting Abraham.
By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Was not our forefather Abraham shown to be upright by his good deeds, namely, by offering Isaac his son upon the altar? You see that faith cooperated with his good deeds, and by his good deeds faith was made complete; and so the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham put his faith in God, and it was credited to him for uprightness, and he was called God's friend." read more.
You see that a man is shown to be upright by his good deeds, and not merely by his faith.
You see that a man is shown to be upright by his good deeds, and not merely by his faith.
The atonement » Typified
By faith Abel offered a sacrifice more acceptable to God than Cain did, for by it he was approved as an upright man, since God approved him for the offering he made; and by it he still continues to speak, though dead.
Verse Concepts
By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son,
Verse Concepts
For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Verse Concepts
Decision » Instances of » Abraham
By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going.
Verse Concepts
Faith » Instances of » In the offering up of isaac
Abraham, building on hope in spite of hopeless circumstances, had faith, and so he actually became the father of many nations, just as it had been told him, "So numberless shall your descendants be." Because he never weakened in faith, he calmly contemplated his own vital powers as worn out (for he was about one hundred years old) and the inability of Sarah to bear a child, and yet he never staggered in doubt at the promise of God but grew powerful in faith, because he gave the glory to God read more.
in full assurance that He was able to do what He had promised.
in full assurance that He was able to do what He had promised.
By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. read more.
By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Faith » Trial of » Abraham, when commanded to offer isaac
By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Offerings » Human sacrifices » Offered by » Abraham
By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Reputation » Spiritual
Yes, your obedience has been told to everybody; so I am delighted about you, but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is bad.
Verse Concepts
For by it the men of old won God's approval.
Verse Concepts
First, through Jesus Christ I thank my God for you all, because the report of your faith is spreading all over the world.
Verse Concepts
He had a high reputation among the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.
Verse Concepts
By faith Abel offered a sacrifice more acceptable to God than Cain did, for by it he was approved as an upright man, since God approved him for the offering he made; and by it he still continues to speak, though dead. By faith Enoch was transplanted from earth, so that he did not experience dying; and he could not be found, because God had transplanted him from earth. For before he was transplanted from earth evidence was given him that he pleased God; but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that there is a God and that He gives rewards to all who earnestly try to find Him. read more.
By faith Noah, on being divinely warned about things not seen as yet, in reverence prepared an ark for saving his family, and by his faith condemned the world and became possessor of the uprightness that results from faith. By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac put his blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when about to die, put his blessing on each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the closing of his life, made mention of the future migration of the Israelites, and gave directions what to do with his body. By faith, Moses, at his birth was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as a son of Pharaoh's daughter, because he preferred to suffer hardships with the people of God than to have the passing enjoyment that results from sin, and thought the reproach endured for the Christ was greater wealth than all the treasures in Egypt, for he kept his eye upon the reward. By faith he left Egypt, because he was not afraid of the king's anger, for he persevered as though he were actually seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he instituted the Passover and the pouring of blood upon the doorposts, so that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though it were dry land, while the Egyptians, in attempting it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho collapsed, after being surrounded each of seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who disobeyed God, because she had welcomed the scouts as friends. And why should I continue to mention more? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by their faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received new promises, shut the mouths of lions, stopped the force of fire, escaped from dying by the sword, out of weakness found great strength, grew mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women by a resurrection received their dead again; others endured tortures, because they would not accept release, that they might rise to a better life. Still others stood the test of taunts and tortures, and even chains and prisons. They were stoned to death, they were tortured to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. With nothing on their bodies but skins of sheep or goats they wandered here and there, destitute, oppressed, mistreated -- men of whom the world was not worthy, though wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. Though all these people by their faith won God's approval, yet none of them received what He had promised,
By faith Noah, on being divinely warned about things not seen as yet, in reverence prepared an ark for saving his family, and by his faith condemned the world and became possessor of the uprightness that results from faith. By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac put his blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when about to die, put his blessing on each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the closing of his life, made mention of the future migration of the Israelites, and gave directions what to do with his body. By faith, Moses, at his birth was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as a son of Pharaoh's daughter, because he preferred to suffer hardships with the people of God than to have the passing enjoyment that results from sin, and thought the reproach endured for the Christ was greater wealth than all the treasures in Egypt, for he kept his eye upon the reward. By faith he left Egypt, because he was not afraid of the king's anger, for he persevered as though he were actually seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he instituted the Passover and the pouring of blood upon the doorposts, so that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though it were dry land, while the Egyptians, in attempting it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho collapsed, after being surrounded each of seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who disobeyed God, because she had welcomed the scouts as friends. And why should I continue to mention more? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by their faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received new promises, shut the mouths of lions, stopped the force of fire, escaped from dying by the sword, out of weakness found great strength, grew mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women by a resurrection received their dead again; others endured tortures, because they would not accept release, that they might rise to a better life. Still others stood the test of taunts and tortures, and even chains and prisons. They were stoned to death, they were tortured to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. With nothing on their bodies but skins of sheep or goats they wandered here and there, destitute, oppressed, mistreated -- men of whom the world was not worthy, though wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. Though all these people by their faith won God's approval, yet none of them received what He had promised,
Resurrection » Typified » isaac
For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Verse Concepts
Jesus Christ, Resurrection » Typified
For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back.
Verse Concepts
For as Jonah was in the whale's stomach for three days and nights, the Son of Man will be three days and nights in the heart of the earth.
Verse Concepts
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
Yes, your obedience has been told to everybody; so I am delighted about you, but I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is bad.
Verse Concepts
For by it the men of old won God's approval.
Verse Concepts
First, through Jesus Christ I thank my God for you all, because the report of your faith is spreading all over the world.
Verse Concepts
He had a high reputation among the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.
Verse Concepts
By faith Abel offered a sacrifice more acceptable to God than Cain did, for by it he was approved as an upright man, since God approved him for the offering he made; and by it he still continues to speak, though dead. By faith Enoch was transplanted from earth, so that he did not experience dying; and he could not be found, because God had transplanted him from earth. For before he was transplanted from earth evidence was given him that he pleased God; but without faith it is impossible to please Him, for anyone who approaches God must believe that there is a God and that He gives rewards to all who earnestly try to find Him. read more.
By faith Noah, on being divinely warned about things not seen as yet, in reverence prepared an ark for saving his family, and by his faith condemned the world and became possessor of the uprightness that results from faith. By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac put his blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when about to die, put his blessing on each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the closing of his life, made mention of the future migration of the Israelites, and gave directions what to do with his body. By faith, Moses, at his birth was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as a son of Pharaoh's daughter, because he preferred to suffer hardships with the people of God than to have the passing enjoyment that results from sin, and thought the reproach endured for the Christ was greater wealth than all the treasures in Egypt, for he kept his eye upon the reward. By faith he left Egypt, because he was not afraid of the king's anger, for he persevered as though he were actually seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he instituted the Passover and the pouring of blood upon the doorposts, so that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though it were dry land, while the Egyptians, in attempting it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho collapsed, after being surrounded each of seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who disobeyed God, because she had welcomed the scouts as friends. And why should I continue to mention more? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by their faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received new promises, shut the mouths of lions, stopped the force of fire, escaped from dying by the sword, out of weakness found great strength, grew mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women by a resurrection received their dead again; others endured tortures, because they would not accept release, that they might rise to a better life. Still others stood the test of taunts and tortures, and even chains and prisons. They were stoned to death, they were tortured to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. With nothing on their bodies but skins of sheep or goats they wandered here and there, destitute, oppressed, mistreated -- men of whom the world was not worthy, though wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. Though all these people by their faith won God's approval, yet none of them received what He had promised,
By faith Noah, on being divinely warned about things not seen as yet, in reverence prepared an ark for saving his family, and by his faith condemned the world and became possessor of the uprightness that results from faith. By faith Abraham, on being called, obeyed in starting off for a country which he was to receive as his own, and he did it in spite of the fact that he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his temporary home in the land that God had promised him, although a land inhabited by others, living merely in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were to share the promise with him. For he was confidently looking forward to that city with the solid foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith Sarah received strength to become pregnant, and actually gave birth to a child, although she was past the time of life for it, because she thought that He who made her the promise was to be trusted. And so there sprang from one man, and that dead as to any prospects for offspring, a people as numberless as the stars in the sky and as the sands beside the seashore. These people all died victoriously as a result of their faith, although they did not receive the blessings promised; that is, because they really saw them in the far-off future and welcomed them, and so professed to be only foreigners and strangers here on earth. For people who make such a profession as this show that they are in search of a country of their own. And if they had been cherishing the memory of the country they had left, they would have had an opportunity to go back. But in reality they were aspiring for a better country, I mean, a heavenly one. This is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when he was put to the test, offered Isaac as a sacrifice; that is, he who had received the promise was starting to offer as a sacrifice his only son, of whom it had been said, "Through Isaac your offspring must be traced." For he considered the fact that God was able to raise people from the dead; and so from the dead, in a figure, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac put his blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when about to die, put his blessing on each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the closing of his life, made mention of the future migration of the Israelites, and gave directions what to do with his body. By faith, Moses, at his birth was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the king's decree. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as a son of Pharaoh's daughter, because he preferred to suffer hardships with the people of God than to have the passing enjoyment that results from sin, and thought the reproach endured for the Christ was greater wealth than all the treasures in Egypt, for he kept his eye upon the reward. By faith he left Egypt, because he was not afraid of the king's anger, for he persevered as though he were actually seeing Him who is unseen. By faith he instituted the Passover and the pouring of blood upon the doorposts, so that the destroyer of the first-born might not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though it were dry land, while the Egyptians, in attempting it, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho collapsed, after being surrounded each of seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who disobeyed God, because she had welcomed the scouts as friends. And why should I continue to mention more? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who by their faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, received new promises, shut the mouths of lions, stopped the force of fire, escaped from dying by the sword, out of weakness found great strength, grew mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women by a resurrection received their dead again; others endured tortures, because they would not accept release, that they might rise to a better life. Still others stood the test of taunts and tortures, and even chains and prisons. They were stoned to death, they were tortured to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. With nothing on their bodies but skins of sheep or goats they wandered here and there, destitute, oppressed, mistreated -- men of whom the world was not worthy, though wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. Though all these people by their faith won God's approval, yet none of them received what He had promised,