Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Elder » In the Christian church
The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea. They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had an intense (harsh) dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question. The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes). So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter. When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement. Judas and Silas, being prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. After they stayed there a while in peace, the brothers sent them back to the apostles. It pleased Silas to stay there. Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of God, with many others also.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes). So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter. When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement. Judas and Silas, being prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. After they stayed there a while in peace, the brothers sent them back to the apostles. It pleased Silas to stay there. Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of God, with many others also.
When they had ordained elders in every congregation they prayed with fasting. They commended them to God, on whom they believed.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift in you. It was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.
They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules. The congregations were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.
At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him.
Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture said: You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages. Do not offer an accusation against an elder, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.
I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders. A blameless man will be the husband of one wife. He will have children that believe and who are not accused of violence and disobedience. The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain. read more.
but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove (refute) (rebuke) those who contradict.
but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove (refute) (rebuke) those who contradict.
Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God. The prayer of faith will save the sick person. God will raise him up; and if he committed sins, it will be forgiven him.
I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly. Do not lord it over your charge, but make yourselves examples to the flock. read more.
When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.
When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.
The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all who know the truth.
The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love. That righteous man that dwelled among them was tormented by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.
Faith » By it saints » Obtain a good report
Faith/faithfulness » What is achieved through and by faith
The beggar held on to Peter and John while all the people came to them at the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this he spoke to the people: You men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you look at us as though our own power or holiness made this man walk? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus. You handed him over to Pilate. When he was determined to let him go you denied him. read more.
You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and requested a murderer to be released to you. You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this! This man you see and know was made strong by his faith in the name of Jesus. His faith has given him total healing in your presence.
You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and requested a murderer to be released to you. You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this! This man you see and know was made strong by his faith in the name of Jesus. His faith has given him total healing in your presence.
We reason therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the nations also? Yes, of the nations also. If God is one he will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. read more.
Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.
Do we nullify the law through faith? No we do not! In fact, we establish (continue) (stand by) (uphold) the law.
What shall we say? The nations did not pursue righteousness. Yet they have attained to righteousness, the righteousness that is based on the principle of faith.
The Scripture revealed ahead of time, that God justified the people of the nations by faith. He preached the good news beforehand to Abraham. He said: In you will all the nations be blessed. So then those who have faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. Those who are of the works of the Law are under a curse. For it is written, Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the Law, by obeying them. read more.
The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
The fact that the Law justifies no man before God is evident. The righteous will live by faith. The Law is not based on faith. He that does them will live by them. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It is written; Cursed is everyone who is hung on a stake. This way the blessing of Abraham might come upon the nations through Christ Jesus and we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
By grace (Greek: charis, divine favor, loving-kindness) you have been saved through faith. It is not from you. It is the gift from God! It is not the result of works. So no man should boast. For we are his workmanship created with Christ Jesus for good works. God prepared these works in advance that we should walk in them.
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen. God approved of the men of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible. read more.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised.
Faith/faithfulness » What faith is
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen. God approved of the men of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible.
Hope » The substance of things hoped for
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen. God approved of the men of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible.
Reputation » Spiritual
Your obedience has come to our attention abroad. I am glad therefore on your behalf. Yet I would have you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil.
First, I thank my God for all of you through Jesus Christ, for your faith is reported throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! 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, did not receive the promise.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! 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, did not receive the promise.
Spiritual » Renewal » Reputation
Your obedience has come to our attention abroad. I am glad therefore on your behalf. Yet I would have you wise to that which is good and simple concerning evil.
First, I thank my God for all of you through Jesus Christ, for your faith is reported throughout the whole world.
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain. Through this he was commended as righteous. God testified about his gifts. Thus through faith he still speaks even though he is dead. By faith Enoch was moved (transferred) (removed) so that he would not see death. He was not found, because God had moved him away. Before he was moved away he saw that he had pleased God well. (Genesis 5:24) Without faith it is impossible to please God. He who comes to God must believe that he is and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. read more.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! 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, did not receive the promise.
By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not seen as yet, moved with godly respect. He prepared an ark to save his house. By his faith he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that is according to faith. By faith, when Abraham was called, he obeyed. He went to a place that he was to receive for an inheritance. He went even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he became an alien in the Promised Land. It was not his land. He lived in tents with Isaac and Jacob. They were heirs with him of the same promise. He looked for the city having real foundations, whose builder and maker is God. By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who promised. This was to come from one man and him as good as dead. There were born children, as many as the stars of heaven in multitude, and as uncountable as the sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Those who say such things declare that they are seeking a country of their own. If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they came, they would have had opportunity to return. They desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Because of this, God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them! By faith Abraham, being tested, offered up Isaac. He that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only-begotten son! It was said: In Isaac your descendants will be called. Abraham reasoned that God is able to raise him from the dead. So he figured he would receive him back. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph. He worshipped while leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, mentioned the departure of the children of Israel. Then he gave orders concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents. They saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to share the bad treatment with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He considered the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. He looked intently (respectfully) for the payment of the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the anger of the king. He endured, by seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them. By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. The Egyptians tried and were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish with the disobedient, after she welcomed the spies in peace. What more shall I say? For the time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith subdued kingdoms, affected righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, and turned to flight foreign armies. Women received their dead by a resurrection, and others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mocking and scourging and bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented. The world was not worthy of them! 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, did not receive the promise.
Substance » The substance of things hoped for
Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, and evidence of things not seen. God approved of the men of old because of their faith. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the Word of God. The visible has been made out of things that were not visible.