The Hall of Faith refers to Hebrews 11 in the Bible, which highlights the examples of faithful Old Testament saints who trusted in God. This chapter is often called the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Hall of Fame” because it lists many heroes of faith who persevered and obeyed God despite challenges.
Overview of Hebrews 11
The Book of Hebrews was written to encourage early Jewish Christians to remain faithful to Christ amid persecution. Hebrews 11 commends biblical saints who exhibited faith and endurance. This chapter:
- Defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
- Gives examples of faithful saints from the Old Testament (Hebrews 11:2-38).
- Notes that these saints were still looking forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ (Hebrews 11:39-40).
Hebrews 11 uplifts biblical heroes who trusted God’s word and promises. Though they didn’t see the fulfillment of redemption during their lifetimes, they persevered in faith. Their stories inspire believers in all ages to continue pursue God wholeheartedly.
Examples of Faith in Hebrews 11
The bulk of Hebrews 11 (verses 2-38) presents examples of faithful Old Testament saints:
Abel
The first example is Abel, Adam and Eve’s son who offered an acceptable sacrifice to God (Hebrews 11:4; see Genesis 4:1-7). His sacrifice pleased God because it was given in faith, in contrast to Cain’s unacceptable offering.
Enoch
Enoch “was commended as one who pleased God” and was taken up to heaven without dying (Hebrews 11:5-6; see Genesis 5:21-24). His life illustrates walking faithfully with God.
Noah
Noah demonstrated faith by building the ark to save his family, even though rain was not yet part of human experience (Hebrews 11:7; see Genesis 6-9). His actions condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness.
Abraham
Abraham obediently left his home and lived as a nomad in a foreign land, believing God’s promise of inheritance and offspring (Hebrews 11:8-12; see Genesis 12-25). His faith exemplifies following God’s calling.
Sarah
Though barren, Sarah miraculously conceived Isaac in old age, because she considered God faithful to His promise (Hebrews 11:11-12; see Genesis 18, 21). Her faith highlights God’s power.
Abraham’s descendants
The patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived in tents and waited for the eternal city God prepared for them (Hebrews 11:13-16). They sought a heavenly homeland.
Moses
Moses left Egypt and identified with the Hebrew slaves because he valued the reward of Christ above earthly treasures (Hebrews 11:23-28; see Exodus 2-14). His faith pleased God.
Israelites
Hebrews 11:29-30 references Israel crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and marching around Jericho (Joshua 6). These events required faith in God’s power.
Rahab
Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute, welcomed Israelite spies and joined the Israelites (Hebrews 11:31; see Joshua 2:1-24, 6:22-25). This Gentile woman acted in faith.
Judges, prophets and kings
The author summarizes that many other saints through Israel’s history acted faithfully and righteously (Hebrews 11:32-38). Examples include Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David and Samuel.
Why These Examples Matter
What do these “heroes of faith” from centuries and millennia past have to do with Christians today? Several key points:
- Their faith pleased God. We see throughout Hebrews 11 that the actions of these saints were rooted in trusting God. They obey God because of faith, even when it was difficult or seemed impossible. Their examples inspire Christians to live by faith.
- They looked forward to redemption. Old Testament saints did not see the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetimes. Yet they persevered in faith, believing God’s word and anticipating the Messiah. Hebrews 11:39-40 notes they were ultimately made perfect through Christ’s sacrifice.
- They were still flawed people. While extolled as heroes of faith, most characters in Hebrews 11 also had moments of failure. For example, Abraham lied about Sarah being his sister (Genesis 20:2). Their examples give hope that God can use flawed people.
- Faith remains critical today. Hebrews repeatedly exhorts its audience to continue pursuing faithful endurance empowered by Christ. Examples in chapter 11 illustrate what persevering, obedient faith can look like in real life.
In summary, Hebrews 11 applauds Old Testament saints who trusted God’s word and promises despite their human imperfections and lack of seeing ultimate fulfillment. This “Hall of Faith” reminds Christians in all eras to similarly live by faith in God and His redemptive plan.
Principles We Learn
While not exhaustive, here are some key principles Hebrews 11 teaches about faith:
- Faith pleases God and is the foundation for standing firm spiritually.
- Faith believes God’s word and acts upon it, even when circumstances seem impossible or redemption is delayed.
- Faith values obedience to God over temporary rewards or earthly comforts.
- Faith perseveres through trials, keeping eternity in mind.
- Faith offers assurance of God’s faithfulness and power.
- Faith unites believers across all eras as we look to our common redemption in Christ.
This chapter reminds believers that faith-filled obedience has always been what pleases God. Examples of Old Testament saints encourage Christians to similarly live out faith.
Ways to Apply Hebrews 11
How should studying this “Hall of Faith” impact Christians today? Consider these applications:
- Reflect on biblical examples of faithful people who inspire you to trust God more deeply.
- Take stock of areas where your faith could grow. Are you fully believing God’s promises and acting on them?
- Remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness when facing new challenges.
- Share stories of faith with other believers to mutually encourage endurance.
- Memorize Hebrews 11:1 and other verses about faith.
- Thank God for the “cloud of witnesses” whose faithfulness inspires yours.
- Consider creating an art piece depicting Hebrews 11 saints to reflect on their witness.
- Study other passages on faith in depth, such as Hebrews 10:19-12:3.
Hebrews 11 provides a powerful reminder to fix our eyes on Christ Jesus in the midst of life’s trials. We can live faithfully today because of His completed work on our behalf. This biblical “Hall of Faith” spurs contemporary believers to trust God wholeheartedly.
Verses about Faith in Hebrews 11
Here are some key verses from Hebrews 11 about faith (all ESV):
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. (Hebrews 11:8)
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. (Hebrews 11:13)
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (Hebrews 11:32-34)
Bible Stories of Faith in Hebrews 11
The saints commended in Hebrews 11 lived out faith during key biblical narratives:
Noah’s Ark (Genesis 6-9)
God warned Noah He would judge mankind’s wickedness with a flood. Noah demonstrated faith by building a massive ark to preserve animals and his family, even though no rain had occurred before this.
Abraham’s Calling (Genesis 12-25)
Abraham obediently left his homeland when God called him. He lived as a pilgrim in Canaan, trusting God’s covenant promises. His faith became the hallmark of his life.
Moses and the Exodus (Exodus 3-15)
Moses forsook Egypt’s power to lead Israel’s liberation from slavery. His faith empowered him to repeatedly confront Pharaoh and guide Israel across the Red Sea.
Marching around Jericho (Joshua 6)
Joshua and Israel demonstrated faith in God’s power and plan by marching around Jericho for seven days as God commanded. On the last day, the city walls fell down supernaturally.
Gideon’s Army (Judges 6-7)
Gideon gathered just 300 men to face the vast Midianite army because God commanded it. His faith in God’s strength, not numbers, led to a miraculous victory.
David’s Rise (1 Samuel 16-2 Samuel 5)
Young David relied on God to protect him from King Saul and the Philistines. His faith paved the way for him to eventually become king of Israel.
Attributes of Faith from Hebrews 11
According to Hebrews 11, faith:
- Pleases God (Hebrews 11:6)
- Trusts God’s word and acts upon it (Hebrews 11:7-8)
- Perseveres through trials (Hebrews 11:23-28)
- Values eternal rewards over earthly ease (Hebrews 11:24-26)
- Offers assurance and conviction (Hebrews 11:1)
- Believes God will fulfill His promises (Hebrews 11:13)
- Empowers righteousness and obedience (Hebrews 11:33)
This chapter emphasizes that genuine biblical faith transforms how people live. Faith goes beyond mental assent to trusting and clinging to God in everyday life.
Questions about the Hall of Faith
Here are some common questions people have about Hebrews 11 and the figures it mentions:
Why is Hebrews 11 called the “Hall of Faith”?
This chapter has earned the nickname “Hall of Faith” because it lists many positive examples of Old Testament saints who demonstrated faith in God. Just as halls of fame recognize exceptional people in various fields, Hebrews 11 memorializes people of great faith.
Who wrote the Book of Hebrews?
Unlike Paul’s epistles, the Book of Hebrews does not identify its author. Some scholars propose Paul, Barnabas, Apollos, or other apostles wrote Hebrews, but there is no consensus. Its eloquent Greek indicates a highly educated author trained in rhetoric.
What is the main theme of Hebrews 11?
Hebrews 11 highlights exemplary models of faith to exhort its audience to likewise live by faith while waiting patiently for Christ’s return. Their faithfulness is contrasted with unbelievers’ unfaithfulness.
How should we understand Old Testament acts of violence mentioned in Hebrews 11?
Verses such as Hebrews 11:32-34 reference Old Testament accounts of war and violence committed by Israelite leaders. While troubling to modern sensibilities, the original audiences considered these acts normal for their era. The focus is on the leaders’ faith, not necessarily endorsing every action.
Were any women mentioned in the Hall of Faith?
Yes, Hebrews 11 references several women. Sarah (verses 11-12) conceived Isaac in old age because she trusted God’s promise. Rahab (verse 31) protected Israelite spies. Verse 35 mentions women receiving back their dead.
Conclusion
In summary, Hebrews 11 shines a spotlight on Old Testament saints who demonstrate lives of faith. Despite their flaws and the partial nature of God’s revelation to them, these heroes trusted God’s word and promises. Their perseverance through difficulty inspires contemporary believers. This “Hall of Faith” spurs Christians to similarly pursue steadfast faith and obedience even amid delayed promises. Just as Old Testament believers looked forward to redemption, Christians today live in light of Christ’s completed atoning work while awaiting His return. By God’s grace, the examples of Hebrews 11 spur us to faithful endurance.