Hebrews 11:39

• The way to live as God’s people under the new covenant is the same way people lived under the old covenant: by trusting God’s promises and enduring difficulties in this world.

• commended for their faith: God recognized their faithfulness (see also Hebrews 11:2).

• yet they did not receive what was promised: They died before Christ's promised coming. The better promise began with Christ's sacrifice (8:3–10:18) and looks forward to the future completion of God's plan for his people.

• they would be made perfect: See study notes on 5:9; 7:11. Jesus has fulfilled God's goal of bringing his people into a relationship with him.

The author quickly highlights other faithful people from the old covenant era. In Hebrews 11:32–35a, faith leads to rescue and triumph. In 11:35b–38, however, faith results in harsh persecution and even death for their beliefs. Despite these outcomes, God honored both groups with a good reputation because of their faith (11:39).

Chapter 11 gives a long list of people who trusted God. This shows clearly that living by faith is the only true way to follow God. The writer keeps repeating the words “by faith” to make this message clear. Each example follows the same pattern:

• (a) the phrase by faith,

• (b) the person's name,

• (c) the event or action showing faith, and

• (d) the result.