Hebrews 11:35 seems to be a pivot-point in the chapter. Most of the heroes and heroines mentioned before verse 35 exercised courage and faith that was rewarded with miraculous deliverance. The turning point in verse 35 hinges on the word “others.”
Hebrews 11:35 …others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
Previously-mentioned heroes worshipped, walked, worked, wandered, waited, wed, willed, and warred by faith. These “others” are described as having been “tortured, not accepting deliverance…” but with hope, “that they might obtain a better resurrection.” The implication is they may have been offered deliverance but refused, choosing rather to accept death by martyrdom, than a deal by manipulation. That reveals great courage and explicit faith! Let’s take a closer look.
Hebrews 11:36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
This sounds a lot like Jesus who endured all of these things and more. But Jesus warned His disciples that since the world hated Him, they would also hate them (John 15:18-19). Certainly, the apostle Paul suffered these things during his missionary journeys recorded in the book of Acts.
Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned…
This could refer to a number of martyrs, but we might first think of Stephen, who was the first martyr. His story is told in Acts 6 and 7. Stephen was one of the original seven deacons in the church at Jerusalem. He was especially effective in handling the arguments of the religious leaders who arrested him and brought him before the council of the Sanhedrin. With his final words, he gave such a powerful and convicting message that they could not withstand him or contradict his message. They were so incensed that they rushed upon him, drug him outside, and stoned him to death. He died in faith,… “calling on God and saying, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’”
Hebrews 11:37 …they were sawn in two…
Scripture does not identify the names of those who were tortuously slain in this manner, but clearly states they were. Jewish tradition states that Isaiah was horribly killed by being gruesomely cut in half. The Bible tells that Isaiah served during the reign of several kings, most of whom were good, but eventually, Manassah became king. He was one of the most wicked kings in Israel’s history, and he reportedly ordered that Isaiah be sawn in two. This kind of savagery has returned under radical Islam. Everyone outside of the Muslim religion is considered an infidel, and some who dare to refuse to yield to the authority of the Koran and the prophet Mohammad, are barbarically beheaded, literally sawn in two with a knife or sword.
Hebrews 11:37 …[they] were tempted…
An example of this was Naboth. The story of Naboth is found in 1 Kings 21. Naboth owned a vineyard close to King Ahab’s property and Ahab desired Naboth’s adjoining garden. He made several offers to buy it, but Naboth refused and cited Hebrew law requiring that they do not remove the ancient landmarks handed down by their ancestors. Wicked Queen Jezebel, Ahab’s evil wife, talked her husband into executing Naboth on false charges and then taking over the vineyard by force. Naboth lost his life but his integrity was intact, and scripture honors his courage and faith.
Hebrews 11:37 …[they] were slain with the sword.
This could be said of many of God’s saints. Specifically, we should think of one of the original 12 disciples, James. He was imprisoned by the wicked King Herod and killed with the sword by Herod’s decree (Acts 12:1-3).
Hebrews 11:37, 38 …They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented
{38} of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.”
John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, dressed in camel hair, and ate locusts and wild honey. He was a fearless preacher of righteousness and the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was arrested, put in prison, and gruesomely beheaded by King Herod. Jesus said that John was the greatest prophet and human being who ever lived (Matt 11:1-11).
Though these heroes described at the end of Hebrews 11 are unnamed and unidentified to us, God knows each of their names, and will reward them according to their faith and obedience.
Final Words
Chapter 11 of Hebrews concludes with these powerful words:
Heb 11:39-40 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
We who live in The United States of America have been sheltered from the danger, suffering, and torture that those in God’s Hall of Faith experienced. But many in the world today are being savagely afflicted, tortured, and martyred for their faith in Christ. May God help us to lift up persecuted brethren in prayer and be bold witnesses for Christ wherever and however we can.
O Jesus, I Have Promised
O Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end;
be thou forever near me, my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side,
nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide.
O let me see thy features The look that once could make
So many a true disciple Leave all things for thy Sake;
The look for that beam’d on Peter When he thy name denied;
The look that draws thy loved ones Close by the pierced side.
O let me see thy footmarks, And in them plant mine own;
My hope to follow duly Is in thy strength alone;
O guide me, call me, draw me, Uphold me to the end,
And then in heaven receive me, My Savior and my friend.
John Bode (1816-1874)
Read all the articles in our Hebrews 11 series:
- Who are Heaven’s Heroes in God’s Hall of Faith?
- Abel, Enoch, and Noah in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Abraham in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Isaac in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Jacob in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Joseph in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Amram and Jochebed in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Joshua and Rahab in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- The Judges in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Samuel and David in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Daniel and His Friends in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Unnamed Heroines in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Anonymous Heroes in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)
- Why Were Select People Included in Hebrews 11?
*******
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
We continue to reach people worldwide with the truths of God's Word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your generosity is both a blessing and encouragement. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. If our online resources have blessed you, please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus. Our ministry outreach has grown significantly and . . .
Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
CLICK TO DONATE
to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
- How Did the Wise Men Know This Was the Messiah and KNOW TO FOLLOW HIS STAR?
- What do the 12 stones UNDER the JORDAN River mean? (Joshua 4)
- Jesus' Last Days TIMELINE: The Cross and The Crucifixion
- How Many MIRACLES Did Jesus Do?
- Is Leonard Cohen’s “HALLELUJAH” a Christian Song?
- Where did OT Saints go at death? ABRAHAM'S BOSOM?
- SIN, INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION? How are they different?
- What are the NAMES of JEHOVAH Hidden in Psalm 23?
- Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus?
- If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Re-Baptized?
- Why Did God Create Man Knowing MAN WOULD SIN?
- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
- Was MARY a LEVITE Making Jesus both a Priest and King?
- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
- Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER?
- Can Jews go to Heaven without knowing Jesus?
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
*****************