Brandon Nguyen

Hebrews 11 draws to a close with a sweeping summary of men and women whose faith was tested, stretched, and ultimately approved by God. The inspired author shifts from focusing on individual stories to a rapid listing of figures—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. These names serve as a concluding witness to the enduring faith that overcomes through trial and weakness. The central truth of this passage is that we have received something better than even these Old Testament saints. While they lived in anticipation of a Messiah who had not yet come, we live in the fulfillment of His saving work. The intent of the author is not merely to honor these saints, but to encourage us to persevere, holding fast to our confession. Because we have Christ, we are equipped to walk by faith with boldness and endurance.

Faith That Acted

The first theme the author emphasizes is that faith is not passive—it acts in obedience, even under daunting circumstances. It is easy to trust God in seasons of peace and prosperity, but it is far harder to trust Him in the crucible of trial and uncertainty. Yet this is the kind of faith that pleases God: faith that acts in trust when standing at the precipice. The author, in listing so many names quickly, implies there is a great cloud of witnesses who lived by such faith. Many of these figures—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel—are remembered as much for their failures as for their triumphs. But despite their flaws, they were used mightily by God through faith. Gideon was fearful and doubting, asking for constant signs from God, yet he obeyed and delivered Israel. Barak, though hesitant, acted on God’s word and was victorious. Samson failed repeatedly, yet in his final moments called upon God in faith and was used to defeat the Philistines. Jephthah trusted God, and though his character is complex, God gave him victory. David’s faith triumphed over Goliath because he trusted in the Lord; though he would later fall into adultery and murder, yet God, in His mercy, still used him to accomplish His purposes and establish the lineage through which the Messiah would come. Samuel, though a flawed father, trusted God’s promises and led Israel in righteousness. These were men who acted not in strength, but in weakness, and by faith became mighty in war, conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and saw miracles wrought by the hand of God. Their strength lay not in themselves, but in the God they trusted. So also, we must ask: Do we have a faith that listens to and acts upon God’s Word? Is our trust rooted in Scripture?

Faith That Suffered

The author does not sugarcoat the experience of faith. Not all who trust in God are delivered in this life. Some suffer greatly, and their faith is no less real—indeed, it may be deeper. The narrative moves from triumphs to tribulations. Some saints endured mockings, floggings, imprisonment, stonings, and even death by the sword. These were faithful ones who endured in hope of a better resurrection, not merely survival or earthly restoration. They wandered in deserts and mountains, lived in caves, and were destitute. These were people of whom the world was not worthy. Their faith clung to the promise of heaven, not earth. As Christians, we are exiles and sojourners—citizens of a better country. As Jesus said in Luke 9, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Faith may lead us to victories, but it also leads us to sufferings. The apostle Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:12, “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” Therefore, we echo the cry: “Take the world, but give me Jesus!” To live is Christ, and to die is gain. With such a hope, we can endure anything the world brings against us, because we are fixed on Christ. Are we willing to lose opportunities, relationships, or worldly recognition because our eyes are on Jesus? Are we hesitant to speak of Christ for fear of disapproval? Faith suffers, but suffers with eyes set on eternity.

Faith That Anticipated

Finally, we see that the faith of the saints looked forward to something greater than themselves. Though they received commendation from God, they did not receive the promise in its fullness. They lived before the cross, and their salvation could not be perfected until Jesus accomplished redemption through His death and resurrection. Now, as New Testament believers, we live in the light of that finished work. They lived in shadow; we live in fulfillment. They stumbled forward with a flicker of revelation; we walk in the full light of the gospel. We should be deeply challenged—how much more can we walk by faith, having received the full revelation of Christ? We have what they longed for. Their examples should inspire us, but our access to the gospel should propel us to greater obedience. Our faith is not in what is to come, but in what has already been done. In light of this, we must live by a faith that anticipates the full realization of Christ’s kingdom, trusting in the God who has already proven Himself faithful.

Our faith can endure because we have Jesus. As Hebrews 12:1–2 declares, we must run the race with endurance, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. The secret to perseverance is not found in our own strength, but in continual looking to Christ. He is our model, our strength, and our hope. We must rest in this glorious truth. Jesus Christ is our perfect example of enduring faith. Let us meditate on Him, follow Him, and trust in Him with all our hearts.

I have decided to follow Jesus. The cross before me, the world behind me. Though none go with me, still I will follow. No turning back. Amen.