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The design of the apostle in these words is to prove, that faith satisfies itself in the world be now visible, and the things contained in it are said to be seen, yet the original framing and making of the world has a principal place among things not seen.
Learn hence, That by faith assenting to divine revelation, and not by reason, we understand the truth and wonders, the seasons and causes, the manner and end of the world's creation. Reason indeed tells us that there was a creation, consquently a Creator; but reason without divine revelation could never have discovered the circumstances and manner of the creation, which wholly depended upon the will of God.
Reason and nature could never have known them, had not God in his word first revealed them: The old Heathens could never determine who made the world, nor when, nor how it was made, or whence, and out of what it was made. Reason may profound the question, how was the world made, and all things herein? But revelation must resolve it. A poor child learns more by its catechism, than all the philosophers ever learn by their profound researches, and painful studies.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed, it follows, by the word of God, that is, both by his external and imperial word, his word of command, saying Let it be; He spake and it was done, Psa_33:9. And also by his essential and substantial word, Jesus Christ, by whom God made the worlds, Heb_1:2 in that order which Moses has historically related.
Observe lastly, How and after what manner the world was made, not out of any prejacent or pre-existent matter, but out of nothing: That which was not at all, could not be seen: The things that are seen, were not made of things that do appear.
Here note, That the power of God framed many things out of nothing, as the heaven of heavens, the dwelling place of God and angels, immediately; other things mediately out of the chaos, that is, such rude, indisposed, and unfit matter, as had no disposition to receive such a form, as it did actually receive from the power of God; and may therefore deservedly be called a creation, out of nothing.
Learn hence, That in the work of creation, though other attributes of wisdom and goodness visibly appeared, yet none were so eminently conspicuous as the power of God. Well might St. Paul say, Rom_1:20 That herein was manifested his eternal power and Godhead.