Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Hebrews 11

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Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Hebrews 11


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Hebrews 11

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
Faith By Faith We Understand Roll Call of Heroes and Heroines Faith The Exemplary Faith of Our Ancestors Heb_11:1-2 Heb_11:1-3 Heb_11:1-3 Heb_11:1-2 Heb_11:1-2 Heb_11:3 Faith at the Dawn of History Heb_11:3 Heb_11:3 Heb_11:4-7 Heb_11:4-7 Heb_11:4-7 Heb_11:4 Heb_11:4 Heb_11:5-6 Heb_11:5-6 Faithful Abraham Heb_11:7 Heb_11:7 Heb_11:8-12 Heb_11:8-12 Heb_11:8-12 Heb_11:8-10 Heb_11:8-10 The Heavenly Hope Heb_11:11-12 Heb_11:11-12 Heb_11:13-16 Heb_11:13-16 Heb_11:13-16 Heb_11:13-16 Heb_11:13-16 The Faith of the Patriarchs Heb_11:17-22 Heb_11:17-22 Heb_11:17-22 Heb_11:17-19 Heb_11:17-19 Heb_11:20 Heb_11:20-22 Heb_11:21 The Faith of Moses Heb_11:22 Heb_11:23-31 Heb_11:23-29 Heb_11:23-28 Heb_11:23 Heb_11:23-29 Heb_11:24-26 Heb_11:27-28 By Faith They Overcame Heb_11:29-31 Heb_11:29 Heb_11:30-40 Heb_11:30-31 Heb_11:30-31 Heb_11:32-38 Heb_11:32-38 Heb_11:32-35 a Heb_11:32-40 Heb_11:35-38 Heb_11:39-40 Heb_11:39-40 Heb_11:39-40 READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired but it is the key to following the original author's intent which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. Chapter 11 is a series of OT examples of those who were faithful in difficult situations (the opposite of 2 Peter 2 and Jude). These are meant to encourage the original readers and believers of every age to remain faithful no matter what physical circumstances may confront them (cf. Heb_10:32-39).



B. Also notice these are not initial professions of faith, but lives of faith under the Old covenant. The faithful end is the evidence of a true beginning. Believers start in faith, continue in faith, and die in faith. The author of Hebrews evaluates the believer's life from its faithful conclusion as well as its faith beginning.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.

1. Define the Hebrew and Greek words for faith.

2. What do the words fiat and ex nihilo mean?

3. Does God test believers (cf. Heb_11:17 versus Jas_1:13-14)?

4. Is there special honor for persecution? Are all Christians persecuted?

5. Why does the author of Hebrews write this roll call of faith?