Hebrews 11:1-19

Hebrews 11:1-16

Hebrews 11:1-16
(Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)
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Pastor Marcy Miller

Reading the Text:
- NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
- Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
- The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
- The Blue Letter Bible - KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
- The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
- V.XXXII.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
- Chapter II, Adversus Judaeos, Tertullian (c. 198)
- II.2, II.4, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
- II.25, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 208)
- Chapter L, On the Soul, Tertullian (c 210)
- Chapter XII, Exhortation to Chastity, Tertullian (c. 210)
- II.11, Commentary on the Gospel of John, Origen. (c.228)
- "The True Doctrine," On the Incarnation of the Word, Athanasius of Alexandria, c. 318.
- From the Geneva Notes.
  - "An excellent description of faith by the effects, because it represents things which are but yet in hope, and sets as it were before our eyes things that are invisible."
- From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
  - "Faith always has been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world."
- From Wesley's Notes.
  - "The definition of faith given in this verse, and exemplified in the various instances following, undoubtedly includes justifying faith, but not directly as justifying. For faith justifies only as it refers to, and depends on, Christ. But here is no mention of him as the object of faith; and in several of the instances that follow, no notice is taken of him or his salvation, but only of temporal blessings obtained by faith. And yet they may all be considered as evidences of the power of justifying faith in Christ, and of its extensive exercise in a course of steady obedience amidst difficulties and dangers of every kind."
- On Faith (Hebrews 11:1), On the Discoveries of Faith (Hebrews 11:1). Sermons by John Wesley.
- Heaven, Edward Griffin, c. 1830.
- From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
- From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
  - "The old meaning of substance, as well as of Hupostasis, the Greek word here used, is "stand under," that is to be a foundation. Faith is the foundation on which all our hopes for the future are built."
Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
- Commentary, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Amy L.B. Peeler, Pentecost 12C Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2016.
  - "I have sometimes referred to Hebrews as a good slogan book."
- Lectionary Greek, Rob Myallis, 2016.
- The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
- "The Politics of a Homeland," Amy Allen, Political Theology Today, 2016.
- Pulpit Fiction, with podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
- Commentary, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 | Dr. Jay Richard Akkerman | Professor, Northwest Nazarene University | A Plain Account, 2016
  - "Today's text from the writer to the Hebrews was addressed to a beleaguered, wrung-out band of JewishChristians who wrestled deeply with concerns of faith and doubt."
- Commentary, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Erik Heen, Pentecost 12C Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
  - "Faith, rather than being something ultimately dependent upon us, comes to us at God's own initiative which, mediated by God's Word (cf. 1:2), engenders a hope-filled response to the promises of God."
- "Faith," (from Wishful Thinking), "Just Beyond Our Grasp," sermon discussion from Frederick Buechner, Frederick Buechner Blog.
  - "Faith is stepping out into the unknown with nothing to guide us but a hand just beyond our grasp"
- "Seeing Things that are Not Visible," Clint Schnekloth, The Hardest Question, 2013.
  - "Which city did Abraham look forward to–Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem—and where are we between these two cities?"
- "Seeking a Better Country," Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2013.
  - "Ultimately we cannot see the fullness of God's kingdom yet, we hope for something that is yet to come, this is what drives and inspires us."
- "The Hall of Fame of Faithfulness," Laurence Dewolfe, Presbyterian Record, 2013.
- "Can We Get a Grown-Up View of Faith?" Bruce Maples, 2013.
- "Helping Our Unbelief," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2013.
  - "What the exemplars of faith show us is that, like many aspects of life, faith is a matter of learning by doing. We all have to strike out on faith without really knowing where we’re going, or whether we even have faith. But in the process, we discover despite our unbelief the seeds of faith growing in our hearts."
- Commentary, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Bryan J. Whitfield, Pentecost 11C Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
  - "So we need both dimensions of faithfulness. We need to hold fast to the promises of God and to move forward into the future which is God's."
- "First Thoughts on Year C Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 12, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
  - "The author offers a daring interpretation of religious tradition, which might apply to many human religious pursuits."
- "They Desire a Better Country," Paul Bellan-Boyer, City Called Heaven, 2010.
  - "Faith is itself a mode of perception. Through 'the eyes of faith,' we can see things not otherwise visible."
- Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
- "Faith," "The Great Ones of Faith," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
- "Citizens of Another City," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Cities and Towns," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
Articles & Background:
- "The Virtue of Hope," John E. Hare, (other resources at) "Heaven and Hell," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
  - "Hope in the final full actualization of the kingdom of God can sustain our commitment to improve life here on earth...But the virtue of hope must be rooted in faith in God, not mere optimism about human beings? capacity for self-improvement."
Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices. Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
- Abraham, Wiliam J., "Faith, Assurance, and Conviction: An Epistemological Commentary on Hebrews 11:1," Ex Auditu, 2003.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Baker, Kimberly F., "Hebrews 11 - The Promise of Faith," Review & Expositor, 1997.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Baugh, Steven M., "The Cloud of Witnesses in Hebrews 11," Westminster Theological Journal, 2006.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Brawley, Robert L., "Discoursive Structure and the Unseen in Hebrews 2:8 and 11:1: A Neglected Aspect of the Context," The Catholic Biblical Quarterly, 1993.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Cosby, Michael R., "The Rhetorical Composition of Hebrews 11," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1988.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Culpepper, R. Alan, "A Superior Faith: Hebrews 10:19-12:2," Review and Expositor, 1985.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Durnbaugh, Donald F., "Go Forth in Faith: Qualities of Faith From Hebrews 11-12," Brethren Life and Thought, 1990.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Miller, Merland Ray, "What Is The Literary Form of Hebrews 11?" Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society, 1986.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Moltmann, Jürgen, "Control Is Good -- Trust Is Better: Freedom and Security in a 'Free World,'" Theology Today, 2006.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Neyrey, Jerome H., S.J., "God, Benefactor and Patron: The Major Cultural Model for Interpreting the Deity in Greco-Roman Antiquity," Journal for the Study of the New Testament, 2005.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Ray, Stephen G., Jr., "Proper Pre-Natal Care," Journal of Family Ministry, 2005. (Sermon)
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Rhee, Victor (Sung Yul), "Chiasm and the Concept of Faith in Hebrews 11," Bibliotheca Sacra, 1998.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Spencer, Richard A., "Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Between Text & Sermon" Interpretation, 1995.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Thiessen, Matthew, "Hebrews and the End of the Exodus," Novum Testamentum, 2007.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Tietjen, John H., "Hebrews 11:8-12, Expository Article," Interpretation, 1988.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
- Willimon, William, "On a Wild and Windy Mountain," The Christian Century, 1983.
  EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
  EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
Sermons:
- "When Trouble Comes," the Rev. Dr. Charles Reeb, Day 1, 2010.
- "Wishful Thinking, Optimism and Hope," the Rev. Dr. Michael Foss, Day 1, 2007.
With Children:
- Worshiping with Children, Proper 14, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013.
- "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," August 11, 2013, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connection: Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 and Faith the Cow by Susan Bame Hoover.
- "Faith Heroes," Illustrating the Story (lessons, children's sermons), coloring pages, activity sheets, crafts, children's songs. MSSS Crafts.
- "Things I Don't Understand," Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons4kids.com.
- "Pain & Able," "Pilgrims and Strangers," Jim Kerlin, childrensermons.com.
Drama:
- "Monkey Faith," John McNeil, dramatix.
- "You Were There," Mark Shell, dramatix.
- "The Expedition," Annette Wetherbee, dramatix.
Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
- Clip Art, Hebrews 11:1, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
Hymns and Music:
- Abraham Journeyed to a New Country, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, BUNESSAN 5.5.5.4 D (?Morning Has Broken?), A hymn for the church?s ministry with immigrants.
- Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
- Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Hebrews 11:1, 2, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16. The Cyber Hymnal.
- Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
- At Digital Hymnal (midi files, guitar chords, karaoke files, projection text):
  - I Need Thee, Precious Jesus
Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
Study Links and Resources for the Book of Hebrews