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Hebrews 11:40
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God having provided some better thing for us - This is the dispensation of the Gospel, with all the privileges and advantages it confers. That they without us should not be made perfect - Believers before the flood, after the flood, under the law, and since the law, make but one Church. The Gospel dispensation is the last, and the Church cannot be considered as complete till the believers under all dispensations are gathered together. As the Gospel is the last dispensation, the preceding believers cannot be consummated even in glory till the Gospel Church arrive in the heaven of heavens. There are a great variety of meanings put on this place, but the above seems the most simple and consistent. See Rev 6:11. "White robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." This time, and its blessings, are now upon the wing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
provided--with divine forethought from eternity (compare Gen 22:8, Gen 22:14). some better thing for us-- (Heb 7:19); than they had here. They had not in this world, "apart from us" (so the Greek is for "without us," that is, they had to wait for us for), the clear revelation of the promised salvation actually accomplished, as we now have it in Christ; in their state, beyond the grave their souls also seem to have attained an increase of heavenly bliss on the death and ascension of Christ; and they shall not attain the full and final glory in body and soul (the regeneration of the creature), until the full number of the elect (including us with them) is completed. The Fathers, CHRYSOSTOM, &c., restricted the meaning of Heb 11:39-40 to this last truth, and I incline to this view. "The connection is, You, Hebrews, may far more easily exercise patience than Old Testament believers; for they had much longer to wait, and are still waiting until the elect are all gathered in; you, on the contrary, have not to wait for them" [ESTIUS]. I think his object in these verses (Heb 11:39-40) is to warn Hebrew Christians against their tendency to relapse into Judaism. "Though the Old Testament worthies attained such eminence by faith, they are not above us in privileges, but the reverse." It is not we who are perfected with them, but rather they with us. They waited for His coming; we enjoy Him as having come (Heb 1:1; Heb 2:3). Christ's death, the means of perfecting what the Jewish law could not perfect, was reserved for our time. Compare Heb 12:2, "perfecter (Greek) of our faith." Now that Christ is come, they in soul share our blessedness, being "the spirits of the just made perfect" (Heb 12:23); so ALFORD; however, see on Heb 12:23. Heb 9:12 shows that the blood of Christ, brought into the heavenly holy place by Him, first opened an entrance into heaven (compare Joh 3:13). Still, the fathers were in blessedness by faith in the Saviour to come, at death (Heb 6:15; Luk 16:22). Next: Hebrews Chapter 12
Hebrews 11:40
(Joshua–Malachi)
39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.40God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(A Heavenly Church) 4. the Faith of Jesus
By Zac Poonen3.6K1:07:09New Covenant LivingFaithISA 55:8EZK 36:27MAT 6:21LUK 18:8ROM 4:201CO 2:162CO 2:14PHP 2:13HEB 11:401JN 2:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the rarity of true faith and love in today's world, referencing Luke 18:8, where Jesus questions if He will find faith on earth upon His return. He critiques the shallow, intellectual understanding of faith that many believers possess, which leads to a lack of spiritual depth and experience of God's power. Poonen encourages believers to seek a deeper, experiential faith that aligns with the New Testament, where faith is not merely belief in facts but a transformative relationship with God that empowers them to live as Jesus did. He highlights the importance of surrendering to the Holy Spirit, allowing God to write His laws in our hearts, and living a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of Heaven rather than earthly concerns. Ultimately, he calls for a faith that is active, vibrant, and reflective of Christ's own faith, urging believers to evaluate their lives and priorities in light of eternal truths.
Apostle's Doctrine - Part 5
By G.W. North2.4K1:23:57Apostles DoctrineNUM 21:8JHN 1:29GAL 2:16HEB 11:40In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living by faith and how it changes the basis of our lives. He highlights that we are not justified by our own efforts or works, but by the death, blood, and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The speaker encourages the audience to stop struggling to believe and instead trust in the faith of Jesus Christ. He also mentions that God's plan of redemption was established from the foundation of the world and encourages the audience to immerse themselves in the Word of God to receive its transformative power.
The Heavenly Calling - Part 12
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K54:52Heavenly CallingHEB 1:4HEB 3:1HEB 3:14HEB 6:9HEB 7:19HEB 7:22HEB 8:6HEB 9:23HEB 10:34HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 11:40HEB 12:24The sermon transcript discusses the theme of "better" in the book of Hebrews. The speaker highlights various verses in the book that emphasize the concept of "better," such as better than the angels, better things, better hope, better covenant, better promises, and better sacrifices. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a large conception of Jesus in order to navigate through trouble and testing. The letter was written to encourage Christians to persevere and not draw back from their faith, reminding them of their heavenly calling and the better things that await them.
(True Faith and False) the Race of Faith
By Zac Poonen1.6K46:33EXO 19:20JHN 1:391CO 11:1HEB 11:40HEB 12:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of steady growth in the Christian life. He highlights the danger of pride and how it can lead to destruction, using the example of King Saul. The speaker also acknowledges that correct doctrine alone cannot save us, but rather it is a slow and steady progression towards becoming like Jesus. He encourages believers to strive for brokenness, humility, love, compassion, graciousness, and purity, as these are the qualities that reflect the character of Christ. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of following Jesus in evangelism, ministry, teaching, and shepherding, as Jesus himself was the greatest example in these areas.
Some Better Thing
By John Nelson Darby0Unity in ChristThe Church1CO 12:12EPH 1:4EPH 2:7EPH 5:32HEB 11:40REV 21:9John Nelson Darby emphasizes the unique position of the church as the body of Christ, called out during the rejection of Jesus on earth. He explains that Christians belong to a 'better thing' provided by God, which is the church, destined for glory alongside Christ. The sermon highlights the importance of unity within the body of Christ, where every member is essential and interconnected. Darby stresses that the church's existence is rooted in God's sovereign grace and the necessity of Christ's rejection and ascension. Ultimately, he calls Christians to recognize their special calling and the significance of the church in God's eternal plan.
The Changed Position of the Companions
By T. Austin-Sparks0Companionship with ChristThe Transition from Earthly to HeavenlyISA 9:7JHN 1:122CO 4:7HEB 2:1HEB 11:40HEB 12:11HEB 12:26T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the Letter to the Hebrews as a divine appeal for companions of Christ, particularly during a time of crisis for the Hebrew Christians. He highlights the transition from the old earthly system to a new heavenly calling, urging believers to recognize that God is actively seeking companions who will move forward with Him. The sermon underscores that God's communication is centered in His Son, Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's message and purpose. Sparks warns that just as the old system was shaken, so too will earthly systems face upheaval, calling Christians to embrace their identity in Christ and the transformative power of suffering. Ultimately, he encourages believers to trust in God's discipline as a sign of His love and to seek the deeper knowledge of the Lord through trials.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
God having provided some better thing for us - This is the dispensation of the Gospel, with all the privileges and advantages it confers. That they without us should not be made perfect - Believers before the flood, after the flood, under the law, and since the law, make but one Church. The Gospel dispensation is the last, and the Church cannot be considered as complete till the believers under all dispensations are gathered together. As the Gospel is the last dispensation, the preceding believers cannot be consummated even in glory till the Gospel Church arrive in the heaven of heavens. There are a great variety of meanings put on this place, but the above seems the most simple and consistent. See Rev 6:11. "White robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also, and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled." This time, and its blessings, are now upon the wing.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
provided--with divine forethought from eternity (compare Gen 22:8, Gen 22:14). some better thing for us-- (Heb 7:19); than they had here. They had not in this world, "apart from us" (so the Greek is for "without us," that is, they had to wait for us for), the clear revelation of the promised salvation actually accomplished, as we now have it in Christ; in their state, beyond the grave their souls also seem to have attained an increase of heavenly bliss on the death and ascension of Christ; and they shall not attain the full and final glory in body and soul (the regeneration of the creature), until the full number of the elect (including us with them) is completed. The Fathers, CHRYSOSTOM, &c., restricted the meaning of Heb 11:39-40 to this last truth, and I incline to this view. "The connection is, You, Hebrews, may far more easily exercise patience than Old Testament believers; for they had much longer to wait, and are still waiting until the elect are all gathered in; you, on the contrary, have not to wait for them" [ESTIUS]. I think his object in these verses (Heb 11:39-40) is to warn Hebrew Christians against their tendency to relapse into Judaism. "Though the Old Testament worthies attained such eminence by faith, they are not above us in privileges, but the reverse." It is not we who are perfected with them, but rather they with us. They waited for His coming; we enjoy Him as having come (Heb 1:1; Heb 2:3). Christ's death, the means of perfecting what the Jewish law could not perfect, was reserved for our time. Compare Heb 12:2, "perfecter (Greek) of our faith." Now that Christ is come, they in soul share our blessedness, being "the spirits of the just made perfect" (Heb 12:23); so ALFORD; however, see on Heb 12:23. Heb 9:12 shows that the blood of Christ, brought into the heavenly holy place by Him, first opened an entrance into heaven (compare Joh 3:13). Still, the fathers were in blessedness by faith in the Saviour to come, at death (Heb 6:15; Luk 16:22). Next: Hebrews Chapter 12