Deeper Reflection
THE LIST OF EXAMPLES OF EXPLOIT FAITH IN VERSES 32 to 35a ends with perhaps the greatest exploit of faith: “Women received back their dead by resurrection” (v.35a). Then, the writer of Hebrews continues with “and others…” (v.35a), indicating a difference. This “and others” faith is endurance faith.Endurance faith is exercised in adversities: “and others were tortured, not accepting their release” (v.35b). The expression “not accepting their release” implies that these people of God who were “tortured” were given the opportunity to be released. But they did not accept their release. Why? They were “tortured” for their faithfulness to God. They could be released, but on the condition that they deny their faith in God. But they refused to compromise. They would rather be tortured and endure the affliction and pain until they die, than to deny their God. Indeed, they were “faithful until death” (Rev 2:10).Endurance faith is exercised in experiencing “mockings and scourgings, yes also, chains and imprisonment”, being “stoned”, “sawn in two” and “put to death with the sword” (vv.36-37a). With endurance faith, the people of God suffered in being forced to go about “in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated…wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground” (vv.37b-38).Hebrews was written to believers who were tempted to compromise their faith and God’s word to them was: “you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Heb 10:36). So the writer points them to these examples of endurance faith.