Issues of "faith" and the act of "faithfulness" were central concerns of the author of Hebrews. The word "faith (pistos) is used more in this epistle than it is in any other book of the New Testament. Here in chapter 11, it is used a total of 24 times. This entire unit is almost wholly focused on what has occurred "by faith" throughout the history of God's people.

The lectionary reading for today's epistle lesson picks up the author's introductory "definition" of faith in verses 1-3 before it skips ahead to the example of Abraham as one who manifests that faith. The definition provided by the writer is two-fold.

First, faith is "the assurance of things hoped for." Faith is what gives the believer the conviction that the future will be as God has promised. Indeed, it is faith in God's promi…