In Hebrews chapter 11 we find a well-organized, thematic discussion of faith sandwiched between 10:36's recognition that we need endurance and 12:1's exhortation that we practice endurance. Chapter 11 serves as the author's prescription for nurturing into full maturity the endurance he expects. Endurance, this chapter illustrates, is built upon a firm foundation of faith - a faith foundation that reaches down through the ages from the faithfulness of the patriarchs, matriarchs and martyrs to us today.
The author begins by giving a two-edged definition of faith. As "the assurance of things hoped for," faith enables believers to feel assured that the future will bring the fulfillment of God's promises. But faith is also the "conviction of things not seen," freeing believers to confidently re…