Hebrews 11:32-38

Many suffered for the faith -- Hebrews 11:32-38: Many names were only mentioned. There was Gedeon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel, and the prophet. These are great servants of God "Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented." (Hebrews 11:33-37)

The writer of the book of Hebrews does not commend all that these people did. He does not deny that they were very imperfect men, or that they did many things that were a disappointment to God. He does commend all their actions which were "by faith." Their focus was on "a better resurrection." God said the world was not worthy of such men.