This post was last updated on January 22, 2026

Day 325, Year 1

The Elders of Faith

“For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:2 NKJV)

The word “elder” in today’s verse is the plural of presbuteros in Greek, which is also translated as “old men” (Acts 2:17). Old is an objective description of advanced age, but for the Israelites, elders usually had high social status. When faced with problems, they often turned to the elders in the towns or cities for help, who also usually acquired God’s wisdom. Here, the praised elders are of faith. They are great men of faith who are able to help others by their life examples. Their faith is not of the ancients who had faded away; rather, the author of the Book of Hebrews points out that although they are living in heaven, their faith is for us today to follow to be strengthened.

The word “testimony” is martureo in Greek, which also means “approval, or give a good report.” In today’s verse, it is a passive word which means “the testimony of faith is affirmed,” as demonstrated in the elders’ lives. In other words, all of their lives of faith are seen as a good testimony and a good report. They affirmed that the path of faith was feasible, so they are approved by God. They have faith in hearts and deeds due to their firm trust in God’s words, while they were obedient to heavenly revelation and His guidance and teachings, and thus received His approval. By this, the author indirectly denied the faith as merely mental recognition, which is actually empty and inactive.

In response to the first verse of the chapter, faith is the evidence and substance of unseen hope, and here, many elders are praised because of their faith. In the following verse, the author immediately writes that God created the world with His words. So, the elders who act with faith are put under the spotlight even before God created the world. It is because their faith exists beyond time and space. Finally, today’s text serves as a summary and introduction to many testimonies of faith in the upcoming verses, and it has the implication of encouraging lonely believers. If you feel lonely in faith with no companions, don’t be discouraged; look at the dozens of faith elders in the Scriptures. There had been many times when they were lonely in their life journey, too. God’s presence is the encouragement and help for all of us in times of need, and we can find resonant moments with those who have come before us with their great faith in God.

Reflection questions:

1) How do you think the examples of different elders in the Bible have increased and strengthened your faith in God?

2) Do you live out the faith in God by always obeying His Word and guidance joyfully, then act on it, and bless yourself and others?