Hebrews 11:13

These all. That is, the faithful from Abel (verse 4) to Abraham (verses 8-12). Doubtless many others during this long span of time met with God’s approval, but the worthies here named are singled out as shining examples of the principle that faith is the decisive factor in godly living.

Died in faith. They saw the promises afar off — by faith. They were persuaded of the reality of the promised inheritance. On the basis of these promises they renounced the present and lived exclusively for the future. They never entered into possession of the inheritance, either of the promised earthly Canaan or of the eternal kingdom.

Were persuaded. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the omission of these words. Obviously, however, they “were persuaded” of the substantial reality of the promised inheritance or they would not have “embraced” the promises.

Embraced. Or, “greeted,” “saluted,” “welcomed.” Compare John 8:56.

Confessed. Or, “acknowledged.”

Pilgrims on the earth. Though in the world, they realized that they were not of it. They had another, grander objective in view. They realized the transient quality of things in this present life, and the permanence of things which, as yet, they saw only “afar off” by faith. They lived for the future, not for the present.