Hebrews 11:2

Elders. Greek presbuteroi, here meaning “the ancients,” “men of old” (RSV), not necessarily old men.

Obtained a good report. Literally, “were witnessed to,” “were approved,” “were attested.” The faith of “the elders” led to faithful conduct, which in turn testified to the reality of their faith. It was their faith that won for them divine approval. We may wonder how some of those named in this chapter could ever have obtained “a good report.” But if only flawless heroes of faith were listed here, the account would provide little encouragement for the common man. If men who were subject to “like passions as we are” (James 5:17) could obtain “a good report,” there is every reason to believe that even the weakest of God’s children today may do likewise.