Hebrews 11:4

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.”

Context:Before we delve into Hebrews 11:4, it’s helpful to understand the broader context of the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and struggling to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews emphasises the superiority of Jesus and His new covenant over the old covenant and encourages believers to persevere in their faith.

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame” or the “Faith Chapter” because it highlights the exemplary faith of various individuals throughout history. Verse 4 specifically focuses on Abel, the son of Adam and Eve, and highlights his act of faith through his offering to God.

Abel’s Faith and Sacrifice:Abel’s story is recorded in Genesis 4:1-10. Abel was a shepherd, and his brother Cain was a farmer. Both of them brought offerings to God, but Abel’s offering was regarded as more excellent. The key distinction between their offerings lies in their hearts and motives.

Abel offered his sacrifice in faith, with a genuine desire to please God. He brought the best of his flock as an offering, demonstrating his reverence and obedience to God’s instructions. His sacrifice was a reflection of his faith and trust in God.

On the other hand, Cain’s offering was not accepted because it lacked faith and sincerity. He brought some of the produce of his fields, but his heart was not in the right place. Cain’s offering was not a demonstration of genuine faith or a desire to honor God.

Abel’s Righteousness and God’s Testimony:Hebrews 11:4 states that Abel obtained witness that he was righteous through his faith and offering. This means that God approved of Abel’s sacrifice and regarded him as righteous because of his faith. It was not the offering itself that made Abel righteous, but his faith in God.

God testified of Abel’s gifts, indicating His approval and acceptance of the offering. Abel’s act of faith and the sincerity of his heart touched the heart of God, and He acknowledged Abel’s righteousness.

Abel’s Ongoing Influence:The last part of Hebrews 11:4 says, “and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” This phrase highlights the enduring impact of Abel’s life and faith. Even though Abel died at the hands of his jealous brother Cain (Genesis 4:8), his example of faith continues to speak to believers throughout generations.

Abel’s faith and righteousness serve as a reminder that true faith pleases God, and it has the power to influence others long after we are gone. Abel’s story challenges believers to live a life of faith, even in the face of adversity or persecution.