“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 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,”  Hebrews 11:33-34.

1. Paul lists six more heroes. 

Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David and Samuel. It is clear that while not all accomplished the same greatness yet they are placed beside each other.  There are great differences in talents, achievements and accomplishments amongst God’s people as far as man is concerned, but the Lord judges us differently than do humans. Value of one deed! - Mark 14:3-9. We must not think that those not mentioned are any less in spiritual value or stature.

2. Paul refers to the ‘prophets’. 

That is that race of faithful souls from Samuel right to John the Baptist, Matt 11:11-13. What wonders their words have wrought!

3. It is worth noting afresh that the way to heaven for the Old Testament saints was exactly the same as it is to day! 

"FAITH"!  “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness,” Rom 4:3, 2-22. There has ever been only one way to heaven, the Lord Jesus. By faith in Him we are counted as righteous by God the Father; our sins are pardoned utterly.

4.The whole purpose of Paul here is to show the nature and achievements of faith. 

Verse 1. “Through faith, by faith” is repeated.  Remember what the Lord Jesus said! “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you,”Luke 17:6.

5. Faith enables very ordinary people to achieve great things. 

Amos said: “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: and the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said unto me, Go, prophesy unto my people Israel,“ 7:14-15. Again, consider David. “Now therefore so shalt thou say unto my servant David, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, I took thee from the sheepcote, from following the sheep, to be ruler over my people, over Israel,” 2 Samuel 7:8.  ‘Out of weakness’, ‘Waxed (became) valiant,’ verse 34. This is what the Lord does with poor weak sinners!