32
Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets.
33
By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,
34
quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
35
Women received their loved ones back again from death.But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life.
36
Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons.
37
Some died by stoning, and some were sawed in half; others were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated.
38
They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39
All of these people we have mentioned received God's approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
40
For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can't receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. a
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved. (New Living Translation)