“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
Now faith is the assurance (hypostasis) of things hoped for, the conviction (elenchos) of things not seen — the foundational definition of faith frames it not as blind credulity but as substantive commitment (hypostasis, literally 'standing under') and conviction (elenchos, proof or demonstration) regarding unseen realities. Faith gives present reality to future hope and confirms the invisible.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.” O what an expression has he used, in saying, “an evidence of things not seen.” For [we say] there is “evidence,” in the case of things that are very plain. Faith then is the seeing things not plain (he means), and brings what are not seen to the same full assurance with what are seen. So then neither is it possible to disbelieve in things which are…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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