“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.”
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, and through this he received commendation as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts; and although he is dead, through his faith he still speaks — Abel's faith (Genesis 4) manifested in superior sacrifice (thysia perissōn) received divine approval; his death did not silence his witness. Speaks (lalei) reminds that Abel's blood 'cries out' (Genesis 4:10); his faithful death echoes through history.
Church Fathers on Hebrews 11:4
Faith needs a generous and vigorous soul, and one rising above all things of sense, and passing beyond the weakness of human reasonings. For it is not possible to become a believer, otherwise than by raising one's self above the common customs [of the world]. Inasmuch then as the souls of the Hebrews were thoroughly weakened, and though they had begun from faith, yet from circumstances, I mean sufferings, afflictions, they had afterwards become faint-hearted, and of little…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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