John Chrysostom

"These all died in faith," he says, "not having obtained the promises." At this place it is worth while to make two enquiries; how, after saying that God "translated Enoch, and he was not found, so that he did not see death," does he say, "These all died in Faith." And again, after saying, "they not having obtained the promises," he declares that Noah had received a reward, "to the saving of his house," and that Enoch had been "translated," and that Abel "yet speaks," and that Abraham had gained a hold on the land, and yet he says, …

Homily on Hebrews 23 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Here two questions arise: how does the apostle, having said of Enoch that he "was translated so that he did not see death," now say "these all died"? And further, how did he now say "not having received the promises," although he said that "Abel still speaks," by virtue of being glorified by all? And that Enoch "was translated," that Noah received a reward, being saved with his household and being called righteous; and that Abraham begat a son from Sarah. …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Oecumenius

The phrase, "having seen from afar," some say, refers to those around Abraham regarding the return of their descendants from Egypt. But this is unfitting. We say that they were evangelized concerning the kingdom of heaven, and all that Christ preached. For if they had not heard these things, why would they call themselves foreigners and sojourners? For they did not say these things longing for an earthly homeland, since they could have returned to their own land, but they were seeking heaven. …

The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews ↗

Thomas Aquinas

593. – Having commended Abraham's faith in regard to his dwelling place and offspring, the Apostle now commends him on his way of life until death. In regard to this he does three things: first, he shows what he did by faith; secondly, he mentions one thing that pertains to faith (v. 14); thirdly, he shows what he received by faith (v. 16). 594. – He commends the faith of Abraham and of his children on its perseverance, because they preserved in the faith until death: 'He that shall persevere until the end, he shall be saved' (Mt. …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗