Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Hebrews 11:40

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

He calls "better" that which pertains to our honor. Lest it seem that they have an advantage over us in being crowned first, God appointed one time of crowning for all. And he did not say: that they should not be crowned without us, but: "that they should not apart from us be made perfect." Therefore it is then that they will be shown to be perfect. But now they possess in general a pledge toward honor. For otherwise, whence comes their power to appear in aid of those who call upon them? …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗

Oecumenius

"since God had provided something better for us." How is it better? Indeed, so that they would not have anything more than we do in that they were crowned before us, He defined one time, so that we may also be crowned with them. This, however, is for us: for they sit in honor, awaiting our completion. …

The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

655. – Then when he says, Since God has foreseen something better for us, he shows the reason for the postponement. But some took the cause or occasion of their error from this and said that no one will enter paradise until the final consummation at the final resurrection. But this is contrary to the Apostle: 'We know, if our earthly house of this habitation be dissolved, that we have a building of God, eternal in heaven' (2 Cor. 5:1). …

Commentary on Hebrews ↗