Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Ver. 1. Now faith is the substance] Having mentioned the life of faith, Hebrews 10:38, and the end of faith (or the reward of it, 1Pe 1:9), the salvation of the soul, Hebrews 10:39, he now descends to the description of this glorious grace, James 2:1, and saith that it is the substance or subsistence or basis and foundation of things hoped for. It is the same that our author had called confidence, Hebrews 10:35. Polybius, speaking of Horatius' keeping the field against the enemy's forces, saith, that the enemies more feared his υποστασις (the word here used), his confidence binding upon the victory, than his strength. Faith is the vital artery of the soul (saith one), Habakkuk 2:4, and by the eye of it, through the perspective glass of the promises, a Christian may see into heaven. Faith doth antedate glory; it doth substantiate things not seen. Faith altereth the tenses, and putteth the future into the present tense, Psalms 60:6. It is reported of the crystal that the very touching of it quickeneth other stones and puts a lustre and beauty upon them. (Gul. Parisiens.) This is true of faith; it makes evil things present, far off; and good things far off, present.
The evidence of things, &c.] The index, ελεγχος, or the clear conviction by disputation, or by making syllogisms from the word. Indeed it is the word (to speak properly) that is the convincing evidence of things not seen; but because the word profiteth not further than it is mingled with faith in the heart, therefore that which is due to the word is here ascribed to faith.