They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Ver. 37. Were tempted] επειρασθησαν, or (as others read the words) They were burned. One saith that it was almost as great a miracle that Joseph did not burn when his mistress tempted him, as it was for the three children not to burn in the Babylonish fire. Luther was oft tempted to be quiet, with great sums of money and highest preferments. Julian by this means drew many from the faith.
In sheep skins and goat skins] That might have rustled in silks and velvets, if they would have yielded. Saepe sub attrita latitat sapientia vesta .
Afflicted, tormented] None out of hell were ever more afflicted than the saints, to the wonder and astonishment of the beholders.