ACC ~ Hebrews 11 v4

ABEL TALKS THROUGH HIS FAITH. EPHREM THE SYRIAN: “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain,” who brought offerings selected without care. The faith of Abel and the infidelity of Cain were sealed up in their offerings. If Abel had not believed in the promise, he would not have chosen and brought the best offerings. He had actually seen his brother, who picked up everywhere the vile ears [vegetable offerings] with contempt and offered them by laying them on the altar. For that faith Abel “obtained testimony” about himself “that he was righteous” and certainly not from a human being but from God, “who testified of his gifts,” so that up to this time Abel talks through his faith, that is, is put to test through it. COMMENTARY ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS.

STILL SPEAKING. THEODORET OF CYR: The phrase “he is still speaking” means, To this day he is famous and celebrated and enjoys a good name among all religious people. INTERPRETATION OF HEBREWS 11.

THROUGH FAME, GLORY, MEMORY. OECUMENIUS: “He speaks” by his fame, by his glory and by his memory. FRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 11.4.

THROUGH IT HE STILL SPEAKS. PHOTIUS: “Although he died, through it he still speaks,” that is, because his very sacrifice furnished his brother with an opportunity for malice and jealousy, and his brother produced murder. Even if “he died,” “through it he speaks.” For this very reason Abel was always to be remembered and never forgotten. If someone should investigate both matters more accurately, the phrase “through it” (as is commonly understood) applies equally to “dying” and to “he speaks.”

He still speaks. He is always to be remembered. He says that Abel’s deed done in faith does not allow him to fall into obscurity. FRAGMENTS ON THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS 11.4.

Heb