4. The earth.

7. Hades, which is the Greek equivalent word for Sheol. NOTE: Some Bible translations incorrectly translate this word as "hell."

9. All of those people of faith listed starting in Hebrews 11:4 and forward to verse 39.

10. Their faith.

11. The word "they" is referring to those who died in faith under the Old Covenant and were waiting in Sheol/Hades at the time of the writing of the book of Hebrews. The word "us" is referring to the writer of Hebrews and all of the other believers that were biologically alive at the writing of Hebrews.

12. This section of verse 40 is describing the fact that both the believers in Sheol/Hades and the living believers at the time of the writing of the book of Hebrews had to wait until the Parousia of Christ at which time they would ALL experience spiritual resurrection and be made perfect in the sight of God as we have already explained on this web site.

14. The church of the Thessalonians - see Chapter one, verse one.

15. Paul is referring to those in the church of Thessalonica and himself, who he expects to still be alive biologically at the coming (Parousia) of the Lord.

16. Paul is referring to all those who have previously died biologically and are waiting in Sheol/Hades for the Parousia of Christ at which time they would be resurrected, judged and those who were believers would be spiritually resurrected with all of the spiritual benefits that entails.

17. Paul is using figurative/apocalyptic language to describe these spiritual events. NOTE: If you are unfamiliar with figurative/apocalyptic language in the Bible please complete those Learning Activities on this web site that cover that topic.

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