11:4 a more acceptable sacrifice. The principle that sacrifices were worthless without faith was true from the beginning (cf. 10:4 note). It was for Christ alone to offer not only a better but a perfect sacrifice.

commended . . . commending. The Greek word used twice in this verse is also found in vv. 2, 5, and 39. Abel is the first example of one who received this divine commendation as a righteous one who lived by faith (cf. 10:38; Rom. 1:17). The entire chapter offers such examples.

still speaks. As one of the “cloud of witnesses” (12:1).