Matthew Henry Commentary Hebrews 11:1-3

"Now faith is assurance of [things] hoped for, a conviction of things not seen. For therein the elders had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which appear." — Hebrews 11:1-3 (ASV)

Faith has always been the mark of God's servants, from the beginning of the world. When this principle is planted by the regenerating Spirit of God, it will cause the truth to be received, concerning justification by the sufferings and merits of Christ. And the same things that are the object of our hope are also the object of our faith. It is a firm persuasion and expectation that God will perform all He has promised to us in Christ. This persuasion allows the soul to enjoy those things now; it gives them a present reality in the soul through the first-fruits and foretastes of them.

Faith proves to the mind the reality of things that cannot be seen by the bodily eye. It is a full approval of all God has revealed, as holy, just, and good. This view of faith is explained by many examples of people in former times, who obtained a good report, or an honorable character in the word of God. Faith was the principle of their holy obedience, remarkable services, and patient sufferings.

The Bible gives the most true and exact account of the origin of all things, and we are to believe it, and not to wrest the Scripture account of the creation because it does not suit the differing speculations of people. All that we see of the works of creation were brought into being by the command of God.