The widow of Zarephath through Elijah (3 Kingdoms 17:20–23) and the Shunammite woman through Elisha (4 Kingdoms 4:32–37).
Heb. 11:35. Others were tortured,
That is, they were beheaded, like John the Baptist (Matt. 14:3–11), like James the son of Zebedee (Acts 12:2). Some, however, interpreted the torture in the sense of being beaten with rods.
Heb. 11:35. Not having accepted deliverance,
That is, they could have refrained from reproaching those whom they reproached, and thus escaped the punishment inflicted on them, but they did not wish to do so.
Heb. 11:35. To obtain a better resurrection;
"Better" — not such as the children of those women received; or "better" in comparison with the rest of mankind. For the saints in radiance will be caught up on the clouds to meet the Lord, which in another place (Phil. 3:11) he calls the rising up — έξανάστασις. And in general — unto eternal life. But the rest will remain below, and the resurrection will be for them unto eternal punishment.
Heb. 11:36. Others experienced mockings
For example, Elisha, who became an object of mockery for the youths (4 Kings 2:23), or Samson for the foreigners, after they gouged out his eyes (Judges 16:25).
Heb. 11:36. and beatings,
Many of the prophets, then Peter and John (Acts 5:40–41).
Heb. 11:36. Also bonds and prison,
For example, Jeremiah (Jer. 33:1) and Micaiah (1 Kings 22:26), and subsequently the apostles, for example, Peter and John (see Acts 5:18 and others).
Heb. 11:37. They were stoned,
For example, Naboth (3 Kgs. 21:1–15), and then Stephen (Acts 6:8–15, 7:1–60).
Heb. 11:37. sawn asunder19... ,
For example, by Manasseh—Isaiah, whom they say was even sawn apart with a wooden saw, so that this would be the most severe punishment for him, although he was already tormented beyond measure.
Heb. 11:37. died by the sword,
For example, Micaiah and Zechariah, John the Baptist and James. See how some by faith "escaped the edge of the sword," while others "died by the sword." Such is the significance of faith; it accomplishes great feats and endures great sufferings, and in doing so does not at all think that it suffers. So why do you, who have never yet experienced anything of the sort, complain?
Heb. 11:37. they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins,
For example, the disciples of Elijah — so free from possessions were they. Since the Jews did not yet have such a concept of the apostles, after mentioning them he transitions to the glorious prophet who was taken up to heaven. The expression "they wandered" indicates that they were subjected to persecutions, and therefore did not remain in one place. And "sheepskin" is the skin of a goat or a sheep.
Heb. 11:37. Bearing shortcomings,
For example, the same Elijah and Elisha. For women fed them.
Heb. 11:37. Afflictions, hardships;
Jezebel, who persecuted him, caused Elijah no small amount of sorrows.