This is why the ancients were commended.
Verse 2. For by it. That is, by that faith which gives reality to things hoped for, and a certain persuasion to the mind of the existence of those things which are not seen. The elders. The ancients; the Hebrew patriarchs and fathers. Obtained a good report. Literally, "were witnessed of;" that is, an honourable testimony was borne to them in consequence of their faith.
For--So high a description of faith is not undeserved; for . . . [ALFORD]. by it--Greek, "in it": in respect to . . . in the matter of," it, "or, as Greek more emphatically, "this." the elders--as though still living and giving their powerful testimony to the reasonableness and excellence of faith (Heb 12:1).
For by it the elders obtained a good report. (2) He shows that the fathers ought to be accounted of by this virtue. (a) That is, those fathers from whom we came: and whose authority and example ought to move us very much.