It was by their faith that people of ancient times won God's approval.

It was in faith that all these persons died. They did not receive the things God had promised, but from a long way off they saw them and welcomed them, and admitted openly that they were foreigners and refugees on earth.

Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said to them privately, "How fortunate you are to see the things you see!

I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not."

God revealed to these prophets that their work was not for their own benefit, but for yours, as they spoke about those things which you have now heard from the messengers who announced the Good News by the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. These are things which even the angels would like to understand.