Topical Bible: Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Abel

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Abel is a prominent figure in the early chapters of the Bible, known for his righteousness and faithfulness to God. He is the second son of Adam and Eve, the first human beings created by God, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. Abel's life and actions are primarily documented in Genesis 4:1-10, where he is contrasted with his older brother, Cain.

Biblical Account

Abel was a shepherd, tending to flocks, while his brother Cain was a farmer, working the soil. The narrative in Genesis 4:3-5 describes how both brothers brought offerings to the Lord. Abel offered "the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions" (Genesis 4:4), while Cain brought "some of the fruits of the soil" (Genesis 4:3). The Lord looked with favor upon Abel and his offering, but He did not look with favor upon Cain and his offering. This distinction is significant, as it highlights Abel's faith and the quality of his sacrifice.

Faith and Righteousness

Abel's offering is often interpreted as being more acceptable to God because it was given in faith and with a sincere heart. Hebrews 11:4 affirms this by stating, "By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God gave approval to his gifts." Abel's faith is further emphasized in the New Testament, where he is listed among the heroes of faith, serving as an example of true devotion and righteousness.

The First Martyr

Abel's account takes a tragic turn when Cain, consumed by jealousy and anger, lures Abel into the field and kills him. This act of fratricide marks the first murder in human history, as recorded in Genesis 4:8. Abel's blood cried out to God from the ground, leading to Cain's punishment and exile. Abel is thus considered the first martyr, having suffered death because of his righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Legacy and Significance

Abel's legacy is profound, as he represents the archetype of the righteous sufferer. His life and death serve as a testament to the importance of faith and the consequences of sin. Jesus Himself references Abel in Matthew 23:35 , acknowledging him as a righteous man whose blood was shed unjustly. Abel's account is a poignant reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the ultimate vindication of the righteous by God.

In Christian theology, Abel's sacrifice is often seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Just as Abel offered the best of his flock, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect Lamb of God, whose blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel (Hebrews 12:24). Abel's life, though brief, continues to inspire believers to live by faith and to offer their best to God.

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Genesis 4:4-8
And Abel, he also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect to Abel and to his offering:
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Hebrews 11:4
By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaks.
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outstanding and greatest ... you, brothers, about what befits our religion and is ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... relating to their past history, their rituals of theology and religious worship,
their ... two independent kingdoms had had its effect on their religion as well as ...
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