But other examples are given of those, not delivered from their foes but, in the mysterious, sovereign will of God, delivered over to their foes. For “others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection” (11:35b). The early Christians were soon to prove, when finally their witness aroused the ire of Rome, that a pinch of salt on some pagan altar might have won them freedom from torture. But the prospect of a better resurrection (better than the two just mentioned) must spur them on to submit to torture rather than to renounce the faith, just as in old times many a Jew chose death in preference to dishonor.