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Consequently, having left the basic teachings of the Christ,1 may we pass along to perfect maturity,2 not laying a foundation all over again3 of [“elementary principles”] – repentance from dead works,4 faith in God,5
| 1 | Having left the basic teachings of the Christ: Or, KJV: the principles of the doctrine; ASV: doctrine of the principles; WEY: elementary instruction; TCN: elementary teaching; MOF: elementary Christian doctrine; NEB: stop discussing the rudiments of Christianity; KNX: we must leave on one side then, all discussion of our first lessons. Paul will go on to list these “basic teachings” or “elementary principles.” It will prove interesting what he includes and what he omits. Christians are not to remain limited to primary doctrine. See notes on Hebrews 5:12. The phrase “basic teachings” is from the Greek ARCHES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #746]… LOGON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3056] which literally is “beginning + word.” Observe that the Nazarene’s apostles were to teach baptized disciples everything Jesus taught. [See notes on Matthew 28:19.] New disciples were to advance beyond these ‘beginnings’ and continue growing in the Word. [Colossians 1:10] |
| 2 | May we pass along to perfect maturity: [KJV] Or, ASV: press on to perfection; MON: toward what is mature; WMS: progressing toward maturity; PME: go on forward to adult understanding; KNX: full growth; WEY: mature manhood. The Greek for “perfection” is TELEIOTETA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5047] and is drawn from TELOS, or “end.” The disciple is to strive for perfect, or mature growth, in relation to the “doctrine of Christ.” Largely this involves the Christian Bible as well as those portions of the Hebrew Bible applied and interpreted by the inspired disciples of Jesus. [1 Corinthians 13:11; 14:20; see notes on Ephesians 4:13] |
| 3 | Not laying a foundation all over again: [KJV] Or, WEY: not be continually re-laying; PME: let us not lay over and over again the foundation truths. The disciple is to pass beyond the introductory truths and progressively understand more and more “the deep things of God.” [1 Corinthians 2:10; 3:10; Proverbs 2:1-9] |
| 4 | Repentance from dead works: [KJV] Or, WEY: lifeless works; NEB: from the deadness of our former ways; KNX: the change of heart which turns away from lifeless observations. What is “repentance”? What are included in “dead works”? This is the first item listed by Paul. Clearly it indicates the disciple has felt regret over former conduct, speech and attitudes ceasing “dead works.” See notes on Ephesians 4:23. [Galatians 5:19, 21] |
| 5 | Faith in God: [KJV] Or, KNX: faith which turns toward God. The second teaching Paul lists involves conviction and trust in God. At first this sounds very simple, but when one considers the subject of God it becomes enlarged. Who is God? What is God and what is God not? What characteristics would you attribute to God? What is God’s “eternal purpose”? Surely the subject of the Trinity would have to be addressed as well as any other local teachings which are not rooted in the Bible. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Hebrews 6:1 as the theme verse of chapter six – Grow Up! Paul urges Christians to become mature and leave behind just the “basic teachings.” [1-3] He lists a few of these elementary principles: repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and everlasting condemnation.
Now Paul addresses the very real danger of becoming apostate and then how impossible it is to revive such Christians. [4-8] He compares this falling away to soil without rain, producing only thorns and near to be cursed. However, God will not forget good works. [9-12] Salvation is possible if attended diligently with good works. “Never become sluggish” Paul writes, but rather imitate the faithful.
God’s oath can be trusted. [13-20] Paul refers to Genesis 22:16 and God’s promise to Abraham. Abraham obtained the promise only after he had demonstrated patience. God never lies and so Christians are encouraged to flee to the Refuge and hold tight on to the Hope. This Hope is like an anchor and it reaches “beyond the Veil” beyond which the Christ has already passed.
Abba our Father bless those who “press on to maturity.”
[17 August 2002]
Go on to the higher lessons which belong to full grown men. The exhortation is to go on from the lessons of Christian childhood to those of manhood in Christ. To lay the foundation once is enough, if it is laid right. These first principles are the foundation of Christian life, but we must build higher and higher upon them.
