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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER SIX:
“TRUSTING GOD’S PROMISE, BECOME MATURE”

Key Word: Oath
Theme Verse: 1

Hebrews 6:1-3 – Press on to Maturity

HE6:1 Consequently, having left the basic teachings of the Christ, 189 may we pass along to perfect maturity, 190 not laying a foundation all over again 191 of [“elementary principles”] – repentance from dead works, 192 faith in God, 193

189

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]

190

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]

191

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]

192

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]

193

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.

HE6:2 teachings on baptisms, 194 the laying on of hands, 195 resurrection of the dead, 196 and everlasting condemnation. 197

194

Teachings on baptisms: [TCN] Or, KJV: doctrine of baptisms; ABUV: teachings of immersions; KNX: instructions about the different kinds of baptism. This is the third item Paul lists. He uses the plural – “baptisms.” There are six types of baptisms taught in the Christian Bible. What are these? It is possible these “baptisms” may include certain Hebrew customs that may have to be dispensed with. Some versions give us an idea. [WEY, NEB, MOF] Compare Mark 7:4; see note on Hebrews 9:10.

195

The laying on of hands: [KJV] This is the fourth item listed by Paul. Who would lay on hands? This would infer a central authority as demonstrated in the first century Church. [Acts 8:17, 18; 1 Timothy 4:14; 5:22] What are some situations where hand might be laid on others? [See notes on 2 Timothy 1:6]

196

Resurrection of the dead: [KJV] Paul’s fifth listed doctrine. What is the resurrection? Who was the firstfruits of the resurrection? When will Christians be resurrected? When will mankind be resurrected? [1 Corinthians 15:20-28, 50-54; Revelation 20:4-6, 11-13] This subject would likely also include: What is the condition of the dead? What is the soul? What are two outcomes to the resurrection?

197

Everlasting condemnation: Or, KJV: eternal judgment; BEC: everlasting judgment; GDS: final judgment; MOF: eternal punishment. This is Paul’s last elementary doctrine: judgment. The Greek may also mean “condemnation” and here it is of an unending kind. What does the Bible say about “judgment”? When will Christians be judged? Mankind in general? Who is the Judge? Do others share in this judging? Some might observe certain words Paul did not include in his short list. For example: salvation, justification, redemption, ransom, nor even ‘Christ crucified.’

HE6:3 And, indeed, this we shall do if The God permits. 198

198

This we shall do if The God permits: [KJV] Or, TCN: yes and, with God’s help, we will; MOF: with God’s permission we will take this step; WEY: and advance we will. That is: growing into a mature understanding of the doctrine of Christ. This would include what both Paul and Peter call things “hard to understand.” [See notes on Hebrews 5:11 and 2 Peter 3:16.]

Hebrews 6:4-8 – Revival Impossible for Apostates

HE6:4 For it is impossible to restore to repentance 199 those who have fallen away, 200 because they have been illuminated once for all time. 201 [They] have tasted the heavenly free gift. 202 [They] have become partakers of holy Pneuma. 203

199

For it is impossible to restore to repentance: [WMS] Or, KJV: to renew them again unto repentance; RHM: remoulding; MOF: make them repent afresh; PME: to repent as they did at first. This is a long sentence in Greek [something common to Paul] so the phrase from verse 6 has been moved to verse 1. No Christian is absolutely assured of salvation, for all could fail if they remove themselves from God’s love. Though this truth is taught elsewhere, it is apparent in these verses. [Compare notes on Hebrews 10:26 and 2 Peter 2:20-22.] Some compare these verses with Matthew 12:32 and therefore a sin against the Pneuma.

200

Those who have fallen away: [Verse 6] [ALF] Or, GDS: fallen back; WMS: fallen by the wayside; RSV: commit apostasy; AMP: deviate from the faith and turn away from their allegiance. The Greek is PARAPESONTAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3895] and may also mean “apostasy.” These persons are not those who sin and feel regret, thus repenting and turning around. [See notes on 1 John 2:1, 2 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] These have abandoned God, rebelled against His holy Pneuma, and are no longer recoverable. These may remain Christian teachers and become a great danger to the Church. [Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 11:13; see notes on 2 Peter 2:1ff, 1 John 2:19, and 1 John 4:1-3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©]

201	Because they have been illuminated once for all time: [RHM; TCN] Or, KJV: once enlightened; BAS: at one time saw the light. These are not new Christians, but enlightened ones who know the path of righteousness well. [See notes on Ephesians 1:18 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

202

Have tasted the heavenly free gift: [RHM] Or, GDS: the gift from heaven; WEY: the sweetness of the heavenly gift; WMS: experienced; TCN: learn to appreciate. The holy Pneuma is described as a “free gift” [Acts 10:45] but because that is mentioned next it seems possible the free gift here is God’s grace or unmerited favor expressed by means of Jesus Christ and resulting in being pronounced innocent from Adamic sin. [See notes on Ephesians 3:7 and James 1:17 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

203

Have become partakers of holy Pneuma: Or, KJV: partakers of the Holy Ghost; TCN: came to share in; BAS: having their part in; MOF: who participated in; BER: become participants of; PME: received. The holy Pneuma has manifested itself in spiritual begettal, spiritual anointed, spiritual baptism, and spiritual sealing. [Acts 15:8; Galatians 3:5] Compare notes on Hebrews 2:4. These persons had likely received certain other manifestations of the Pneuma. [1 Corinthians 12:4-7]

HE6:5 [They] have tasted God’s excellent message 204 as well as the powers of the New Age to come. 205

204

Have tasted God’s excellent message: [WMS] Or, KJV: the good word of God; RHM: God’s utterance; WEY: have realized how good the word of God is; BER: have felt the ennobling word; PME: who have known the wholesome nourishment of the Word of God; TCN: learnt to appreciate the beauty of the Divine Message. Note 1 Peter 2:3. The Nazarene quoted Deuteronomy 8:3 to the Devil when he said, “Humans live not just on bread, but rather, on every utterance proceeding from the YHWH’s mouth.” [See notes on Matthew 4:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.] These are not ignorant of His Word.

205

As well as the powers of the New Age to come: Or, KJV: powers of the world to come; ASV: powers of the age to come; RHM: mighty works also of a coming age; NEB: the spiritual energies of the age to come; GDS: strong influences of the coming age; PME: touched the spiritual resources. The holy Pneuma has been mentioned so what may these “powers” be? It seems fair to conclude that these include the miracles as gifts of the spirit which may also be exercised in that future New Age. [Revelation 22:2] Also, some men have been appointed to offices of teachers and judges as elders in the Church. The Saints will one day rule and judge the world so they have already experienced something of this future heavenly privilege. [1 Corinthians 6:1-4; Revelation 5:9, 10; Daniel 7:27]

HE6:6 [So it is impossible to restore such] because they impale the Son of The God all over again for themselves 206 and as a result expose him again to public reproach. 207

206	Because they impale the Son of The God all over again for themselves: Or, KJV: seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh; WMS: continue to crucify… to their detriment; PME: recrucifying. Christ cannot die twice for such a sinner.

207

And as a result expose him again to public reproach: Or, KJV: put him to an open shame; TCN: exposing him to open contempt; BER: exposing him to public disgrace; BEC: hold him up for mockery; NEB: making mock of his death. Christ died as a condemned criminal, an enemy of the State. His death was one of reproach, a cup he preferred not to drink. By turning apostate these Christians re-impale Christ and expose him to the same publish shame once again. [See notes on Hebrews 9:28 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

HE6:7 For the ground, 208 having received and swallowed the rain many times also gives birth to green vegetation for the proper use of those who cultivated it – and thus receiving again the blessing from The God.

208

The ground: Paul gives an analogy. Soil, well watered and cultivated, is blessed by God and beneficial to the farmers. In contrast, soil, without rain and God’s blessing, produces useless fruitage and deserves to be burned up. Just so, the apostate, like cursed ground, cannot never produce godly fruitage. [Genesis 3:18] There are echoes of the Master’s parable here. [See notes on Matthew 13:3ff; Mark 4:3ff]

HE6:8 In contrast, if the ground produces thorns and thistles it is unacceptable and near cursing, resulting in a burning of the ground.

Hebrews 6:9-12 – God Will Not Forget Your Work

HE6:9 However, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you 209 – things dealing with salvation, 210 even though we are speaking the way we do. 211

209

However, beloved, we are convinced of better things concerning you: Or, KJV: but, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you; TCN: confident of better things; WEY: we… have a happier conviction; RSV: we feel sure of better things. Paul shifts from what appears to be very negative and gloomy to something positive. His Hebrews readers must have perked up with these verses.

210	Things dealing with salvation: Or, KJV: things that accompany salvation; GDS: that promise salvation. Compare notes on Jude 3 in Nazarene Commentary 2000© and the reverse.

211

Even though we are speaking the way we do: Or, KJV: though we thus speak; TCN: speak in this way; WEY: while we speak in this tone; NOR: even if we give this warning. [Compare Galatians 4:20.] We note the “we.” Paul has an associate writer, possibly he is dictating to a secretary. This may explain some stylist changes.

HE6:10 Because The God is not unjust so as to forget your work 212 and the love which you showed for His Name 213 – having served the Saints just as you continue to serve them. 214

212	God is not unjust so as to forget your work: [RSV] Or, KJV: for God is not unrighteous to forget your work; WEY: unmindful of your labour; MOF: God is not unfair; PME: he will not lose sight of all that you have done. What “work” Paul is to explain in the following phrases.

213

The love which you showed for His Name: [WMS] Or, WEY: the love which you have manifest towards Himself; MOF: shown for his sake; GDS: showed for his cause. How this love is shown for God’s Name is explained in the following phrase. It seems Paul has in mind the Divine Name, YHWH, and not that of “Jesus.” [Isaiah 26:8; Malachi 3:16]

214

Having served the Saints just as you continue to serve them: Or, KJV: in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister; WEY: rendered services; BAS: in the help which you gave; BEC: in sending help to your fellow Christians. The way they showed love for His name was their charity to their fellow associates. [Compare notes on Romans 12:13, Hebrews 10:34, Hebrews 13:2 with Matthew 25:40 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.]

HE6:11 But we wish each of you to show the same diligence 215 as you have complete conviction in the Hope until the finish. 216

215	We wish each of you to show the same diligence: [RHM] Or, WEY: to continue to manifest the same earnestness; NEB: show the same eager concern. Paul means to keep up the same charity and hospitality they have shown in the past.

216	Complete conviction in the Hope until the finish: [TCN] Or, KJV: full assurance of hope unto the end; PME: to fully grasp the hope; WEY: with a view to your enjoying fulness of hope to the very end. [Matthew 24:13; Colossians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:3; and see notes on Hebrews 3:14]

HE6:12 So that you may never become sluggish, 217 but rather be imitators of those who through conviction and patience inherit the promises. 218

217	So that you may never become sluggish: [ASV] Or, KJV: slothful; WEY: half-hearted; WMS: careless; TCN: slow to learn; BER: not grow disinterested; NEB: become lazy. See notes on Romans 12:11 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The context would still involve charity.

218

Imitators of those who through conviction and patience inherit the promises: Or, CON: follow the example; BAS: faith and their long-waiting; WMS: patient endurance; ABU: long-suffering; PME: sheer patient faith. See notes on Hebrews 10:36 and James 5:10. Also compare the ancient faithful in Hebrews chapters 11.

Hebrews 6:13-20 – God’s Oath

HE6:13 For when The God made His promise to Abraham, since He could not swear by anyone greater, 219 He swore in an oath by Himself,

219	Since He could not swear by anyone greater: This statement could not be made of the Son for he does call God “greater” at John 14:28.

HE6:14 saying, “In blessing you I will bless you 220 and in multiplying you I will multiply you.” [Genesis 22:16]

220	I will bless you: Paul quotes Genesis 22:16 and the Abrahamic covenant.

HE6:15 And so, after Abraham had demonstrated patience he finally obtained the promise. 221

221	Abraham had demonstrated patience he finally obtained the promise: Compare notes on Hebrews 11:17. The promise only comes after endurance or patience.

HE6:16 For humans swear an oath by someone greater 222 and their oath limits any contradictions and makes the oath steadfast. 223

222	Humans swear an oath by someone greater: Compare Exodus 22:11; Jeremiah 12:16. Regarding a Christian swearing in oaths see the notes on Matthew 5:33 and James 5:12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

223

Their oath limits any contradictions and makes the oath steadfast: Or, KJV: an oath for confirmation is to them an end to all strife; RHM: with them an end of all gainsaying by way of confirmation is the oath; MOF: an oath means to them a guarantee that ends any dispute. Note Jacob’s swearing by his father. [Genesis 31:53; 47:31]

HE6:17 When The God wished to demonstrate more abundantly 224 to the heirs of the promise 225 the unchangeableness of His counsel, 226 He mediated a sworn oath, 227

224	When The God wished to demonstrate more abundantly: Or, KJV: willing more abundantly to shew; MON: to show more convincingly; BER: in his extreme desire to show; PME: show beyond doubt; WMS: the strongest demonstration; TCN: with unmistakable plainness; MOF: a special proof.

225	To the heirs of the promise: Compare Galatians 3:29. Paul means the Church, the Seed of Abraham.

226

The unchangeableness of His counsel: [RHM] Or, KJV: the immutability of his counsel; WMS: unchangeable character; MOF: solid character of his purpose; GDS: his purpose was unalterable; KNX: his design was irrevocable; BAS: his purpose was fixed. See notes on James 1:17 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Malachi 3:6]

227	He mediated a sworn oath: [RHM] Or, KJV: confirmed it by an oath; ASV: interposed with an oath; BAS: made it more certain with an oath; TCN: bound himself with an oath.

HE6:18 so that by means of two unchangeable things 228 – regarding which it is impossible for God to lie 229 – we who have fled to the refuge 230 – may have strong encouragement to grab hold of the Hope set before us. 231

228	Two unchangeable things: [WEY] Or, KJV: two immutable things; MOF: two solid facts (The Promise and the Oath); GDS: two unalterable things; NEB: two irrevocable acts.

229	It is impossible for God to lie: [KJV] Or, WMS: impossible for God to prove false; GDS: to break his promise; KNX: there could be no question of God deceiving us. See notes on Titus 1:2 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29] One of the things God cannot do – lie.

230	We who have fled to the refuge: [KJV] Or, GDS: have taken refuge with him; NEB: who have claimed his protection.

231

May have strong encouragement to grab hold of the Hope set before us: [ASV] Or, KJV: strong consolation; RHM: mighty consolation; BER: mighty encouragement; RHM: grasp; MOF: seize; BER: get hold of the hope that lies ahead of us. See notes on Romans 5:4 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [Colossians 1:5] On “hope” see Hebrews 3:6; 6:11; 7:19; 10:23.

HE6:19 This [Hope] is like an anchor possessed by the soul 232 – sure and stable 233 – and enters beyond the Veil 234 [Leviticus 16:2]

232	This [Hope] is like an anchor possessed by the soul: Or, RHM: anchor of the soul; BER: this hope we anchor the soul; [1 Peter 1:3, 4]

233	Sure and stable: Or, KJV: sure and stedfast; WEY: an anchor that can neither break or drag; AMP: it cannot slip and it cannot break. Paul knew something of anchors. [Acts 27:13, 29, 30, 40]

234

And enters beyond the Veil: [KJV] Or, RHM: entering into the interior of the veil; WEY: passes in behind the veil; RSV: enters into the inner shrine behind the curtain; TCN: reaches into the sanctuary that lies behind the curtain; BER: it reaches on into the Holy of Holies; MOF: enters the inner presence behind the veil. Paul may allude to Leviticus 16:2 and will go on to discuss this in detail. [Leviticus 16:12] The “veil” or “curtain” separated the two compartments in the Tabernacle of Moses, the Holy Place and the Most Holy. See notes on Hebrews 9:2.

HE6:20 where a forerunner in our behalf, Jesus, has already entered, 235 according to the lineage of Melchizedek, 236 having become a High Priest throughout all future periods of time. 237

235

Where a forerunner in our behalf, Jesus, has already entered: [KJV] Or, MOF: Jesus entered for us in advance; BEC: where Jesus has gone for us, ahead of us; WMS: where Jesus has blazed the way for us. Paul will go on to detail what he introduces here though he has alluded to it earlier. [Hebrews 4:14] See notes on Hebrews 9:11, 24; 10:20. If Jesus is a “forerunner” in the matter of entering heaven, then the Church will follow him. [John 14:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:1]

236	According to the lineage of Melchizedek: Or, KJV: after the order of. See notes in footnote 168.

237	Having become a High Priest throughout all future periods of time: Or, KJV: for ever; RHM: age-abiding. See notes on Hebrews 5:6. [Psalm 110:4]

Review Questions on Chapter Six

Summary of Chapter Six

Paul encourages reaching for maturity and lists six fundamental teachings. He explains why it is impossible to recover those who have become apostate. However, Paul sees something more positive for the Hebrew Christians leading to salvation IF they avoid sluggishness. Paul assures his readers regarding this hope by using God’s oath to Abraham. It is impossible for God to lie so the Hope of entering beyond the Veil is so strongly assured. Jesus has already entered as a forerunner of his Church.