Foundations

“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity...” What exactly is the writer of Hebrews calling us to here? Is he suggesting that we should figure out the gospel and then leave it behind to focus on more important things, and in this way graduate out of the biblical kiddy pool? No. The author is calling us to go deeper and higher in the wonders of Christ, without the constant need to recheck the foundation. He is calling us to settle the gospel once and for all, so that we might begin to eternally explore its glory. There are two ways the author makes this clear to us. First, note how he speaks of these basic biblical principles as a foundation . This is an important word. The writer is not saying we ought to leave the basics because we no longer have any need of them. He is saying that a builder who is constantly tearing up and relaying the foundation will never actually build anything! Thus he is calling us to settle that foundation—solid and sure in Scripture—that we can indeed build our life and joy and eternity upon it. Secondly, it is clear that the author is not telling us to forget the gospel in this call to maturity because the entire book of Hebrews is all about who Jesus is and what he has done. It is about him being greater than all and the object of our faith. In other words, it is entirely about the gospel—with ample solid food for the mature to enjoy.

notes

Main point summary

Let us not call into doubt and reevaluate the foundational teachings of Christ, but building upon them let us—Lord willing—press on to know the glories of Jesus more.

Arc

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

esv

na28

About this we have much to say,

Περὶ οὗ πολὺς ἡμῖν ὁ λόγος

and it is c hard to explain,

καὶ δυσερμήνευτος λέγειν,

series

since you have become dull of hearing.

ἐπεὶ νωθροὶ γεγόνατε ταῖς ἀκοαῖς.

For though by this time you ought to be teachers,

καὶ γὰρ ὀφείλοντες εἶναι διδάσκαλοι διὰ τὸν χρόνον,

you need someone to teach you again d the basic principles of the oracles of God.

πάλιν χρείαν ἔχετε τοῦ διδάσκειν ὑμᾶς τινὰ τὰ στοιχεῖα τῆς ἀρχῆς τῶν λογίων τοῦ θεοῦ

concessive

You need e milk, not solid food,

καὶ γεγόνατε χρείαν ἔχοντες γάλακτος [καὶ] οὐ στερεᾶς τροφῆς.

for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness,

πᾶς γὰρ ὁ μετέχων γάλακτος ἄπειρος λόγου δικαιοσύνης,

since he is f a child.

νήπιος γάρ ἐστιν•

ground

But solid food is for g the mature,

τελείων δέ ἐστιν ἡ στερεὰ τροφή,

for those who have their powers h of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

τῶν διὰ τὴν ἕξιν τὰ αἰσθητήρια γεγυμνασμένα ἐχόντων πρὸς διάκρισιν καλοῦ τε καὶ κακοῦ.

ideaexplanation

alternative

Therefore i let us leave j the elementary doctrine of Christ

Διὸ ἀφέντες τὸν τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ λόγον

and go on to maturity,

ἐπὶ τὴν τελειότητα φερώμεθα,

actionmanner

not laying again a foundation

μὴ πάλιν θεμέλιον καταβαλλόμενοι

of repentance k from dead works

μετανοίας ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων

and of faith toward God,

καὶ πίστεως ἐπὶ θεόν,

and of l instruction about washings, 1

βαπτισμῶν διδαχῆς

m the laying on of hands,

ἐπιθέσεώς τε χειρῶν,

n the resurrection of the dead,

ἀναστάσεώς τε νεκρῶν

and o eternal judgment.

καὶ κρίματος αἰωνίου.

negativepositive

And this we will do

καὶ τοῦτο ποιήσομεν,

p if God permits.

ἐάνπερ ἐπιτρέπῃ ὁ θεός.

conditional

inference

na28

discourse

Comments

About Biblearc · Online courses · Report abuse

Disclaimer: The opinions and conclusions expressed on this page are those of the author and may or may not accord with the positions of Biblearc or Bethlehem College & Seminary.

Biblearc app Path Courses Courses Learning Resources Login / Free Account Subscription
Glories Authors Groups Donate Gift certificates Ownership, thanks, copyrights and terms