Hebrews 6

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:3

And this will we do, if God permit. That is, leave the rites and ceremonies of the law, which were the rudiments, or first principles of the Gospel, and go on to a more perfect knowledge of Gospel truths; and, not lay again as the foundation of the ministry, or insist upon them as if they were the main things, even the above articles of the Jewish creed, especially in the, way and manner in which they had been taught and learnt: the sense is, that the apostle and his brethren, in the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:4

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened ,.... The Syriac and Ethiopic versions render it, "baptized"; and the word is thought to be so used in Hebrews 10:32 . And indeed baptism was called very early "illumination" by the ancients, as by Justin Martyr F9 Apolog. 2. p. 94. , and Clemens Alexandrinus F11 Paedagog. l. 1. c. 6. p. 93. , because only enlightened persons were the proper subjects of it; and the word once here used seems to confirm this sense, since... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:5

And have tasted the good word of God ,.... Not the Lord Jesus Christ, the essential Word of God, who seems to be intended before by the heavenly gift; but rather, either the Scriptures of truth in general, which are the word of God, endited by him, and contain his mind and will; which he makes use of for conviction, conversion, instruction, and comfort; and which are preserved by him: and these are a good word; they come from him who is good; they are a revelation of good things; they make... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:6

If they shall fall away ,.... This is not supposed of true believers, as appears from Hebrews 6:9 nor is it to be supposed of them that they may fall totally and finally; they may indeed fall, not only into afflictions and temptations, but into sin; and from a lively and comfortable exercise of grace, and from a degree of steadfastness in the Gospel; but not irrecoverably: for they are held and secured by a threefold cord, which can never be broken; by God the Father, who has loved them... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:7

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it ,.... Here the apostle illustrates what he had before been speaking of, by a simile taken from the earth, to which men in general answer, who are of the earth; earthy and unregenerate men and carnal professors are of earthly minds; they are like the earth when it was rude and without form, and cursed by God; and are as insensible as the earth: but the earth is particularly distinguished into that which is fruitful, and which is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:8

But that which beareth thorns and briers ,.... To which wicked men answer; who are unfruitful and unprofitable, and are hurtful, pricking and grieving, by their wicked lives and conversations, by their bitter and reproachful words, and by their violent and cruel persecutions; and particularly carnal professors, and especially apostates, such as before described; for to such earth, professors of religion may be compared, who are worldly, slothful, defrauding and overreaching, carnal and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:9

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you ,.... The apostle addresses the believing Hebrews, as "beloved"; being beloved by the Lord, not as the descendants of Abraham, but as the elect of God, and so as loved with an everlasting love; and which might be known to themselves, by its being shed abroad in their hearts, and by their being called by grace, and by their love to him, and to his people: and from hence they might conclude they should not fall away, as the apostates before... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:10

For God is not unrighteous ,.... He is just and true, righteous in all his ways and works; there is no unrighteousness nor unfaithfulness in him; and this the apostle makes a reason of his strong persuasion of better things concerning the believing Hebrews; because he was well satisfied of the good work upon them, and he was assured that God was not unrighteous and unfaithful: to forget your work : which is not to be understood of any good work done by them, for these are generally... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:11

And we desire that everyone of you do show the same diligence ,.... In the constant exercise of the graces of faith and love, and in ministering to the necessities of the saints: there is a spiritual labour, diligence, and industry to be used by the saints; and former diligence is a motive to future; and is a means of attaining to full assurance, as appears by what follows; and this is to be shown for the glory of God, for the evidence of the above graces, and for an example and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 6:12

That ye be not slothful ,.... With respect to hearing the word, and attendance on every ordinance; with respect to the use of means for the increase of knowledge, faith, and hope; and with respect to ministering to the saints; but on the contrary, should take every opportunity of improvement and doing good: but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises ; or things promised; not the land of Canaan, nor the coming of the Messiah; but either grace and salvation... read more

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