Hebrews 5:12-13

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 5:10-14

Here the apostle returns to what he had in Heb. 5:6; Ps. 110:4; concerning the peculiar order of the priesthood of Christ, that is, the order of Melchisedec. And here, I. He declares he had many things which he could say to them concerning this mysterious person called Melchisedec, whose priesthood was eternal, and therefore the salvation procured thereby should be eternal also. We have a more particular account of this Melchisedec in Heb. 7:1-28. Some think the things which the apostle means,... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 5:11-14

5:11-14 The story which has been laid upon me to tell you about this matter is a long story, difficult to tell and difficult to grasp, for your ears have become dull. For, indeed, at a stage when you ought to be teachers because of the length of time that has passed since you first heard the gospel, you still need someone to tell you the simple elements of the very beginning of the message of God. You have sunk into a state when you need milk and not solid food; for when anyone is at the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 5:12

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers ,.... These Hebrews had had great advantages; they were not only descended from Abraham, and had the law of Moses, and the writings of the Old Testament, but some of them had enjoyed the ministry of Christ, and however of his apostles; and it was now about thirty years from the day of Pentecost, in which the gifts of the Holy Ghost were bestowed in such an extraordinary manner, and a large number were converted, and a church state settled among... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 5:13

For everyone that useth milk ,.... And sits down contented with the first principles of the Gospel, such as are easily taken in and digested; or makes use of the ceremonial law, as a schoolmaster to teach him the Gospel: is unskilful in the word of righteousness ; the Gospel, which is a doctrine of righteousness; not of works of righteousness done by men, and of justification by them, or of a man's own righteousness; but of the pure, perfect, and everlasting righteousness of Christ: and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 5:12

For when for the time - They had heard the Gospel for many years, and had professed to be Christians for a long time; on these accounts they might reasonably have been expected to be well instructed in Divine things, so as to be able to instruct others. Which be the first principles - Τινα τα στοιχεια· Certain first principles or elements. The word τινα is not the nominative plural, as our translators have supposed, but the accusative case, governed by διδασκειν· and therefore the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 5:13

For every one that useth milk - It is very likely that the apostle, by using this term, refers to the doctrines of the law, which were only the rudiments of religion, and were intended to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. The word of righteousness - Αογος δικαιοσυνης· The doctrine of justification. I believe this to be the apostle's meaning. He that uses milk - rests in the ceremonies and observances of the law, is unskilful in the doctrine of justification; for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 5:12

Verse 12 12.For when for the time ye ought, etc. This reproof contains in it very sharp goads to rouse the Jews from their sloth. He says that it was unreasonable and disgraceful that they should still continue in the elements, in the first rudiments of knowledge, while they ought to have been teachers. “You ought,” he says, “to have been the instructors of others, but ye are not even disciples capable of comprehending an ordinary truth; for ye do not as yet understand the first rudiments of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 5:13

Verse 13 13.For every one who uses milk, or, who partakes of milk, etc. He means those who from tenderness or weakness as yet refuse solid doctrine; for otherwise he who is grown up is not averse to milk. But he reproves here an infancy in understanding, such as constrains God even to prattle with us. He then says, that babes are not fit to receive the word of righteousness, understanding by righteousness the perfection of which he will presently speak. (93) For the Apostle does not here, as I... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 5:11-12

A special hindrance to Christian truth. We have here— I. A LARGE TOPIC . Much had to be said in the times of old concerning the scope of the priesthood. Many instructions had to be given as to various offerings and various seasons. And. not one of them was without some reference to the higher and abiding priesthood of Jesus. As the writer of the Epistle thought of all the tabernacle furniture of the holy of holies—ark, mercy-seat, lamps, table of shewbread, altar of burnt offering,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 5:11-14

A sharp reproof for ignorance. The apostle, having used the expression," after the order of Melchizedek, " remembers that his readers will not be likely to understand it without careful explanation. So he pauses in his argument to chide them for their backwardness in religious knowledge. I. THE TRUTHS OF REVELATION ARE PROFOUND AND FAR - REACHING . The story of God's love in redemption may, no doubt, be called with propriety "the simple gospel;" but, while it is... read more

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