Philip Dampier's Blog

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit.” The use of “for” explains why the readers must stay engaged and move on. It is essential that the readers know about what…

“And this we will do if God permits.” We are put on notice. What comes next is going to move us up the ladder of understanding. The Hebrews writer is determined that we leave the basics behind and get into some deeper knowledge. He is going to lead us out…

“…and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” Here are the rest of the elementary doctrines our author is pointing to. Baptism is a fundamental issue, and once the person has gone through the act, there is no need to…

“Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith towards God.” In this verse and the next our author list some of the elementary doctrines that should have been mastered by the…

“But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” Milk is for children, and solid food is for those who are mature. We know that from firsthand experience both as children and adults. We also…

“…for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child.” More of the same admonition. He states the obvious conclusion to his first statement. Those who live on a milk diet are not able to move beyond the most simple concepts and…

“For though by time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food.” This is quite the putdown. A shaming of sorts. Sometimes when we are off on the wrong foot, we need…

“About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” For the Jewish brethren, the idea of another priesthood other than the Levitical one was a difficult concept. The writer wants to discuss it because it is paramount to his…

“…being designated by God as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.” Jesus is the author or source of our salvation because He is a high priest. Not just any high priest but a special high priest. Jesus is not from the tribe of Levi and therefore, cannot be…

“And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” The “perfect” here doesn’t mean faultless. Jesus’ life was perfect in that sense. He was without sin or “fault.” Because of His obedience, He became fully qualified to be the savior of the world.…