Hebrews 6:2

of the doctrine of baptisms Perhaps rather, "of ablutions" (Hebrews 9:10; Mark 7:3-4), both (1) from the use of the plural (which cannot be explained either physically of "triple immersion," or spiritually of the baptisms of "water, spirit, blood"); and (2) because baptismosis never used of Christian baptism, but only baptisma. If, as we believe, the writer of this Epistle was Apollos, he, as an original adherent "of John's baptism," might feel all the more strongly that the doctrine of "ablutions" belonged, even in its highest forms, to the elementsof Christianity. Perhaps he, like Josephus (Antt.xviii. 5, § 2), would have used the word baptismos, and not baptisma, even of John's baptism. But the word probably implies the teaching which enable Christian catechumens to discriminate beween Jewish washings and Christian baptism.

of laying on of hands For ordination (Numbers 8:10-11; Acts 6:6; Acts 13:2-3; Acts 19:6, &c.), confirmation (Acts 8:17), healings (Mark 16:18), &c. Dr Mill observes that the orderof doctrines here enumerated corresponds with the system of teaching respecting them in the Acts of the Apostles Repentance, Faith, Baptism, Confirmation, Resurrection, Judgment.

and of resurrection of the dead These topics had been severally prominent in the early Apostolic teaching (Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-21; Acts 26:20). Even the doctrine of the resurrection belonged to Judaism (Luke 20:37-38; Daniel 12:2; Acts 23:8).

and of eternal judgment The doctrine respecting that sentence (krima, "doom"), whether of the good or of the evil, which shall follow the judgment (krisis) in the future life. This was also known under the Old Covenant, Daniel 7:9-10. The surprise with which we first read this passage only arises from our not realising the Author's meaning, which is this, your Christian maturity (τελείοτης, Hebrews 6:1) demands that you should rise far above your present vacillating condition. You would have no hankering after Judaism if you understood the more advanced teaching about the Melchisedek Priesthood that is the Eternal Priesthood of Christ which I am going to set before you. It is then needless that we should dwell together on the topics which form the training of neophytes and catechumens, the elements of religious teaching which even belonged to your old position as Jews; but let us enter upon topics which belong to the instruction of Christian manhood. The verse has its value for those who think that "Gospel" teaching consists exclusively in the iteration of threadbare shibboleths. We may observe that of these six elements of catechetical instruction two are spiritual qualities repentance, faith; two are significant and symbolic acts washings and laying on of hands; two are eschatological truths resurrection and judgment.