Tyndale Open Study NotesHebrews 6

After starting to talk about the role of Jesus as high priest (Hebrews 5:1–10), the author addresses the audience with several encouragements (5:11–6:20). This change in the sermon or speech aimed to capture the listeners' attention.

This message addresses the spiritual laziness of the recipients.

Because the hearers' are not mature (Hebrews 5:11–14), the author encourages them to go beyond basic teachings. These six basic teachings were fundamental parts of Jewish instruction. The author may be urging them to deepen their understanding of Christ, which he explains further in 7:1–10:25.

• go on: Or let us be carried on, suggesting that God starts our growth to maturity (Philippians 2:12–13) and that it is a continuous journey.

• Repentance and faith are the fundamental commitments that introduce a person to the new covenant and form the basic stance of a Christian’s life (see Acts 20:21).

• The term baptisms (or washings) is plural, indicating it means more than just Christian baptism. In first-century Judaism, teachings about different washings were common (see Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3). The author might also refer to the cleansing rituals from the Old Testament (compare Hebrews 9:13; 10:22).

• The laying on of hands was linked to:

  • healing (Mark 5:22–23; Luke 13:13),

  • ritual blessing (Matthew 19:13, 15), r

  • eceiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17; 9:17; 19:6), and

  • recognizing a person’s ministry (Acts 6:6; 13:3).

• Resurrection of the dead: See “The Resurrection of the Dead” Theme Note.

• eternal judgment: See Revelation 20:11–15.

The author is encouraging readers to grow up, not just in understanding but in all aspects (see Hebrews 4:11; 5:14; 10:23–39; 12:1–13).

This passage is one of the most challenging in the New Testament. It warns about those who have abandoned the Christian faith. Those who have turned away from Christ and the church are like those who fell in the wilderness (Hebrews 3:15–19). Their lack of faith leads to severe judgment (compare 10:26–31).

• In Greek, the word translated impossible starts the sentence for emphasis. It means this absolutely cannot happen (see also Hebrews 6:18; 10:4; 11:6).

• They were once enlightened when they "first learned about Christ" (see 10:32 and corresponding study note).

• The good things of heaven might refer to the manna given from heaven (Exodus 16:4, 15; Psalm 78:24) as a symbol of spiritual blessings.

• who have tasted the goodness of the word of God: These people heard God's word preached (Hebrews 2:3–4; 4:1–2) and saw its impact.

• the powers of the coming age: They witnessed signs and wonders when they heard the good news (2:4; compare Exodus 7:3–4; Deuteronomy 7:19; Psalms 66:3; 77:15–20; 78:9–16; 1 Corinthians 10:1–13).

• then have fallen away: This image reminds us of the people in the wilderness who disobeyed God and perished in the desert (Hebrews 3:17; 4:11; Numbers 14:1–4, 29–30).

• to be restored to repentance: They had repented before but showed no results from it (Hebrews 6:7–8). When people reject Christ and his ultimate sacrifice, they cannot find another way to repent.

• Rejecting the Son of God is like nailing him to the cross again. Crucifixion was the worst form of rejection and shame in the Greco-Roman world. Those who turned away from Christ were like those who mocked him at the cross, denying he was the Messiah and Son of God, and instead deserving of shame (see Matthew 27:39–44).

land: Fertile land symbolizes blessing, while barren land with thorns and thistles represents a curse. Burning such a field symbolizes judgment (2 Samuel 23:4–7; Isaiah 10:17; 33:12; Ezekiel 19:12–13; Matthew 3:10).

After giving a strong warning to his hearers (Hebrews 6:4–8), the author now softens it by calling them beloved. He shows confidence in them and offers more encouragement.

• we are convinced: Skilled speakers and writers show confidence in their audience to inspire them (see Romans 15:14).

• The author believes his hearers' lives show they truly know God, including their salvation. In the New Testament, salvation mainly refers to Christ’s work on the cross (Hebrews 5:9–10; see also study note on 2:3). Hebrews highlights the completion of salvation at the end of time (9:28).

He will not forget your work: By showing love for God and his people, your actions prove your true connection with God (Romans 2:6–7; 1 Corinthians 3:13–15; James 2:14–20). God remembers (Exodus 2:24; 1 Chronicles 16:15; Psalm 106:45) and recognizes those who truly belong to him.

show this same diligence (literally show the same eager commitment): Loving other believers is a key sign of true Christian faith (James 2:15–16; 1 John 3:16–20). By being diligent and committed, they can be sure of their hope in Christ. Perseverance brings assurance of salvation.

A strong commitment (Hebrews 6:10–11) helps prevent spiritual dullness (5:11–12). By loving God and others, we follow the example of great faith leaders. The author stresses that faith and endurance are essential for God's people (see 11:4–38).

Abraham was a leading example of faith. He believed God would give him a son and was ready to sacrifice that son to obey God (Hebrews 11:17–19; Genesis 15:1–5; 22:1–14). Because of Abraham's faith, God promised to bless him and increase his descendants.

This passage highlights how we can trust God's promises. It uses an example (Hebrews 6:13–15), then explains a general rule (6:16), and finally makes the main point: God made an important promise (6:17–18). This promise gives us hope because it shows Jesus is our eternal high priest (6:19–20).

God promised to make Abraham a great nation through Isaac (Exodus 1:7).

• In human relationships, when people take an oath, it is considered binding. If oaths assure truth among humans, an oath from God should inspire even more confidence (Hebrews 6:17–19).

• someone greater than themselves: Compare with 6:13.

• God also made a promise with an oath (a solemn promise), see Hebrews 7:20–22. This oath shows that God will never change his mind because it is impossible for God to lie (see Psalm 110:4).

• We who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us, similiar to people in the Old Testament who accidentally killed someone and sought refuge (Numbers 35:9–34; Deuteronomy 4:41–43). Christ is like a city of refuge, where believers find safety from God's anger. Because of this, Christ's followers have great confidence.

• Christian hope is a reliable anchor for our souls. In the first century, an anchor symbolized stability and safety.

• behind the curtain: A curtain separated the outer room of the sanctuary, where only priests could enter, from the inner room, the Most Holy Place (Exodus 25:10–40). Only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 29; Leviticus 16:1–25). Because of Jesus and his unique role as high priest, he has already entered God’s presence for us. He serves as our eternal high priest and leads us to enter God’s presence with him (Hebrews 10:19–23).

• the order of Melchizedek: This phrase introduces the discussion in 7:1–28.