Growth in Grace and Knowledge.
I. The comparison between a newly-converted man and a babe is, like all comparisons, imperfect. For, in one sense, a Christian is born by the Holy Ghost full-grown, as Adam came into the world a perfect man. The babe in Christ learns very easily and very rapidly. He delights in the Word; he is humble and tender; he does not resist truths which condemn the flesh and correct our waywardness; he is unworldly, heavenly-minded, and nine-tenths of the Bible become clear when we are willing to deny ourselves, and take our cross and follow Jesus.
II. It is not that there is a higher truth or life for the older Christians. There are no doctrines more profound than those which are preached when Christ's salvation is declared, and to which they who are more advanced are admitted, as to an esoteric wisdom. All our progress consists in learning more fully the doctrine which at first is preached unto us. The strong meat, the doctrine of Christ's high priesthood in Heaven, is also milk, pure and nourishing, simple, and only received by the childlike heart; whereas pride and ambition often call speculative and unprofitable discussions strong meat, though they are of no use to the spiritual man, but minister only unto strife and the exaltation of the flesh.
III. The Christians were to show (1) repentance from dead works and faith towards God. (2) The doctrine of baptism and of the laying on of hands is given. (3) Intimately connected is the doctrine of resurrection and eternal judgment. The germ of all truth is contained in these elementary doctrines. There is a simplicity which is the result of full and profound knowledge, of varied experience and conflict; a simplicity which is the indication of abundance and depth, which is the result of meditation, prayerfulness, and a humble walk with God.
A. Saphir, Lectures on Hebrews,vol. i., p. 278.
References: Hebrews 5:12-14. H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. iii., p. 282.Hebrews 5:14. Spurgeon, Sermons,vol. ix., p. 506; H. W. Beecher, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xii., p. 301.Hebrews 5:11-14. Homilist,2nd series, vol. iv., p. 515.