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Heb 6:1. Διὸ, wherefore) It might be thought that we should say δὲ, but: but the particle διὸ, wherefore, is better fitted to rouse. So Paul also, Rom 2:1, note.[38]-ἀφέντες, leaving) in this discussion. In other respects these heads of doctrine are not thrown away, but are taken for granted. The apostle speaks, in his own name and in the name of the other teachers, in the plural number.-τὸν λόγον, the doctrine, the word) ch. Heb 5:11 [ὁ λόγος].-τῆς ἀρχῆς τοῦ Χριστοῦ, of the principles of Christ) Three pairs of particulars (heads), which are enumerated in this and the following verse, were of that kind, that a Jew, well instructed among his countrymen out of the Old Testament, ought to have applied them for the most part to Christianity. Regarding repentance, the resurrection, and the judgment, the point is clear; for inasmuch as eternal life is only mentioned by implication among these, and expressly in the antithesis, Heb 6:5, it also agrees with the system of both testaments: as also the apostle speaks of faith toward GOD, not toward the Lord Jesus; comp. Act 11:21, note. He speaks of baptisms in the plural, of which the Jews had various kinds for the purpose of initiation; and the imposition of hands (Num 27:18; Num 27:23) was very much practised among them. Whosoever was well acquainted with these two, quickly comprehended the doctrine of Christian baptism and of the imposition of hands by the apostles; and this is the very reason why these two particulars are interwoven with other points more fundamental; namely, because the gift of the Holy Spirit corresponds to these in the antithesis, of which each refers to perfection, not to initiation. Therefore these six particulars were the principles of the oracles of God, ch. Heb 5:12; likewise the ἡ ἀρχὴ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, principles of the doctrine of Christ, viz. among those learning Christ; for Christ is often used by Paul, by Metonymy of the concrete for the abstract, for Christianity: Gal 4:19; Php 1:21, “my life, or abiding in the flesh, is Christ,” that is, is the work of Christ. Add Col 3:11, note. These particulars had been, if we may say so, the Christian Catechism of the Old Testament; and such Jews, who had begun to recognise Jesus as the Christ immediately upon the new light being brought to bear (being shed) on these fundamental heads, were accounted as having the principle of the doctrine of Christ. Perfection-i.e. the perfect doctrine concerning Christ Himself-is opposed to this beginning principle (ἡ ἀρχὴ) [Heb 6:4-5].-φερώμεθα, let us go on, or be carried forward) A word implying active exertion. He properly puts this subjunctive before the indicative, ποιήσομεν, we will do, Heb 6:3.-πάλιν, again) Again, Heb 6:6, accords with this.-θεμέλιον, foundation) A synonym of ἀρχῆς, of the beginning principle.-καταβαλλόμενοι laying) An architectural term.-μετανοίας, κ.τ.λ., of repentance, etc.) He might have said, concerning GOD and faith in Him, concerning sin and repentance; or at least, concerning repentance from dead works, concerning faith in GOD; but he forthwith says, the foundation of repentance, etc. Therefore we ought not to delay in the consideration of sin, but to begin with active repentance. Therefore we ought to connect faith with the first mention of GOD. Therefore Theology is practical.-ἀπὸ νεκρῶν ἔργων, from dead works) So ch. Heb 9:14. This term implies a loathing of sin.
[38] The illative particle, as being the stronger, absorbs the transitive partide.-ED.