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Not laying again a foundation.-- Most readers know that we translate the
words `before the foundation of the world' by `before the overthrow of the
world'. Evidence has been given of the usage of kataballo and katabole in the
LXX and the New Testament and the new rendering appears abundantly justified.
The word `laying' in Hebrews 6:1 is kataballomenoi, and has been translated by
Erhard, among others, `not demolishing'. Bloomfield's note here is:
`"Not demolishing" is forbidden by the usus loquendi, for I cannot find a
single example of the Middle form in the sense "to demolish" but only in
the sense of jacere, "to lay down", whether in literal or figurative
sense'.
While therefore leaving the new translation of Ephesians 1:4 unimpaired,
we allow this Middle form of the verb its meaning as in the A.V., `not laying
again'. Following the word `baptisms' in the Greek of verse 2 is the word `of
instruction' (doctrine) which is somewhat peculiar. We might have felt that
didache could as well be prefixed to repentance or faith. There must therefore
be some reason not quite visible on the surface, and it appears to be this.
Before a believer could be accepted for baptism and the laying on of hands, he
must have already accepted these four words of the beginning of Christ:
(1).
Repentance from dead works.
(2).
Faith toward God.
(3).
Resurrection of the dead.
(4).
Aionian judgment.
Although this explanation is not devoid of difficulties, no explanation
offered is entirely free from them, and an open mind is necessary that we may
be ready to follow the light as the Lord shall give it.
Repentance from dead works.-- Repentance is a foundation truth. In 1
Thessalonians 1:9 it is suggested in the words, `how ye turned to God from
idols'. It is manifest that it is not to be contemplated that this act of
turning or repentance was to be repeated. Turning from idols and repentance
from dead works, alike were marks of a great and vital change. To need a
repetition would indicate a most serious lapse. Similarly with the balancing
doctrine of
Faith toward God.-- In Acts 20:21 the apostle sums up his testimony in
the words:
`Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward
God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ'.
Repentance from, and faith toward, are two views of one movement, much in
the same way as `turned to God from idols' contains the negative and positive
aspects of the same action.
The Doctrine of Baptisms and of Laying on of Hands.-- This pair has
reference to ordinances and recognition in the church. It will be observed
that the word is `baptisms', not `baptism'. Reference is made again to these
`baptisms' in Hebrews 9. The context of the occurrence is a valuable
commentary upon Hebrews 6:2 and we must therefore give it. The chapter opens
with a description of the tabernacle and its furniture, going on to distinguish
between the daily service of the priests and the annual ministry of the High
Priest alone: