What is the meaning of Hebrews 5:12? Although by this time you ought to be teachers - Time with Christ is meant to translate into usefulness for Christ. After hearing the gospel, experiencing salvation, and sitting under sound instruction, believers are expected to move from learners to disciple-makers (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2). - Teaching is not reserved for an elite few; it is the natural outflow of spiritual growth. As the Spirit illuminates truth, we share it with the next person in line (Ephesians 4:11-13). - This verse confronts spiritual stagnation: “We have much to say… but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing” (Hebrews 5:11). A dulled ear keeps a believer from becoming the teacher God intends. - While James 3:1 reminds us that teachers incur stricter judgment, the writer of Hebrews still insists we reach the point where we can handle that responsibility. You need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word - The “basic principles” (literally “elementary truths”) include repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment—topics the author will name in Hebrews 6:1-2. - Instead of pressing forward, these believers need the ABCs repeated. Paul warned the Galatians about reverting to “weak and worthless principles” (Galatians 4:9). - Reteaching basics is necessary for newborn believers; it is a sign of arrested development when required by long-time Christians. Peter’s call to “crave pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2) is a beginning point, not a lifelong plateau. - Colossians 2:6-7 urges us to be “rooted and built up in Him.” Roots are unseen but essential; yet trees are expected to grow above the ground as well. You need milk, not solid food! - Milk represents foundational doctrine: salvation by grace, assurance, simple obedience. Solid food covers richer themes like Christ’s high-priestly ministry (Hebrews 5:10), God’s sovereign purposes, and discerning good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). - Paul gave the same rebuke to Corinth: “I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet able to receive it” (1 Corinthians 3:2). - Spiritual infancy is acceptable when one is newly born; it is tragic when it persists. “Brothers, stop thinking like children… be mature” (1 Corinthians 14:20). - Isaiah 28:9-10 pictures God teaching “order on order, line on line.” The lesson advances only when the pupil is ready; otherwise, He repeats the basics. - Signs you are ready for solid food: - Ears trained to listen (Hebrews 5:11). - Senses trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). - A desire not merely to receive but to serve (John 13:17). summary Hebrews 5:12 confronts believers who should be teaching but still need to be taught. Scripture expects growth: time plus truth should equal maturity. If we find ourselves repeatedly circling the elementary truths, we must admit the problem, rekindle our appetite for God’s Word, put into practice what we already know, and step forward to disciple others. Solid food awaits every believer who is willing to move beyond milk and pursue full-grown Christlikeness. |
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