Verse 4
The writer could describe Christians fairly as those who were once "enlightened" (cf. Hebrews 10:32; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6). The "heavenly gift" of which they have "tasted" (cf. Hebrews 2:9) at conversion seems to refer to salvation (cf. John 4:10; Romans 6:23; James 1:17-18). Any attempt to interpret tasting as only partial appropriation (i.e., the idea that they tasted it but did not swallow it) is not credible. [Note: E.g., John MacArthur, Hebrews, p. 143.]
"This is not to explain Scripture, [but] to explain it away in favour of some preconceived doctrine." [Note: F. W. Farrar, The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Hebrews, p. 82.]
Elsewhere the same Greek word refers to complete appropriation (e.g., Jesus Christ tasted death for everyone, Hebrews 2:9; cf. 1 Peter 2:1-3). This is an Old Testament usage as well (cf. Psalms 34:8). [Note: Guthrie, p. 141.] Christians become "partakers" (cf. Hebrews 1:9, "companions"; and Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 3:14, "partakers") of the Holy Spirit through Spirit baptism.
Be the first to react on this!
