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of kataballo and katabole in the LXX and the N.T. and the new rendering appears
abundantly justified. The word "laying" in Heb. 6: 1 is kataballesthai, and has been
translated by Erhard, among others, "not demolishing". Bloomfield's note 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 a literal or figurative sense."
While therefore leaving the new translation of Eph. 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 verse 2 is the word "of instruction" which is somewhat peculiar. We
might have felt that didache could as well 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 so 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
I Thess. 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
Heb. 9: The context of the occurrence is a valuable commentary upon Heb. 6: 2 and
we must therefore give it. The chapter opens with a description of the tabernacle and its