Hebrews 6:2

Baptisms. Gr. baptismoi (sing, baptimos). This is not the usual word for Christian baptism, which is baptisma (cf. on Matt. 3:6). Baptismos occurs only here and in Mark 7:4, 8; Heb. 9:10. Important textual evidence may also be cited (cf. p. 10) for its reading in Col. 2:12. In Mark 7:4, 8; Heb. 9:10, the word has reference to the many acts of purification in the Jewish ritual. This, however, could not be its primary meaning here, since the regulations concerning these washings would not be considered a fundamental doctrine of Christianity. It is possible, however, that the author is thinking of Christian baptism but is employing the term baptismoi as representing the rite in its most elemental aspects.

Some see in baptismoi a reference to the two baptisms in the Christians church, baptism by water and baptism by the Spirit. Concerning the two John the Baptist said, “I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Mark 1:8). After His resurrection Jesus said, “John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence” (Acts 1:5; cf. John 3:5; Acts 11:16; 1 Cor. 12:13). However, if these two forms of Christian baptism were primarily in the author’s mind we would expect him to use the form baptismata instead of baptismoi, especially since the latter term occurs later in the epistle with a clear reference to ceremonial washings (Heb. 9:10). Therefore the explanation that regards baptismoi as representing Christian baptism in its most elemental aspects seems preferable.

Laying on of hands. This is the fourth of the fundamental doctrines being presented. The gesture of laying on of hands on OT times signified the transference of blessing and office (see Gen 48:9-14; Num. 8:10, 11, Deut. 34:9). In the NT the same custom was followed. Particularly significant was the apostles’ laying on of hands following baptism, an act by which believers received the Holy Spirit (see Acts 8:17, 18; 19:6). Since the author has immediately before mentioned “baptisms,” he probably had this particular function in mind. For the gesture in ordination see Acts 6:6; 1 Tim. 4:14.

Resurrection of the dead. For the importance of this doctrine see on 1 Cor. 15.

Eternal judgment. The doctrine of the judgment occupies a prominent place in both the OT (cf. Ps. 9:3-8, 15, 16; Dan. 7:9, 10; cf. Jude 14, 15), and the NT (see Matt. 12:41, 42; 25:31-46; Luke 11:31, 32; 2 Cor. 5:10). It should be noted that with these six principles Jewish Christians would have no difficulty, for these are all set forth in the OT. The danger confronting these Christians lay in contentment with what they had brought over from Judaism and a reluctance to accept wholeheartedly the tenets of Christianity.