_ this condition; it was d:a rjv 2£0,—“ by reason of a habit,” “use,” or
“practice,” they had got. And these things must be explained.
1. TéAew, as opposed to v4ri, naturally, are persons adult, grown up, come to “full age.” So our apostle makes the opposition, Eph. iv. 13, 14. He would have us come by the knowledge of God «is - dvdpa rére10v,—“to a perfect man;” that we should be no more »4ri01, “children,” tossed up and down: which things in both places are morally to be understood. As v4, therefore, are persons weak, ignorant, and unstable in spiritual things, so réAzo: are those who have their understandings enlarged, and their minds settled in the knowledge of Christ, or the mysteries of the gospel. —
TéAesog, also, without respect to vjas, taken absolutely, is “ perfect and complete,” such a one as to whom nothing is wanting. ODN, “integer,” “ rectus;” “upright,” “sincere,” “ perfect.” In that sense were they said to be “perfect” under the old testament, who were upright and sincere in their obedience. But this in general is not the perfection here intended; for it only respects an especial qualifi- cation of the mind with regard unto the truths of the gospel. This our apostle mentions, 1 Cor. iL 6, Sopiay Aarodmev ev rereioss, —“ We speak wisdom” (that is, declare the mysteries of the gospel) “among them that are perfect;” that is, such whose minds, being freed from corrupt prejudices, are enlightened by the Spirit of God, and them- selves thereby imitiated into the mysteries of Christ. And these he afterwards calls “ spiritual men,” or such as have received the Spirit of Christ, whereby we know the things that are freely given us of God, verses 12, 15.
And there are also degrees in this perfection, seeing it is not absolute. For that which is so the apostle denies to have been in himself, Phil. iii. 12. Much less is it in any of us, or attainable by us. But to “every one of us grace is given, according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” An equal measure is not designed unto all, Eph. iv. 13. Every one hath his distinct size, stature, or age, which he is to arrive unto. So every one may grow up to be a
598 AN EXPOSITION OF THE [CHAP. V.
“perfect man,” though one be taller and stronger than another. And to bring every man to perfection, according to his measure, is the design of the work of the ministry, Col. i 28. So when any grace is raised to a constant sincere exercise, it is said to be “ perfect,” 1 Johniv. 18. Wherefore the +éAcso: here, “the perfect,” or “those of full age,” are such as being instructed in the doctrine of the gospel, and using diligence in attending thereunto, have made a good pro- gress, according to their means and capacities, in the knowledge of Christ and his will.
2. Unto this sort of hearers “strong meat” doth belong; that is, it is to be provided for them and proposed unto them. This is useful for their state and condition. What is intended by this strong meat, food, or nourishment, hath been declared already.
3. The reason is subjoined whence it is that strong meat belongs unto these persons; or rather, a further description is added, whence it will appear that it doth so. They have “their senses exercised to discern good and evil.” And we must inquire,—(1.) What are the senses intended. (2.) How they are exercised. (8.) What it is to discern both good and evil.
(1.) For the first, the allusion is still continued between imfants and those that are adult. Infants have all their senses. For aictnripra are properly “sensuum organa,” the organs of the external senses. These infants have, even eyes, ears, and the like. And they have their internal sense in its principle. But they know not how to use them unto any advantage. They cannot by their taste distinguish between food which is good and wholesome, and that which is noxious or pernicious. And the senses intended are the faculties of understanding and judging spiritual things; the abilities of the mind to discern, judge, and determine coneerning them. And these, in several degrees, are really in all sorts of hearers, babes and those of full age. But,—
(2.) In those of full age these senses are yeyuuvacwéva, “ exercised.” This makes the distinction. They are not so in babes. Hence they are not ready and expedite in their acts about their proper objects. They can neither make a right judg- ment about spiritual truths, nor duly apprehend the mysteries of the gospel when proposed unto them; and that because the intellec- tual faculties of their minds are not exercised spiritually about them. And the word doth not denote an actual exercise, but that readiness, ability, and fitness for any thing, which is attained by an assiduous exercise; as a soldier who is trained is ready for his duty, or a wrestler for prizes (whence the allusion is taken) unto his strivings. Wherefore, to have our senses exercised in the way intended, is to have our understandings and minds, through constant, sedulous study, meditation, prayer, hearing of the word, and the like means
Brepee T7007.
Aicdnrnpice.
Teyvuvacutva.
VER. 12-14.] EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS. 599
of the increase of grace and knowledge, to become ready, fit, and able to receive spiritual truths, and to turn them into nourishment for our souls. For so it follows, they are thus exercised,—