The writer, having asserted in 5:10 that Christ is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek, we would have expected him to explain immediately what he meant by that, but instead he digresses to tell them how difficult this doctrine is and to warn them of their spiritual dullness which made it difficult for him to teach them.

A. Some doctrines are difficult (see also 2 Peter 3:16)

1. This should make us more careful how we speak about the Bible.
2. This should keep us humble (see Romans 11:33–36).
3. This should make us more patient with Bible loving believers who do not agree with us on every doctrine.
4. This should encourage preachers to be wise how they teach those who are not used to solid food (1 Corinthians 3:2).

B. Some Christians are dull (slow, sluggish in hearing)

1. That made it even harder for these people to be taught (v11). They hadn't always been like that — 'You have become...'
2. It also meant that they were unable to help others to a better understanding of the faith (v12).
3. Even worse, this sluggish hearing made them go backwards and forget some of the elementary things they had learned (v12).

The writer lists the basic elementary truths which they were in danger of forgetting (6:1–3):

• Repentance
• Faith in God
• Teaching about washings (how to be cleansed from sin)
• The laying on of hands — a symbol of our need of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:4, Acts 19:6)
• The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment

4. They were still like babies having to be fed with milk (v12–13).
5. They were in trouble with the teaching about righteousness (v13).
6. They lacked discernment (v14).

C. This teacher was discreet — how did he treat these dull disciples? (6:1)

1. He didn't write them off.
2. He appeals to them to advance from the baby stage and to become mature believers.