SINCERE MILK How to study the Bible for new Christians: Basic Bible study tips for beginners

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I fed you milk, not solid food, because you were unable to take it. Indeed, you are still not able, even now,

Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, Desire the sincere milk.--The word for "desire" here is a strong word-- get an appetite for it. Bengel is perhaps right when he says on "newborn babes," "It is their only occupation, so strong is their desire for it." St. Peter here again seems to lend a thought to the writer to the Hebrews ( Hebrews 5:12-14). In both places Jewish Christians are beginning to rebel against the Gospel instructions, and in both places they are warned that they have not yet outgrown the need of the very simplest elements of the Gospel. The epithet "sincere" should have been rendered guileless, as it contains a contrast with "guile" in the verse before; perhaps the intention of the epithet may be to rebuke the attempt to deal deceitfully with the Old Testament Scriptures after the example of the Septuagint passage quoted above.Don't get carried away with the minor details, rather make sure to pay closest attention to the great things [Hosea 8:12]. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(2) As newborn babes.--The word "newborn" is, of course, newly, lately born, not born anew, although the birth meant is the new birth of 1Peter 1:23. They are said to be still but newborn because they are still so far from maturity in Christ, as these sins testified. The metaphor is said to be not uncommon in Rabbinical writers to denote proselytes. St. Peter would, therefore, be describing Jews who had newly received the word of God, as proselytes of the new Israel. "As" means "in keeping with your character of." (Comp. 1Peter 1:14.)

Pursuing spiritual nourishment is an ongoing process, and it’s important to embrace a love for learning and studying the scriptures. Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation— Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. Seeking spiritual growth, let’s turn our attention to Mary of Bethany, as described in Luke 10:39. Mary was a devoted follower of Jesus and a sister to Martha and Lazarus.I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for solid food. In fact, you are still not ready, NLT: You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. Cry out for this nourishment as a baby cries for milk, Timothy’s example teaches us that regularly studying and meditating on the Scriptures is crucial for our spiritual growth. The sincere milk of the Word should be sought after and cherished throughout our lives. with milk I fed you, and not with meat, for you were not yet able, but not even yet are you now able,

These instructions are not mere words--they are your life! ( Comment: How important in the success of Israel was the pure milk of the Word and obedience to that Word?) As a learned man, Apollos was eager to dedicate his time and energy to learning more about the word of God. He did not shy away from sharing the gospel with others. Embrace a love for learning and studying the scriptures, seeking to understand God’s truth and apply it to your life. Matthew Henry on newborn babes - He puts them in mind of their regeneration. A new life requires suitable food. They, being newly born, must desire the milk of the word. Infants desire common milk, and their desires towards it are fervent and frequent, arising from an impatient sense of hunger, and accompanied with the best endeavors of which the infant is capable. Strong's 3050: (a) reasonable, rational, (b) metaphorical, as contrasted with the literal. From logos; rational.The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple… Keep in mind that pursuing spiritual nourishment is an ongoing process, and just as Paul devoted himself to sharing and teaching the truth found in God’s Word, you should also strive to continually deepen your understanding and application of scripture in your own life. Apollos (Acts 18:24-26)