“For it is impossible
for those who were once enlightened.” He did not say that it is difficult,
unprofitable, or improper, but impossible, so as to cast them into despair of
hoping for a second cleansing.
“Having tasted the gift.” The forgiveness of sins, which is in
baptism; for this is a heavenly gift. For no one can give such things
except one, God.
“and having become partakers of the Holy Spirit.” After the forgiveness
of sins, then comes the partaking of the Holy Spirit, for He does not dwell in
a body burdened with sins; But the laying on of hands, as he says above (Heb.
6:2).
“and having tasted the good words of God.” The teaching
concerning the mind of Christ. (Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews By
Oecumenius, also known as The Pseudo-Oecumenian Catena on Hebrews [trans. John
Litteral; 2025], 74)
