Be not carried about with divers and strange
doctrines
The word "divers" may denote the variety and multitude of other
doctrines; referring either to the various rites and ceremonies
of the law, or to the traditions of the elders, or to the several
doctrines of men, whether Jews or Gentiles; whereas the doctrine
of the Scriptures, of Christ, and his apostles, is but one; it is
uniform, and all of a piece; and so may likewise denote the
disagreement of other doctrines with the perfections of God, the
person and offices of Christ, the Scriptures of truth, the
analogy of faith, and even with themselves: and "strange"
doctrines may design such as were never taught by God, nor are
agreeable to the voice of Christ, nor to be found in the word of
God; and which are new, and unheard of, by the apostles and
churches of Christ; and appear in a foreign dress and habit:
wherefore the apostle exhorts the believing Hebrews not to be
"carried about with them"; as light clouds and meteors in the
air, by every wind: for so to be, is to be like children; and
discovers great ignorance, credulity, levity, inconstancy,
uncertainty, fluctuation, and inconsistency:
for it is a good thing that the heart be established with
grace;
with the doctrine of grace, which is food for faith, and does not
leave men at uncertainties about things; but establishes the
heart, with respect to the love and favour of God, and builds
souls upon the foundation, Christ; so that they are not at a loss
about the expiation of sin, justification, and salvation; but
firmly look for, and expect eternal happiness by Christ, and
rejoice in hope of the glory of God:
not with meats;
referring to the distinction of meats among the Jews; or the
sacrifices ate both by the priests and by the people; or the
whole ceremonial law which stood in divers meats and drinks:
which have not profited them that have been occupied
therein;
they were only profitable to the body; and could be of no other
use to the soul, when they were in force, than as they led to
Christ, and were regarded by believers; for they were of no
advantage to hypocrites and carnal men; they could not sanctify,
nor justify, nor cheer the spirits, nor establish the heart; and
are of no manner of service at all, since the death of Christ,
whereby the whole ceremonial law is abolished.