The First Century Two Ways Catechesis and Hebrews 6:1–6 Matthew Larsen and Michael Svigel 1. Introduction hree ambiguities within Heb 6:4–6 have led many interpreters astray. First, the text seems to describe actual members of the Christian com- munity, not pretenders (6:4–5). Second, it seems to speak of a true fall- ing away (6:6). And third, it warns of the real impossibility of repentance ater the apostasy (6:4, 6). hese three obstacles have proved nettlesome for interpreters throughout the reception history of this text. Perhaps as early as the Shepherd of Hermas (Mand. 4.3.1–7), the belief that Chris- tians could not repent of certain sins—based partly on Heb 6:4–6—has vexed many readers. 1 What does all this have to do with the Didache? In this chapter, we ask what happens when we read Heb 6:1–6 in conjunction with the Didache. While arguing for an analogical, not genealogical, relationship between the Didache and Hebrews, we will place the Didache alongside Hebrews in order to ofer a new reading that we believe will lead to a better inter- pretation of Hebrews. We will suggest that the irst-century Two Ways catechetical pattern presents an intriguing historical context for Heb 6:1–6, demonstrated through compelling conceptual parallels between the Didache and Heb 6:1–2. Consequently, in our reading, παραπίπτω in Heb 6:6 does not refer to irreversible apostasy, but to a failure to advance on the way of life from the level of catechumen to teacher (5:12–14). 1. See Carolyn Osiek, he Shepherd of Hermas: A Commentary, Hermeneia (Phil- adelphia: Fortress, 1999), 29, 114–15. -477- 19.Didache.indd 477 3/2/15 12:10 PM