5:12 ought. This is a strong word, meaning “have a duty.” The Jewish Christians to whom the author was writing were still involved in legalism and in speculations about the nature of Christ. They had professed faith in Christ, but were still “babes,” needing spiritual milk (I Corinthians 3:1).

5:12 oracles of God. The “oracles of God” is a striking synonym for the Scriptures. See Romans 3:2; I Peter 4:11; Acts 7:38.