V. 4.— For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,.... It appears from this and other parts of the Epistle that there had been a great apostasy among the Hebrews who had professed the faith of Christ, but had returned to Judaism, and their case was so hopeless that the Apostle would not occupy time by addressing himself to them. They are described as having been once enlightened. When the Lord divides the hearers of the Gospel into four classes, one class is represented as receiving the word with joy, but having no root, and therefore only enduring for a time. The same persons are described— "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.” 2 Peter 2:20-21. See also Hebrews 10:26-27. Whence it appears that a great external reformation may be produced by the Gospel, and the feelings of the hearers may be greatly excited while they are destitute of saving faith. This is the gift of God, and the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. Romans 11:29.There may, however, be a temporary impression made by the Gospel, whence some are described as believing for a time, Luke 8:13; which is explained in next clause, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost. This refers to the miraculous gifts conferred by the laying on of the Apostle’ s hands. Men thus receiving the Holy Ghost did not imply that they were truly converted. Hence our Lord says: " Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” Matthew 7:22. And the Apostle supposes the case of men possessing a faith by which they might remove mountains, 1 Corinthians 13:2, while destitute of love, and therefore ignorant of God. 1 John 4:8.