apostasy. The issue is not simply an unwillingness to progress to a higher stage of understanding the Christian message, but an unwillingness to work out its deeper implications and respond appropriately.1 12. Evidence that the audience has become reluctant to listen is now given (kai gar, ‘for indeed’ [NIV, In fact]). Sufficient time has passed since they became Christians for them to be teaching others (by this time you ought to be teachers). Elsewhere in the New Testament, teachers are identified