The concept of “milk before meat” refers to the biblical principle of spiritual growth, where new believers are first given the foundational, simpler teachings of Christianity before moving on to more complex, deeper doctrines. The phrase is derived from Hebrews 5:12-14 (NASB), where the Apostle Paul writes, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.”
Just as an infant starts with milk before being able to digest solid food, new Christians need to start with basic teachings, such as understanding who Jesus is, the significance of His sacrifice, and the basics of salvation. As they mature in their faith, they are then ready to explore more difficult theological topics, such as sanctification, the deeper meanings of scripture, and the nature of God’s sovereignty.
This principle emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity, patience, and proper discipleship. Jumping into deep or complex theological discussions too soon can overwhelm or confuse new believers. Therefore, it’s important to lay a strong foundation with “milk” before advancing to the “meat” of more advanced biblical teachings.