Verse 2. I have fed you with milk. Paul here continues the metaphor, which is derived from the custom of feeding infants with the lightest food, Milk here evidently denotes the more simple and elementary doctrines of Christianity -- the doctrines of the new birth, of repentance, faith, etc. The same figure occurs in Heb 5:11-14; and also in classical writers. See Wetstein.

And not with meat. Meat here denotes the more sublime and mysterious doctrines of religion.

For hitherto. Formerly, when I came among you, and laid the foundations of the church.

Not able to bear it. You were not sufficiently advanced in Christian knowledge to comprehend the higher mysteries of the gospel.

Neither yet now, etc. The reason why they were not then able he proceeds immediately to state.

{a} "hitherto" Joh 16:12