PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Category: Translations

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 3:13–17 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Baptism of Our Lord (Wednesday of the First Sunday after Epiphany), Matthew 3:13–17, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    III. The history of the Baptism of Christ. (v. 13–17)

    Annotated Text

    13. At that time came Jesus from Galilee (from Nazareth, where He had been reared by His parents, Luke 2:51) to the Jordan to John (He did not send for Him and demand him to come to Him as His servant, but rather went Himself to him), that He might allow Himself to be baptized by him. (For although Christ had no need of baptism for His own person because He was altogether without sin [Hebrews 4:15], yet because He had laid upon Himself our sin, John 1:29, He also wanted for our sake to allow Himself to be baptized in order to drown our sin in the Jordan, indeed, to cast it into the depth of the sea, Micah 7:19, and sanctify the Jordan and all waters through contact with His holy and life-giving flesh for our saving baptism. )

    (Mark 1:9; Luke 3:21)

    14. But John opposed Him (He by no means wanted to allow it) and said, “I indeed need to be baptized (and washed of sin through Your blood and Your Holy Spirit) by You (as the lesser by the greater), and you come to me (that I should baptize You, when you are the Lord, the Creator, the Holy One, and Righteous One, but I am the servant, the creature, the sinner, and the unrighteous one)?

    15. But Jesus answered and said to him, “Let it thus be (in the present estate of my humiliation) now (that I be baptized by you); in this way it befits us to fulfill all righteousness (it befits Me, as the ordained Mediator, that I not only acquire and bring back again the lost perfect righteousness to the human race through My suffering and death, Daniel 9:24, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 2 Corinthians 5:21, but also that I sanctify the means ordained by God through which that same righteousness is offered to men and is appropriated to faith, among which is also the Sacrament of Holy Baptism; therefore, it befits Me to accept baptism, but you to impart it to Me.1 Luther: “All righteousness is fulfilled when we renounced all our righteousness and honor so that God only is regarded as the One who is righteous and who makes believers righteous. John does this when He lays aside His own righteousness and wants to be baptized and justified by Christ as a sinner. Christ also does this when He does not take up His own righteousness and honor, but rather allows Himself to be baptized and put to death, as any other sinner”).” Then he allowed it to Him (then John obeyed Christ so that he baptized Him).

    (Matthew 5:17; Galatians 4:4; Philippians 2:8)

    1 † The baptism of Christ was a part of His mediatorial office, according to which He also voluntarily submitted Himself to this will of His Father according to Zechariah 6:13, and thereby He presented a new pledge of His further, not yet carried out, perfect obedience; consequently, He brought about for us men all the gracious good pleasure of God, in particular the divine power of the ordained means of grace, above all, Holy Baptism, Psalm 40:9.

    16. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water (for at Christ’s baptism such admonition and teaching were not necessary which John was accustomed to use with other baptizands); and behold, then the heaven opened up over Him (it was seen that the heaven parted over Christ, and a bright luminous beam descended from heaven upon Christ to indicate that He is a Teacher from God who has come down from heaven, John 3:2, who through His mediatorial office would open heaven, Ephesians 1:10, and that the door of heaven is also opened to us through Holy Baptism, 1 Peter 3:21). And John saw (in this light) the Spirit of God (the Holy Spirit, the third person in the Godhead), as a dove (in bodily form as a dove, which is not a natural dove and also is not the mere external form of a dove, but rather a special creature of the Holy Spirit like a dove),1 descending and upon Him (Christ) coming (and also remaining upon Him, not as if Christ previously had previously not been partaking of the Holy Spirit; but rather, through this external descent, the inward dwelling of the Holy Spirit was indicated, that He received the Spirit not according to measure, but rather in the highest fullness, John 3:34, and that He is the one who baptized with the Holy Spirit, John 1:33).

    (Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32)

    1 * And thus, this description is not to be understood only as a likeness to a gradually falling cloud.

    17. And behold, a (distinguished, clear, and majestic) * voice (God the Father) from heaven spoke down (allowed itself to be heard from the same light), “This is My beloved Son, (whom I have begotten from eternity from My own essence according to His divinity, Psalm 2:7, and whom I now present to the entire world, especially to My people Israel, as their Savior in a personally assumed human nature and in the freely undertaken form a servant [Philippians 2:7])1 in whom I have good pleasure (through whom I will fulfill My gracious will of redemption of the human race, and in whom, My beloved Son, I will love all who believe in Him, Ephesians 1:6).”

    * Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11, 9:7 (Matthew 12:18; 1 Peter 1:17; Colossians 1:13; Isaiah 42:1)

    1 † For there is no doubt that all this happened publicly and before many people who were present.

    Useful Applications

    III. DOCTRINE: Concerning the highly praised Holy Trinity, which is revealed here publicly: God the Father through the voice from heaven, God the Son in His assumed humanity, according to which He received baptism, and of which the Father said, “This is My beloved Son, etc.,” and God the Holy Spirit in the visible form of a dove. (v. 16–17) COMFORT: O blessed water-bath which the Son of God has sanctified in Himself! (v. 15ff.) COMFORT: Yet, even more comforting is this, that the Father also assures us of His good pleasure in Him. (v. 17)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Romans 12:1–6a from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the First Sunday after Epiphany, Luke 2:41–52, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. A report, how Christians ought to give themselves entirely to God the Lord, live according to this commandment, and keep themselves from the godless world. (v.1–2)

    II. Some rules concerning various good works which one chiefly ought to pay heed to in private matters toward one another. (v. 3–21)

    Annotated Text

    1. I admonish you,1 (you my) beloved brothers, through the mercy of God (which He has shown you in His Son Christ Jesus, the only Savior and Mediator), that you (as spiritual priests) * that you give (present) your bodies (and souls) as a sacrifice that is living (not taken from slaughtered animals, but rather made alive through the Holy Spirit), holy (sanctified through Christ’s blood) and pleasing to God (through faith), which (sacrifice) is your rational (arranged according to the Word of God, and grounded upon the many benefits previously adduced) worship (such a worship, which is moved from a heart enlightened and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and not consisting in external Levitical ceremonies, but rather is carried out in the Spirit and in truth, John 4:23. Luther: “St. Paul here calls all sacrifices, works, and worship irrational when they happen without faith and the knowledge of God”).

    1 Greek: “Therefore” (or “according to such”) [οὖν]. This is a little word of conclusion whereby Paul derives special Christian duties from the doctrine of justification by faith as he did in general in Romans 6:1ff; cf. 2 Corinthians 6:1ff.

    * Romans 6:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (1 Peter 2:5)

    2. And do not conform yourselves to this world (do not be minded as the children of the world who only strive after how they may please men and at the same time place God’s favor away from their eyes), but rather be changed * through the renewal of your mind (put on a different mind than the children of the world have; give room and place to the Holy Spirit that He may renew your understanding and heart more and more through the renewal of the Divine image), that you may prove (recognize and learn) † that which is the good, the pleasing, and the perfect will of God (as He has revealed it to us in His Word, according to which your spiritual sacrifices offered in Christ to God are pleasing to Him).

    * Ephesians 4:23

    † Ephesians 5:10, 17 (1 John 2:15; Philippians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Wisdom 9:10)

    3. For I say through the grace which has been given to me (as an apostle of Christ), to each among you, that no one ought to consider himself more than is fit for him to consider (that no one think of himself too highly out from pride); but rather that he consider himself with moderation (remain within his limits, and not ascribe to himself to much, nor entangle himself in things too high), each, according to * God has divided the measure of faith (according to as God has distributed to each His saving knowledge and His gifts).

    * 1 Corinthians 7:17, 12:11; Ephesians 4:7

    4. For in like manner, as we have many members in * one body, but not all members have one business (or performance);

    * 1 Corinthians 12:2; Ephesians 4:25

    5. in this way we who are many are * one body in Christ (who is the Head in this spiritual body); but among one another (under this Head) is one (a true believer) a member of the other.

    * 1 Corinthians 12:27 (1 Corinthians 10:17)

    6. And * has various gifts (gifts of grace, in particular the ability to serve others) according to the grace (gracious distribution, Ephesians 4:7ff.), which has been given to us.

    * 1 Corinthians 12:4 (1 Peter 4:10)

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That we ought to give ourselves entirely to God, with our body and soul, as a living, holy, and pleasing sacrifice, through the rejection of the godless world and through the renewal of the Holy Spirit. (v. 1–2) [There are no applications for v. 3–6.]

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Luke 2:41–52 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the First Sunday after Epiphany, Luke 2:41–52, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    IV. The disputation of the twelve-year-old boy Jesus with the teachers in the temple. (v. 42–52)

    Annotated Text

    41. And His parents went every year to Jerusalem for the * Passover (to celebrate it according to God’s ordinance).

    * Exodus 34:23; Deuteronomy 16:16 (Exodus 23:15, 17)

    42. And when He (the Lord Christ) was twelve-years-old (at which time the children were gradually encouraged unto the public observance of the Law), they (the parents with their child Jesus) went up to Jerusalem, according to the custom of the feast.

    43. And when the days (appointed for the celebration of the Passover, namely the seven days of unleavened bread, Exodus 34:18) were completed,1 and they returned to the house, the child Jesus remained at Jerusalem, and His parents2 did not know (that He had remained behind).

    1 Greek: “But when they had gone up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast and had fully kept these (feast) days.” [Read this verse continuously from v. 42]

    2 Greek: “Joseph and His mother” (So it is also to be understood in v. 41)

    44. But they supposed (when they missed the Child that) He was among the companions (who had gone up with them from Nazareth in great numbers and were still behind), and they went (they returned [toward Nazareth]) a day’s journey (far), and they sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances.

    45. And when they did not find Him, they went back to Jerusalem and sought Him.

    46. And it came to pass after three days, they found Him in the temple (in an auxiliary building in the temple, in which there was a school) sitting among the midst of the teachers so that He could hear them (as they explained God’s Word) and asking them questions (not because He had need of their instruction, but rather that He might have an opportunity to instruct them).

    47. And * all of those who heard Him, were astonished at His understanding and His answers1 (over His highly-informed answer, over the wisdom that was seen in His answer).

    * Matthew 7:28; Mark 1:22 (John 7:15)

    2 Greek: “the answers (He gave)”

    48. And when they (His parents) saw Him, they were appalled (they marveled to the highest degree over it, what this meant that such a Child should have dared to presume to speak with all the most learned men about such high and important matters). And His mother said to Him, “My Son, * why have you done this to us (that you have made so much care and anxiety for us with Your remaining behind)? Behold, Your Father and I have sought you with pains.”

    * Genesis 12:18

    49. And He said to them, “Why have you sought me (what need was there of the seeking)? Do you not know that I must be in that which is My Father’s? (that I must wait for that which My heavenly Father has laid upon Me?)”

    (John 4:34, 17:4)

    50. And they did not understand the word that He spoke with them.

    51. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was submissive to them (He did what His father and mother asked Him, and what He could do to please them). And His mother * kept all these words in her heart.

    * Luke 2:19; Genesis 37:11

    52. And Jesus * increased in wisdom,1 age (stature, height, and size), and grace with God and men (he was a child dear, sweet, and pleasant child to everyone, which thus happened through God’s special grace).

    * 1 Samuel 2:26 (Acts 7:20)

    1 † This is to be understood of the human nature in the state of His humiliation, to which also His age belonged.

    Useful Applications

    IV. CORRECTION: Because Christ, the Son of God Himself, was obedient and submissive to His mother and foster father, much more should all other children of men be obedient and submissive to their parents. (v. 51) DOCTRINE: Catechesis is a work sanctified by Christ Himself and is the highest edifying work. (v. 46–47) CORRECTION: Christ’s love for the temple also shows where one ought to fondly go and keep the children. (v. 42, 49ff.)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 60:1–6 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading of the Epiphany of Our Lord, Isaiah 60:1–6, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. The introduction and content. (v. 1)

    II. Explanation in what great multitude and how hastily the Gentiles will shall come to the knowledge of the true God (v. 2–16)

    Annotated Text

    1. Arise * (hereby the Lord encourages the almost-despairing Jewish Church through the prophet, that she should look around herself freshly and joyfully at the time of Christ, according to the great benefits that Christ brings to her with His coming), become light; * for † your Light1 (the saving knowledge of God in Christ) comes,2 and the glory of the Lord (of Christ who is little known and esteemed) rises over you (My people).

    * Isaiah 52:1

    1 * “let yourself be enlightened, receive this Light” (see Isaiah 59:21)

    † Isaiah 9:2 (John 1:5, 9ff.)

    2 * “to you especially and first of all” (see Micah 5:3; Acts 13:46)

    2. For behold, * darkness (blindness) covers the earth, and gloom covers the people (that they do not know God and His will); but The Lord (Christ) rises over you, and His glory shines over you.

    * Exodus 10:23

    3. And the Gentiles will walk in your * Light (they will be enlightened through the Word of the Gospel) and the kings (will also walk) in the splendor (of the Gospel), which rises over you.

    * Matthew 4:16 (Revelation 21:24)

    4. * Lift up your eyes and see all around: These (Gentiles) all come together to you. Your sons will come from afar, and your daughters † will be reared at your side (through faith in Christ many Gentiles will become your sons and daughters, not according to the flesh, but rather according to the promise [cf. Galatians 3:29], which is far more glorious than fleshly preference).

    * Isaiah 49:18ff.

    † Isaiah 66:12

    5. Then will you see your light and break forth1 (from joy), and your heart will marvel2 and spread out (Luther: “as the streams of water flow and spread out”), when * the multitude by the sea converts to you (the Gentiles who dwell by the sea and on the islands), and the power of the Gentiles comes to you.

    1 Hebrew: “Then you will see it with your eyes when you spread yourself out as a river”

    2 Hebrew: “You will indeed be startled (over it), but nevertheless you will also rejoice from the heart”

    * Matthew 8:11 (Acts 11:18)

    6. Then the multitude of camels shall cover you (The Gentiles, who ride upon camels will come to you to learn the knowledge of God in Christ), the runners (the small camels which are called ‘runners’ on account of their fast running) of Midian and Ephah (the inhabitants of whose lands come from Midian, whom Abraham conceived by Ketura, Genesis 25:2–4). They will all come from * Sheba (from Arabia), (receive Christ, and to Him) bring gold and incense (promote the Church of Christ with their riches and also offer up the spiritual incense of prayer to Christ), and they will proclaim the praise of the Lord.

    * Matthew 2:11 (Psalm 72:10)

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That we ought to rejoice heartily of Christ, who is the great Light of the world (v. 1). II. DOCTRINE: That the calling of the Gentiles to the Kingdom of Christ is a very great, joyful, and comforting work of God. (v. 3–5)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Genesis 17:3–14 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading of the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Genesis 17:3–14, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    Note: This is the Old Testament Reading prescribed by the Lutheran Missal Project. Lutheran Service Book prescribes Numbers 6:22–27 instead.

    I. The promise and covenant of the ancestors of Abram; therefore, Abram’s name is changed to Abraham. (v. 1–8) II. The confirmation of the covenant, or the institution of circumcision. (v. 9–14)

    Annotated Translation

    3. Then Abram fell on his face (to give witness to his unworthiness, humility, deference, and thankfulness). And God spoke further with him and said:

    4. “Behold, I am (I am the true, singular, almighty God), and have (established) my covenant with you,1 and you shall be a father of many peoples (not only of the people which will descend from you according to the flesh, but rather in general of all believers from both Jews and Gentiles, Romans 4:16–17).

    1 Hebrew: “As for me, behold, my covenant shall remain with you, that you…”

    5. Therefore, you shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made * you the father of many peoples (Luther: “Abram means ‘high father,’ but Abraham means ‘the father of multitudes,’ although those multitudes are only indicated with one letter in his name, not without cause,” namely to indicate that these children of Abraham are made one people and one Church according to the promise and according to the Spirit, be they Jews or Gentiles.)

    * Romans 4:11, 17 (Nehemiah 9:7)

    6. And I will make you very fruitful, and will make nations of you (I will bring it about that various peoples come forth from you, not only the Israelites, but also the Ishmaelites and the Edomites, etc.);1 and kings shall also come from you (not only the kings in Judah and Israel, but rather also the Ishmaelite and Edomite kings).

    * Hebrew: “And I will make you to be become (entire) peoples, etc.” (Genesis 17:20)

    7. And I will establish My covenant between Me and you, and to your offspring after you, with their descendants (Luther: “So long as their [covenant] shall last, for Moses hereby indicates that their [covenant] shall finally cease and another come”),1 so that it is an everlasting covenant (as it pertains to the bodily benefit which God promised to the bodily offspring of Abraham, namely, the possession of the land of Canaan, the word ‘eternal’ here is used for a long time which nevertheless has its determined end. But insofar as it pertains to the spiritual benefit which God has promised to the spiritual offspring of Abraham who are all true believers, namely, God’s grace, forgiveness of sins, protecting, and blessing in this life and heavenly glory in that life, it is certainly and eternal unceasing covenant), thus, that I will be your God and your offspring’s after you (whatever good I have, and whatever can be expected from Me, that I all promise to you hereby and to your descendants; I will give you all My goods, all My salvation, indeed I will give you Myself as your own, I will love you as a Father, protect you, help you, and make you eternally blessed).

    (Jeremiah 31:33)

    1 Hebrew: “In all their continuing (that is, appointed) times, so long as they shall possess their (allotted) dwellings.” See Leviticus 7:36, 23:14 and Deuteronomy 31:13, where this explanation is clearly set forth.

    8. And will give to you and to your offspring after you * the land, since † you are a stranger to them, namely, the entire land of Canaan as an eternal (lengthy)1 possession; and I will be your God (insofar as they will prove themselves as my people).”

    * Genesis 24:7

    † Genesis 23:4

    1 † In Hebrew, the word properly signifies a hidden or inconceivable time. But that this promise is also contingent, see 2 Kings 21:8.

    9. And God said to Abraham, “So now you shall keep My covenant, you and your offspring after you along with their descendants.

    10. * This is My covenant, 1 which you shall keep between Me and you, and your offspring after you: Everyone that is masculine among you shall be circumcised.

    * Leviticus 12:3; Luke 2:21; John 7:22; Acts 7:8; Romans 4:11

    1 Hebrew: “But this is the (foremost) ordinance of the covenant (and the chief article demanded in the agreement), which you shall keep with precise oversight as something that has been made between me and you, as also with your children who will come after you. It shall namely be that which… etc.”

    11. Now you shall circumcise * the foreskin in your flesh. It shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.

    * Deuteronomy 10:16 (Romans 4:11)

    12. Each little boy among your descendants you shall circumcise when he is eight days old (until the coming of the Messiah, who will institute the Sacrament of Baptism in the stead of circumcision, Colossians 2:11–12). In the same way [you shall circumcise] each one who is born of the servants at home or that has been purchased1 from foreigners that is not of your offspring (who does not descend from your blood. In the Hebrew text it is repeated once again: He shall indeed be circumcised, both the one who is born in your house and the one who is purchased with your money).

    * Genesis 21:4 (Leviticus 12:3; Luke 2:21; John 7:22)

    1 Hebrew: “for money,” see Leviticus 25:44

    13. Thus shall my covenant be in your flesh as an everlasting covenant.

    14. And if a little boy is not circumcised in the foreskin of his flesh (whose parents fall away secretly or publicly from the true God of Israel and, out of contempt for this holy Sacrament, do not allow their child to be circumcised, and when he has come to his years and understanding, he has not wanted to allow himself to be circumcised; for this threat does not apply to those Israelite children who out of necessity had to be deprived of circumcision),1 that soul shall be cut off from his people (that man is not to be regarded here on earth as a true member of the Church, nor have a part in the kingdom of heaven, he is not to be considered as a member of my covenant or a child of grace); for the reason that he has neglected my covenant (having broken it and willfully destroyed it himself, that is, in his own person).

    (Leviticus 17:4; Deuteronomy 29:20ff.)

    1 † See John 5:4 and Exodus 4:24; in the latter place, the mother nevertheless sins terribly by tender neglect.

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: Toward unhypocritical piety, which has a great reward from God (v. 1–8). II. DOCTRINE: That we are received into the gracious covenant of God through Baptism, which was prefigured by circumcision (v. 7–14).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Galatians 3:23–29 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Galatians 3:23–29, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    III. A report concerning the right use of the Law. (v. 23–29)

    Annotated Translation

    23. But, before faith came, (before the preaching of the Gospel concerning the now sent Messiah, which teaches the faith, and through which the Holy Spirit works faith, was proclaimed and spared in the world, that is, during the time of the Old Testament, before the coming of the Son of God in the flesh), we were under the Law (as those constricted) *, and were sealed (so that we were not allowed to live out our pleasure; that in this way we might bear an even greater longing for the Messiah) for faith, which should then be revealed (until the time when the Gospel should be preached in all he world and we were redeemed from the burden of the Law).

    * Galatians 4:3 (Romans 7:6, 16:25ff.)

    24. In this way the Law was our disciplinarian (and had kept us in school under disciples, and also through its figures and types directed us) unto Christ (just as also a disciplinarian holds a young boy strictly until he comes to his years and can rule himself, in this way, the Law has driven us through the revelation and accusation of our sin and through strict demanding of a perfect obedience, that we yearn after Christ, who would fulfill the Law in our stead and redeem us from the curse of the Law), * so that we be justified through faith (in Him).

    * Romans 10:4 (Galatians 4:19; Matthew 5:17)

    25. But now that faith has come (since now in the New Testament the Gospel concerning the appeared Messiah is preached in all the world), we are no longer under the disciplinarian (we are free from the Levitical ordinances and from the curse of the Law of the Ten Commandments).

    (Galatians 4:2ff.)

    26. For * you (believers) are all (you are according to descent Jews or Gentiles, Galatians 3:28) God’s children (and thereafter also heirs of salvation) through faith in Christ Jesus.

    * Isaiah 56:5; John 1:12; Romans 8:17 (Galatians 4:5)

    27. For as many * of you1 who are baptized (as many among you have received the Sacrament of Holy Baptist, not only according to Christ’s command, but also and chiefly unto His fellowship by faith in Him, which in the New Testament has been instituted in the stead of circumcision, Colossians 2:11), † have put on (and have come into the fellowship of all the goods of) Christ (and His righteousness through faith).

    * Romans 6:3

    1 Greek: “into Christ” [εἰς Χριστὸν]

    † Romans 13:14

    28. Here * there is neither Jew nor Greek, here there is neither slave nor free man, here there is neither man nor woman (here it is not seen nor counted before God whether someone is a Jew or Gentile, a bondservant or a free man, a man or a woman, as indeed was especially strongly considered under the Law of Moses) for you are altogether one in Christ Jesus (each one as the other is pleasing to God for the sake of Christ; also you are altogether members of one spiritual body of which Christ is the Head).

    * Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13 (Colossians 3:11; Ephesians 2:14ff.)

    29. But if you are Christ’s (incorporated into Christ through faith and united with Him), so you are indeed * Abraham’s offspring (spiritual children of Abraham, the father of all believers), and heirs (of eternal life) according to the promise (which was made to Abraham).

    * Romans 9:7 (Romans 2:28ff, 4:17)

    Useful Applications

    III. DOCTRINE: Those who are baptized have put on Christ and have come into the fellowship of all His heavenly goods (v. 27). DOCTRINE: Indeed, whoever truly believes is God’s child; whatever he may be according to estate, whoever he may be, he can expect the heavenly inheritance (v. 26–29).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Luke 2:21 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Feast of the Circumcision and Name of Jesus, Luke 2:21, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. Concerning the Circumcision of Christ. (v. 21)

    Annotated Text

    21. And when it was about the eighth day (according to the birth of Christ) for the child (Christ, according to the Law, Genesis 17:12; Leviticus 12:3) to be circumcised (because the law of circumcision only pertains to those men who are conceived and born in sin, Christ was therefore not subject to this law according to His person, but had made Himself subject to the Law for our sake in order to redeem us, who were under the Law, and so that we might receive sonship, Galatians 4:4–5; and the holy drops of blood which He shed in His circumcision, as it were, were the down payment for our redemption, since He obliged Himself to render full satisfaction and payment in His time; after this, He had wanted to prove with His circumcision that He was a true man and was born from Abraham’s lineage), then was1 His name called Jesus, * which He was called by the angel (Gabriel), before He was conceived then in His mother’s womb.

    1 Greek: “also” [καὶ] (beyond the fact that He was circumcised)

    * Luke 1:31 (Matthew 1:21)

    Useful Applications

    II. COMFORT: The name of Jesus means so much as Savior or Helper, because through His holy merit help is given to us from the devil and the power of hell, and because eternal salvation has been bestowed to believers. (v. 21)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Revelation 14:1–5 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Revelation 14:1–5, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. An assurance for the elect here on earth. (v. 1–5)

    Annotated Text

    1. And I saw a Lamb standing on Mount Zion (this Lamb signifies Christ, Revelation 5:6, who lets Himself be seen here on Mount Zion, by which the Christian Church is understood, which was prefigured in the Old Testament by Mount Zion, on which the city of David was built, Psalm 2:6; Zechariah 9:9; Hebrews 12:22. So that no one may think that no true Church remained anymore under such universal seduction of the Antichrist, the Lamb of God allows Himself to be seen here on Mount Zion to indicate that Christ preserved a Church for Himself even under the antichristian persecution and deception, and support it with His gracious presence. Luther: “Here He comforts Christians that such woe and abomination shall be overthrown through the Gospel.”), and with Him a hundred and forty-four thousand (by this a great host of the true believers  of every age and estate is signified, whom God has preserved in His grace and truth under the Antichrist), who had the name of their Father written on their forehead. (This is set forth against the mark of the beast which the Antichrist give upon the forehead to those who confess themselves to his kingdom, Revelation 13:16, and thereby is signified that although the Antichrist rages and rampages, nevertheless the first foundation of God stands and has this seal: “The Lord knows His own,” 2 Timothy 2:19, so truly as if He had made a mark upon their foreheads, Revelation 7:3; these also bear the name of the heavenly Father upon their foreheads in such a manner that they are not ashamed of the Gospel, Romans 1:16, but rather confess it boldly.)

    2. And I heard * a voice from heaven, as of a great (rushing) water (by which is signified the great host of the elect who praise God), and as a voice of great thunder (by which is signified the wondrous power of the Spirit, with which the elect are clothed form on high, Luke 24:49, as also the undaunted courage and the piercing voice of those who praise God); and the voice which I heard was as harpists playing upon their harps (by which there is prefigured the loveliness of the divine praise in the mouth of the elect, and at the same time, with an eye toward the royal prophet David, who praised God upon his harp with lovely Psalms, 1 Samuel 16:23; Psalm 43:4; Psalm 71:22; likewise, that they serve and praise their God in quietness without a great racket).

    * Revelation 1:15 (5:8, 15:2)

    3. And they sang as * a new song before the throne (of the Lamb), and before the four creatures and the (twenty-four) elders (Because the antichristian rout worships the Beast and blasphemes God, Revelation 13:5, 6, 8; meanwhile, these sing to God the Lord a new song, by which is understood a lovely and glorious song concerning the great benefits that Christ bestows upon the elect in the New Testament and renews them through His Spirit); and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were purchased from the earth (who were purchased by Christ through His blood, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 7:23; 1 Peter 1:18–19, so that they should no longer hang on to earthly things through disordered love, but rather should dwell in heaven with their mind; who also with true faith appropriate to themselves this redemption which has happened through Christ. These alone have been able to learn and sing this song, for without true faith in Christ, no one can rightly call upon God or praise Him, Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 12:3. Also it is hereby signified that only those who are true disciples of the Gospel, who have been purchased from earthly things, are eager to learn this new song.).

    * Revelation 5:9 (4:5, 7:4; Psalm 96:1; Proverbs 2:6; Ephesians 1:17ff.)

    4. These are those who are not tarnished with women (who have not defiled themselves through spiritual adultery and harlotry, that is, through idolatry, heresy, and false worship, but rather have maintained the purity of doctrine undefiled); for they are virgins (thereby is signified the virginity of faith, of which the holy apostles speaks in this way to the Corinthians, “I have betrothed you to one husband, that I might bring you to Christ as a pure virgin,” 2 Corinthians 11:2; likewise, thereby is signified the purity of a godly walk to which true believers diligently apply themselves), and they follow the Lamb wherever He goes1 (as His beloved entrusted Bride, they walk in the footsteps of His holy life, Matthew 16:24, and they do not yield back when the Lam leads them through the thorns of tribulation to the roses of heavenly glory and majesty, Acts 14:22. Therefore, they will also be with Him in eternal joy, John 17:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:17.). They are * those purchased from men to be firstfruits of God and the Lamb (God has elected them from eternity in Christ to be His firstfruits, and in the fullness of time “He has begotten them according to His will through the Word of truth, so that they would be first fruits of His creatures,” James 1:18. They are consecrated to God the Lord, just as in the Old Testament the firstfruits were consecrated to Him, in whom Christ, the only High Priest of the New Testament takes pleasure, just as the offering of the firstfruits in the Old Testament was pleasing to God).

    * Revelation 5:9 (3:4; 1 Corinthians 6:20)

    1 Greek: “For (true) virgins (chaste and pure souls who love God, Matthew 5:8) are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes (who hold fast only to Christ’s Word).” [παρθένοι γάρ εἰσιν, οὗτοι οἱ ἀκολουθοῦντες τῷ ἀρνίῳ ὅπου ἄν ὑπάγῃ] Thus, the saying here is not about abstention from marriage.

    5. And in their mouth is found nothing false (in which they also follow the Lamb in other ways, Isaiah 53:9; 1 Peter 2:22); for they are irreproachable before the throne of God. (“They have washed their garments and made them bright in the blood of the Lamb,” Revelation 7:14, and they diligently apply themselves to a blameless walk, 1 Corinthians 1:8; Ephesians 1:4; Philippians 2:15; 2 Peter 3:14. What they believe from the heart they also confess with the mouth [Romans 10:10], and how they present themselves with words, they also prove with their works [James 2:18]. They are no hypocrites that they should ascribe to themselves the praise of their own perfect righteousness, rather, they confess their weakness and imperfection, and they comfort themselves in this, that one day they will be entirely perfect and without all sin before the throne of God in eternal life, Ephesians 5:27.)

    (Psalm 32:2; Zephaniah 3:13; Ephesians 5:27)

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTINE: Those who hereafter want to follow the Lamb of God into eternal life wherever He goes, that is, those who want to be with Christ eternally and remain with Him, they must diligently attend to the purity of faith and Christian life (as virgins). (v. 4)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 2:13–18 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Feast of the Holy Innocents, Matthew 2:13–18, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. The flight of Joseph and Mary with the little Child, and what soon followed thereafter, namely, Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents. (v. 13–18)

    Annotated Text

    13. Now when they had departed (and before the child was presented to the Lord in the temple at Jerusalem, Luke 2:22, and His parents had returned to Nazareth, Luke 2:39),1 behold, then the Angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, and said, “Stand up and take the little Child and His mother (which little Child is far more noble than the mother, and therefore is properly set forth before her; which Child is also born of your wife, but not begotten of you) to yourself, and flee (with haste, without any delay) into the land of Egypt, and remain there, until I tell you (that you should come back. From which, then, Joseph could conclude that He would not always remain in Egypt); for it is the case that Herod seeks the little Child,2 to kill Him.“

    (Matthew 1:20)

    1 † This last event some bring in somewhat of a different chronological order, and not without any basis.

    2 Greek: “for Herod will seek out the little Child” [μέλλει γὰρ Ἡρῷδης ζητεῖν τὸ παιδὶον]

    14. And he (Joseph) stood up and took the little Child and His mother to himself, during the night (still in the same night in which he received the command), and escaped into the land of Egypt (He made upon the way at night so that no one would notice his flight).

    15. And he remained there (with the Child Jesus and His mother Mary) until the death of Herod, so that it would be fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the * prophet (Hosea), when He said, “Out of Egypt, I have called My Son.” (The prophet indeed speaks properly of the Israelite people, whom God loved with a fatherly manner as His son, Exodus 4:22, and led out of Egypt. However, the holy evangelist can apply this saying to the Lord Christ very well and justifiably, as the One in whom God loves His own, and who is the Head of the spiritual body [i.e., the Church, including the Israelites who looked forward to the Messiah], for what is ascribed to the body can also certainly be applied to the Head, Acts 9:4–5, as, on the other hand, what belongs to the Head can also be ascribed to the members to a certain measure, Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 12:5)1

    * Hosea 11:1

    1 Some understand this prophecy to be of Christ Himself, namely, that God in the future would call His own Son out of Egypt out of love for the Jews, beyond the former benefits. Hosea’s own words will give the best decision.

    16. Now when Herod saw that he was deceived by the wise men (because they did not come back to him in Jerusalem on their return, which he falsely interpreted as though he had been deceived by them), he became very wrathful and sent out and had all the children who were two years old and under put to death in Bethlehem and in all its surrounding areas, according to the time which he had diligently learned from the wise men. (Because he had diligently inquired at to which time the new star had first appeared to them, therefore he made an assumption as to approximately how old the newborn King might be. However, because he nevertheless could not be certain of His age, so He also wanted both the younger and older children strangled together, not only at Bethlehem, but also in the nearest adjacent surrounding areas. According to some who draw their opinion from Macrobius[2], among these boys was also [Herod’s] own son, whom, according to his own thoughts, [He had killed] so that he might not miss the right one.)

    1 † Whether this happened secretly or publicly by force is not certain. However, the former is more probable because Josephus does not think of it.

    [2] [This is a reference to Ambrosius Theodosius Macrobius, who in his Saturnalia (2.4.11) recorded that Herod had also killed his own son.]

    17. Then was fulfilled what had been said by the * prophet Jeremiah, when he said:

    * Jeremiah 31:15

    18. “Upon the mountain (at Ramah, which was a mountain-city in the tribe of Benjamin not far from Bethlehem, Joshua 18:25; Judges 19:13) one has heard a cry—much lamentation, weeping, and wailing—Rachel (the wife of the patriarch Jacob, who died and was buried in that same region, Genesis 35:19, from whom, as the matriarch, the descendants of Jacob and Benjamin come from) weeping for her children (her descendants) and not allowing herself to be comforted (from great resentment and grieving), for they were no more (as far as their earthly and temporal life is concerned; however, the souls of these holy tender martyrs live in heavenly joy and blessedness. Luther: “St. Matthew has especially drawn in this saying that he thereby might show how it always is for Christianity, for it always allows itself to be seen before the world as though it were all over with Christianity, yet it is, against the power of hell, wonderfully preserved by God. And one sees here in these children how a Christian existence rightly consists in suffering.” The saying cited from the prophet properly speaks of the misery that befell the descendants of Rachel, namely, the Israelites of the tribe of Benjamin, for the ten tribes, among whom the tribe of Benjamin was the foremost, were led away into the Assyrian captivity; this misery was so great, that their matriarch, Rachel, who had been deceased for many years, might well have risen from the dead and bewailed them.  However, the evangelist does not apply this saying to the strangled Bethlehemite children unjustifiably, because their misery was not less than the former, and the gruesome murders occurred around the region where Rachel lay buried. And although the strangled Bethlehemite children do not come directly from Rachel as those who sprang up from the tribe of Joseph and Benjamin, nevertheless, they are properly also regarded as Rachel’s children because they come from Jacob, the husband of Rachel).1

    * Genesis 35:19

    1 † Many, not without reason, understand Jeremiah to be speaking properly of this Bethlehemite slaughter of children, since especially the entire thirty-first chapter deals with the spiritual redemption expected after the [Assyrian] captivity through Christ, in which manner Rachel, as a mother anguished unto death over the misery of her children, would be set forth as [a type] of each [of these mothers].

    Useful Applications

    II. DOCTRINE: Concerning the state of humiliation of Christ on earth, when he, as a poor human child, was brought by Joseph to Egypt away from the madman Herod so that He might not be killed. (v. 13–14)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 9:2, 6–7 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading of Christmas Eve (Midnight), Isaiah 9:2, 6–7, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    Note: The Lutheran Missal Project omits v. 3–5 from the reading.

    I. A prophecy concerning Christ and the call of the Gentiles, what great joy will follow thereupon. (v. 2–3)

    II. A description of the abolition of the Mosaic Law, and the spiritual peace, together with the ground on which it rests. (v. 4–7)

    Annotated Text

    2. The * people (Judah and Israel), who walked in darkness (who were stuck in great ignorance, unbelief, misery, and hardship on account of the enduring burden of war, especially during the times of the Maccabees), have seen a great Light (this great Light is the Lord Christ, who is the true Light who has come into the world, John 1:9, and in His coming has brought with Himself the light of grace and the saving knowledge of God as well as the light of joy and life), and over those who dwell in the land of darkness,1 it shines brightly.

    * Isaiah 42:7; Matthew 4:16; Luke1:79 (Ephesians 5:14)

    1 Hebrew: “the shadow of death,” cf. Luke 1:79

    [Verses 3–5 are omitted by the Lutheran Missal Project.]

    6. For1 to us (to the people of God first, but afterword to the Gentiles, and in this way to all men) a * Child is born, to us † a Son (namely, God’s only-begotten Son) is given, whose lordship is upon His shoulder (the burden of the work of the redemption of the human race and the governance of His Church lies upon Him; He bears the cross upon His shoulder  in order to assemble for Himself a kingdom from the human race); and He is called2 (He is in deed and truth, and is also proclaimed, extolled, and praised in the preaching of the Gospel, namely) ** wonderful (on account of His person and His office), Counselor (who has found counsel, how the fallen and lost human race can be counseled and helped  who has revealed the counsel of God concerning our salvation in His Word, John 1:18, 15:15; and who can provide counsel in the greatest needs and also give believers the best and most lasting counsel, as to how they shall obtain a gracious God and be saved), Mighty, Champion (who, through His divine power, can overcome all things and bring them into the right; a mighty God, for God is therefore called “El” in Holy Scripture, because He is an almighty champion against whom nothing can stand), Eternal Father (who has obtained an eternal sonship for believers with God the Father through His merit), Prince of Peace (who to believers gives peace with God in heaven and in their consciences, Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20);

    1 Here follows an explanation of the previous saying, so that the source of all the joy of believers is now indicated more clearly in Christ.

    * Luke 1:31ff., 2:7, 11

    † John 3:17; Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:4

    2 Hebrew: “They will call His name” (that is, “He will be,” see Isaiah 7:14)

    ** Judges 13:18 (Psalm 40:8; Psalm 45:4–6; Ephesians 2:13ff.)

    7. so that His * lordship will be great (for the Jews and Gentiles will be brought under His spiritual kingdom), and † His peace will have no end, upon the throne of David and His kingdom (so that He will rule in eternity over the members of His kingdom in peace and unity; for the bodily kingdom of David was only a type of the spiritual and eternal kingdom of Christ); that He establish it and strengthen it with judgment and righteousness (in this life, the kingdom of Christ is established with judgment, when He overcomes the prince of this world, John 16:11, and judges and punishes all enemies of His kingdom; it is strengthen with righteousness when He bestows the righteousness which avails before God to the members of His kingdom and gives them justice against all enemies;  and in eternal life, complete rest from all enemies will follow and the members of Christ’s kingdom will obtain eternal joy and salvation) from now until then in eternity (without end and ceasing). The zeal of the Lord of Sabaoth will do ** this.1 (Christ’s burning love toward His Church, and His wrathful zeal against the devil, who has tempted men since the Fall.)

    * Luke 1:32

    † Psalm 72:3, 7, Isaiah 26:3

    ** Isaiah 37:32; 2 Kings 19:31 (Jeremiah 23:5; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; 2 Kings 19:31)

    1 Hebrew: “From that time on” (when this kingdom will begin), “and until and as long as the world stands will the zeal of the Lord of Sabaoth do this” (He will continue it and bring it completion). Concerning the zeal of the Lord in love, see Isaiah 37:32; Song of Songs 8:6.

    Useful Applications

    [There are no useful applications for v. 2]

    II. DOCTRINE: That the Son of God, who has been born true man, is the gracious King, Protector, and Savior of all believers. (v. 6–7)