PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Category: Translations

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 18:21–35 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Twenty-Second Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 18:21–35, 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. Peter’s conversation with Christ concerning brotherly reconciliation, and the parable belonging to it concerning the wicked servant. (v. 21–35)

    Annotated Text

    21. Then Peter came to Him (to Christ) and said, “Lord, how often must I then (according to Your admonition, Luke 17:3) forgive my brother (my neighbor and fellow Christian), who sins against me? Is seven times enough?”1

    1 Greek: alternatively, “How often may my brother sin again me, so that I must forgive him? May it perhaps happen as many as seven times? (Peter must have thought so many times would be enough.)

    22. Jesus said to him, “I say to you, not seven times, but seventy times seven (that is, as often as he offends you and asks you for forgiveness, you ought to be willing and ready to forgive him).

    (Luke 17:4)

    23. Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a king (The estate of the Church of God here upon earth can very justifiably be compared to a great and mighty king), who wanted to reckon with his servants (to inspect the income and expenditure of his servants, in order to learn how they have managed his goods).

    24. And as he began to reckon, one came before him, who owed him ten thousand pounds (A talent or pound is estimated at six hundred crowns; therefore, ten thousand pounds thus makes six million crowns, or six tons of gold).

    25. Now when he had nothing with which to repay, the Lord commanded him to be sold and his wife and his children and all that he had, and (from the redeemed gold) payment to be made. (For in previous times, the debtors who could not pay were sold along with all those who belonged to them into servitude, in order that his debt might be repaid from the money that had been obtained from them to the creditor.)

    26. Then the servant fell down and prayed to him (that out of great humility he fell at his feet) and said, “Lord, have patience with me; I will repay you all.”

    27. Then the Lord of the servant pitied him, released him freely (that neither he nor his wife nor his children might be sold), and also forgave him the debt (from pure meekness and goodness).

    28. Then that same servant went out 1 and found a fellow servant who owed him a hundred pennies (A denarius or a penny is valued at one Schreckenberger, as we call it; ten denarii are reckoned approximately at one crown, and thus a hundred pennies make ten crowns); and he grabbed him and choked him (he grabbed him by the neck so that he might have strangled him) and said, “Pay me what you owe me!”

    1 Greek: “But” [δὲ] (This little word already reveals the abomination of ingratitude.)

    29. Then his fellow servant fell down (at his feet), and pleaded with him and said, “Have patience with me (do not press me so hard), I will repay you all (in time).

    30. But he did not want to (wait with patience for the payment), but rather went and threw him (allowed him to be thrown) into prison, until he should repay what he owed.

    31. But when his fellow servants saw such, then were very troubled and they came and brought everything before their Lord (they recounted to Him in an orderly manner), what had happened.

    32. Then his Lord demanded him before Him and said to him, “You wicked servant (you ungrateful spiteful fellow), all this (great) debt I have remitted to you, because you prayed to me.

    33. Should not * you also have had compassion upon your fellow servant, as I myself had compassion upon you?”

    * Matthew 5:7; James 2:13

    34. And his Lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors (that they should cast him into prison and torment him therein, and also let him remain stuck in prison), 1 * until he should repay all that he owed Him (which could never have, for it was impossible for him to repay such a great sum).2

    1 † For when bondservants had committed a great crime, they were not only thrown into prison, but rather also kept therein in harsh conditions.

    * Matthew 5:26

    2 Since he had forfeited the former forgiveness, and on the contrary had brought forth his old sins anew and approved them. See Ezekiel 33:12.

    35. In this way * My heavenly will also do to you (He will punish you in a similar form), if each of you does not forgive his brother his faults (everything with which he offended him) from your hearts.”

    * Mark 11:25–26 (Matthew 6:15)

    Useful Applications

    III. WARNING: Concerning irreconcilableness and mercilessness toward the neighbor, which is a sin that will be punished with the eternal torment of hell. (v. 33–35); DOCTRINE: Whereby all previously obtained forgiveness shall not help if one falls back again into the old sin or into a new sin. (v. 33–35)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for John 4:47–54 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Twenty-First Sunday after Trinity, John 4:47–54, 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. How Jesus was received in Nazareth and in other places, and also how the royal official’s son was freed from the fever. (v. 43–54)

    Annotated Text

    47. And there was a royal official (a distinguished servant in the house of Herod the tetrarch, who nevertheless was considered a king by the common man and thus was called a king, Matthew 14:1, 9; Mark 6:14), whose son lay sick in Capernaum. This one heard that Jesus came (He had learned that Jesus had come) from Judea in Galilee, and he went to Him (to Cana, about five miles’ way), and he asked Him that He come down (go with him to Capernaum) and help his son, for he was sick unto death (therefore, he also supposed that Christ would have to be present himself for so dangerous an illness, and that he could not perform this work of healing if he were absent, much less raise him from the dead if he should die).

    48. And Jesus said to him: * “If you do not see signs and wonders, ** then you will not believe (“You Jews believe no more than you see. If I go with you, you suppose that I could help your son; but what kind of faith is that?” To believe rightly means not to doubt at all about that which one does not see, Hebrews 11:1, and to ground oneself in the omnipotence and goodness of God insomuch that he can and will help, even above and against all sense and reason).”

    * John 2:18; 1 Corinthians 1:22

    ** behold presently with your own eyes. The answer is aimed at the request to come down in v. 47 and agrees with Matthew 9:18.

    49. The royal official said (further, in the weakness of his faith) to Him, “Lord, come down, before my child dies (otherwise, Your presence will be in vain).”

    50.  Jesus said to him, “Go (at this My Word, to which you shall attach firm faith), * your son (has not died as you think, but) lives (through the divine power of this My Word, and when you come home, you will find him alive and well).” The man believed the Word that Jesus spoke to him, and he went (in certain confidence that the Lord’s Word would come to pass; therefore, he also did not hurry home all at once, to which he could have come that same evening if he had wanted, but rather remained overnight on the way).

    * 1 Kings 17:23

    51. And while he was going (further, on the next day), his servants met him, proclaimed it to him and said, “Your son lives (and is completely alive, healthy, and strong).”

    52. Then he investigated from them the hour in which it had become better with him. And they said to him, “Yesterday, around the seventh hour (according to our time, around 1 PM in the afternoon) the fever left him.”

    53. Then the Father realized (and heard precisely) that it was (exactly) around the hour in which Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives (v. 50).” And he (as now he had been fully convinced of the divine miraculous power of Christ) believed along with his entire household (his wife, children, and household servants were brought through to true faith in Christ. And some hold that this royal official’s wife was Joanna, who is mentioned in Luke 8:3, and that she is called the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod, who followed the Lord and ministered to Him from her own possessions).

    (Acts 16:32, 18:8)

    54. This is now the second sign that Jesus did when He came from Judea into Galilee. (The first is described in John 2:7ff.)

    Useful Applications

    II. DOCTRINE: What faith or heartfelt confidence in Christ’s Word and promise has for power and might is testified by the royal official (v. 50–53). DOCTRINE: But how the Lord Jesus often uses many wondrous preparations and arrangements to awaken and to strengthen faith is seen from both stories (v. 16–54).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 5:1–12 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Feast of All Saints, Matthew 5:1–12, 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 instruction for Christ’s disciples, that they, even though they will have a miserable appearance before the world, nevertheless are blessed before God. (v. 1–12)

    Annotated Text

    1. Now when He (Christ) saw the people (that they followed Him in heaps), He went up on a mountain (situated not far from the Sea of Galilee, Mark 3:7, 13) and sat down (in a somewhat elevated place), and His disciples came to Him (stood around Him).

    2. And * He opened His mouth (He began to speak concerning high important matters deliberately and frankly), and spoke to them and said:

    * Luke 6:20ff.

    3. Blessèd are those (it is well for those), * who are spiritually poor ** (who recognize their spiritual poverty, that they lack the righteousness which counts before God, Romans 3:23, 25, and seek it only in and with Me through true faith), for the Kingdom of Heaven (heavenly joy and eternal life) are theirs (because they believe in me, they have eternal life, John 3:36, 1 John 5:13, and are blessèd in hope, Romans 8:24).

    * Isaiah 57:15 (Revelation 3:17)

    ** Greek: Or, “Blessèd are the poor in the Spirit.” See Matthew 11:5; Luke 6:20, 24, which referred to the disciples of Christ, that even though they poor, saddened, miserable, and despised, they nevertheless ought to be certain that they are nevertheless blessèd in their God and have His gracious protection as well as a special gracious reward.

    4. Blessèd are those, * who bear grief (who feel their spiritual poverty and misery in their hearts, that they have merited God’s wrath, as well as temporal and eternal punishment, and therefore are sorrowful, 2 Corinthians 7:10, and pray to God in faithful humility for grace and forgiveness of sins), for they shall be comforted (inwardly through the Word of the Gospel and through the Spirit of comfort).

    * Psalm 126:5; Isaiah 61:2; Luke 6:21 (Matthew 11:5, 28)

    5. Blessèd are the meek (who are neither hot-tempered nor hungry for revenge, nor who repay evil for evil, but rather overcome evil with good, Romans 12:17, 21), for they will * inherit the earth (they will not only have their livelihood with good rest according to God’s good pleasure, but also will inherit the new heaven and the new earth someday, Isaiah 66:22, 2 Peter 3:13, Revelation 21:1. Luther: “The world supposes to possess the earth and to protect that which is theirs when they exercise force, but Christ teaches that one possesses the earth with meekness”).

    * Psalm 25:13, 37:11; Isaiah 60;21.

    6. Blessèd are those * who are hungering and thirsting after righteousness (who have a heartfelt yearning desire for the true fully valid righteousness, which is the righteousness of faith in Christ and not the righteousness of works), for they shall be satisfied (richly fed in their soul; they shall obtain that same righteousness after which they have hungered and there in eternal life will be satisfied with all heavenly goods, so that they may neither hunger nor thirst eternally, Psalm 36:9, Revelation 7:16).

    * Luke 6:21 (Isaiah 55:1; Psalm 17:15; John 6:35)

    7. Blessèd are the * merciful (who allow the need of the neighbor to go to their heart and serve him according to all their ability), for they will (on the other hand) obtain mercy (not only with men, but rather also with God the Lord Himself).

    * Proverbs 21:21; James 2:13

    8. Blessèd are those * who are pure of heart (whose heart has been purified through faith in Christ, Acts 15:9, and who is minded toward God without hypocrisy and falsehood), for they will see God (they will see God someday face to face in heavenly joy, 1 Corinthians 13:2).

    * Psalm 51:12; 1 John 3:2–3 (Psalm 24:4; Psalm 15:2)

    9. Blessed are the * peacemakers (who not only live peaceably for themselves and who yield their right for the sake of the maintenance of peace, but rather also those who establish peace among others who have fallen into disunity. Luther: “The peacemakers are more that the peaceable, namely, they are those who make, promote, and maintain peace among others, as Christ has made peace for us with God”), for they will be called God’s children (be recognized as God’s children because they are minded as their heavenly Father, who is a God of peace and who delights in love, peace, and unity, Romans 15:33, 16:20; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 13:20).

    * Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18

    10. Blessèd are those who for the sake of * righteousness (for the sake of the truth and for the sake of the steadfast confession of the Gospel) are persecuted, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven (see v. 3).

    * 1 Peter 3:14 (2 Timothy 2:12)

    11. Blessèd are you, * when men shame you (when private persons slander and blaspheme you) and persecute you (when those who sit in public offices drive you out into misery, take away your possessions and goods, and even also seek after your life) and speak all kinds of evil against you (in that judges and witnesses attribute terrible vices and evil deeds to you before the court) on My account (for the sake of My name and My Word) **, when they lie about it (since it is nevertheless not true what they say of you).

    * Luke 6:22; 1 Peter 4:14 (Proverbs 22:4)

    ** It is something other when a man is punished for the sake of his wickedness, see Jeremiah 2:19; Psalm 32:10.

    12. Be joyful and comforted (do not become fainthearted over it, but rather take courage, indeed, rejoice over it from your heart, leap and spring for joy, that you have been counted worthy to suffer shame and hardship for My sake), you will be well rewarded in heaven (it will be repaid to you bountifully in that life, yet not from merit, but from pure grace, Romans 8:18), for (such is not something new, but rather) * in this way they had persecuted the prophets who were before you (in whom the promise of the gracious reward has already been fulfilled).

    * James 5:10 (Acts 7:52; James 1:2)

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: That those who are persecuted for the sake of Christ are blessèd people and will have a great reward in the Kingdom of Heaven. (v. 10–12)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 11:12–19 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Romans 3:19–28, 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. A glorious testimony by Christ of John. (v. 7–15)

    III. A complaint of Christ over the ingratitude of the Jewish people, and a sharp threat. (v. 16–24)

    Annotated Text

    12. Now from the days of John the Baptist (from time on after he began to exercise his office) until now the Kingdom of God suffers force (the Kingdom of God is preached through the Gospel, and everyone presses into with force, Luke 16:16. The people receive the Gospel with great zeal, as one takes a city with force. Luther: “When consciences perceive the Gospel, they press toward it so that no one can hinder them”); and the forceful (the repentant sinners, who in true faith resist temptations through the power of the Spirit, crucify the wicked lusts of the flesh, and contend valiantly) seize it for themselves (press themselves into the Kingdom of Heaven; from which it sufficiently appears that John had wrought great benefit through his teaching and baptizing).*

    * Greek: alternatively, “The Kingdom of Heaven presses in with power, and (everyone, Luke 16:16, also) those who use  force (or have done so until now, including wicked people, tax collectors, soldiers, sinners, indeed even the Gentiles press into it with force), seize it for themselves (they make themselves partakers of it with great zeal, and do it therein before the high priests, scribes, and Pharisees).

    13. For all the Prophets and the Law have testified (that Christ shall come) until John (who pointed to Christ as present).

    14. And (if you are willing to accept it) (and believe) * He (John) is Elijah, who is to come in the future (He is the one of whom the prophet Malachi had prophesied that he shall come in the Spirit and in the power of Elijah before then comes the great and terrible day of the Lord).

    * Malachi 4:5; Matthew 17:12 (Mark 9:13; Luke 1:17)

    15. * Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear (Therefore mark this and take it to heart and do not wait with the Pharisees that Elijah the Tishbite to come again upon earth in his own person or otherwise for the Kingdom of Heaven to appear with worldly pomp).

    *Mark 7:16 (Luke 8:8)

    16. To what shall I compare this generation (the men of this generation, this unbelieving and stiff-necked Jewish people)*? It is like little children, who sit in the market and call out to their companions,

    * especially those found among them who supposed to be saints and high learned men (see Matthew 11:25; Luke 7:30).

    ** Luke 7:31ff. (Zechariah 8:5)

    17. and say, ‘We have played the pipe for you, and you did not want to dance; we have wept, and you did not want to weep. (John preached sharp sermons of repentance, and thereby admonished them to weep and mourn over sin; I have preached the most lovely and comforting evangelical sermons; yet the one has born as little fruit as the other; regardless if one lays before them sour or sweet, they still remain hardened one way or the other in their impenitence and wickedness.)

    18. John (the Baptist) came, * not eating (bread, Luke 7:33, that is, common, and by no means luxurious food) and not drinking (wine; he fasted often and much, Matthew 9:14, and led a hard and strict life), yet they say (the scribes), ‘He has the devil’ (he is driven by the devil, or is crazy in the head).

    * Matthew 3:4

    19. The Son of Man has come * eating and drinking (I live in an ordinary manner, go about with everyone in a friendly way, eat common food, drink common drink, and indeed with the tax collectors and sinners); so they say, ‘Behold the man is a glutton and a wine-bibber, a companion of tax collectors and sinners. And Wisdom must be justified by (all) her children (I, who am the Wisdom of God, Proverbs 9:22, must allow myself to be led to school and tutored by the Pharisees and scribes, who properly ought to be my students).”

    * Matthew 9:10 (Isaiah 7:15, 42:4; Luke 15:2, 19:6; 1 Timothy 3:16)

    ** Greek: alternatively, “

    Useful Applications

    [There are no useful applications for v. 12–19. AJB]

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Romans 3:19–28 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Romans 3:19–28, 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 conclusion of the previously led disputation, that, namely, neither Jew nor Gentile know righteousness with works of the Law, because they both trespass the Law. (v. 9–23)

    III. Proof that righteousness comes from faith. (v. 24–31)

    Annotated Text

    19. But we know (as those born Jews, to whom was entrusted what God had spoken, Romans 3:2), that whatever the Law (the Scripture of the Old Testament) says, it says to those who are under the Law (who belong to the Jewish polity);1 so that every (Jewish and Gentile) * mouth be stopped (that no one can boast of their own righteousness, but rather must humble himself before God and recognize His inborn, as well as actual sin), and all the world be accountable to God (that all men in the entire world confess that on account of their sin are subject to the righteous judgment of God and eternal condemnation).  

    1 And either have received it in written manner, or have it inscribed onto their heart by nature (Romans 2:15); for here the saying is of the Law which pertains to all the world.

    * Psalm 107:42; Ezekiel 16:63; Galatians 3:22 (1 Kings 8:46)

    20. Therefore,1 that no flesh (no man, be he Jew or Gentile) * by works of the Law (which are done according to the Ten Commandments) may be justified (nor can be declared righteous before God) by Him (the Lord, his God); for (now after the fall into sin) through the Law (grasped in the Ten Commandments) comes (only) knowledge (and anxious feeling) of sin.

    1 Greek: Alternatively, “Thus it follows…” [διότι]  

    * Galatians 2:16; Psalm 143:2 (Romans 7:7)

    21. But now (in the New Testament) the righteousness which counts before God is without doing the Law (and its works),1 is revealed (in the Gospel, as a high hidden mystery) and (yet previously) is testified through the * Law (of Moses) and the Prophets.

    1 Greek: “the righteousness of God” (which He Himself provides and bestows, also which He only accepts as pleasing to Him and allows to count before His judgment).

    * John 5:46; Acts 10:43 (Genesis 15:6, 22:18; Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 23:6)

    22. Now I say of such (fully counting) righteousness before God which then comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all and upon all, when they believe (because faith is the only means through we grasp and appropriate to ourselves the promised righteousness won by Christ; but God reckons it to the one who believes in this manner).

    (Philippians 3:9)

    23. For * there is here (between Jews and Gentiles) no distinction;1 they are † altogether sinners (Luther: “Mark this when he says, ‘they are altogether sinners,’ for this is the chief point and the middle place of this epistle and of all of Scripture, namely, that all is sinful which is not redeemed through the blood of Christ and reckoned in faith. Therefore, grasp this text well, for here lies underneath all works, merit, and boast, as he himself says here, and there only remains purely God’s grace and honor”), and lack the glory which they ought to have before God (namely, the increated holiness and perfect inherent righteousness),

    * Romans 10:12; Galatians 3:22, 28

    1 Greek: “Because” [γὰρ]

    † 1 Kings 8:46 (Romans 3:19, 11:32; Colossians 3:11)

    24. and are justified * without (their own) merit from His (from God’s) grace (and pure sheer mercy), through the (perfect) redemption, which has happened through Jesus Christ;

    * Ephesians 2:8

    25. Whom God has set forth (and ordained from eternity) for a * mercy seat (of which the type was the mercy seat, that is, the cover over the Ark of the Covenant in the Old Testament, Exodus 25:17; because Christ has reconciled us with God and covered our sin which was committed against the Ten Commandments), through faith in His blood (through His blood, which He poured out for us as an atoning sacrifice), that He might demonstrate (and bestow) the righteousness that counts before Him, in that He forgives sin which has previously remained under divine forbearance1 (Luther: “Sin could neither be taken away by the Law nor by any good work; it had to be done by Christ and by forgiveness;” therefore, also in the Old Testament the sins of believers were forgiven solely and only for the sake of the coming Messiah);

    * Leviticus 16:15; Hebrews 4:6 (Acts 13:38ff.; 2 Corinthians 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 3:5ff.; 1 Peter 1:18; 1 John 2:2ff.)

    1 Greek: Alternatively, “As proof of His (earnest) punishing righteousness, because He had previously (in the Old Testament, until Christ, Hebrews 9:15) allowed committed transgressions to pass by, Romans 3:26, under divine (great) forbearance (so that one might think that God did not consider sin to be great; indeed, I say once more), as a (clear) proof of His punishing righteousness in this (appointed by divine wisdom) fitting time (since Christ, the guarantor, has born the wrath and completely expiated it).”

    26. in order that He might at this time (the world in which the Son came in the flesh, and carried out the work of redemption) demonstrate1 (and bestow) the righteousness which counts before Him (by which we can stand before Him); so that He alone may be righteous (that He might be recognized by everyone as righteous, just as He alone is good, Matthew 19:17, and truthful), and make2 righteous the one who has faith in Jesus (who holds fast to Christ with true faith).

    (Romans 4:5)

    1 Greek: “show” [πρὸς τὴν ἔνδειξιν] (offer to all the world)

    2 * “Nevertheless also,” or according to the Greek, “also in that He makes righteous” [καὶ]

    27. Where * now remains boasting (of one’s own righteousness, as if a man could earn heaven from God the Lord)? It is over1 (and terminated. With such an alien righteousness bestowed purely out of pure grace, it has no place). Through which law (or teaching)? Through the works of the Law (through the teaching which requires works according to the Holy Ten Commandments in us and from us)? Not in this way (for then man would have a reason to boast of it, Romans 4:2), but rather through the law of faith (through the doctrine of the Holy Gospel, which requires faith in Christ for righteousness, and therefore teaches that by our own righteousness we cannot stand before God).

    * Romans 2:17, 23; 1 Corinthians 1:29, 31 (Romans 8:2; Ephesians 2:8–9)

    1 Greek: “excluded” [ἐξεκλείσθη]

    28. Therefore * we now maintain (and infallibly conclude), that a man (be he Jew or Gentile) is (spoken) righteous (before the judgement of God) without works of the Law, only1 through faith (in Christ).

    * Galatians 2:16ff (Acts 13:38)

    1 Although this little word is not expressly found in the Greek text, nevertheless the manner of speaking of the German language requires such a contrast, which also agrees with Paul’s clear words, “as only” (Galatians 2:16), Christ’s procedure (Matthew 4:10; cf. Deuteronomy 6:13), and finally also the example of the Latin common Bible itself (Leviticus 31:2).  

    Useful Applications

    II. DOCTRINE: That all men, none excepted, are sinners, and thus no one can be justified through works of the Law, since they are imperfect and tainted with sin. (v. 20–23) III. DOCTRINE: That we are justified without merit, by God’s grace, through the redemption which has happened through Christ Jesus, by faith in Him. (v. 24–25) DOCTRINE: That when boasting of worthiness before God has been struck down, thereby joy unto thankfulness is all the more awakened, along with all humility. (v. 27–31)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Revelation 14:6–7 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the First Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Revelation 14:6–7, 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.

    II. Warnings and Admonitions for pure church servants and true confessors against the Antichrist. (v. 6–13)

    Annotated Text

    6. And I saw an * angel ** flying in the midst of the heavens (because God the Lord not only raised up several faithful teachers during the continuous reign of the Antichrist who rebuked the antichristian abominations and admonished men to repentance and conversion, but also at the appointed time revealed the Antichrist and attacked his kingdom with power; as various angels are introduced, of whom the first flies through the midst of heaven, thereby is indicate the swift course of the Gospel, that after the revealing of the Antichrist, God the Lord will cause the Gospel to resound in a short time among all kinds of peoples, that He will also cause the Gospel to be preached publicly and without timidity against the Antichrist, from which it man then be easily inferred that by this angel the blessèd instrument whose ministry God the Lord especially used for the revelation of the Antichrist and the assault of his kingdom is signified, namely, the blessèd Luther), *** who had an eternal Gospel (he did not preach human statutes, but rather the pure Gospel, which is called eternal because that which is proclaimed therein was determined in the counsel of God from eternity and revealed soon after the beginning of the world [Genesis 3:15]; because the Gospel proclaims and sets before us eternal heavenly goods, it will remain in **** eternity, and cannot be suppressed by any power of the enemies), to proclaim to those who sit and dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and race, and language, and people (that no one may be able to excuse himself with ignorance),

    * Revelation 8:13 (Isaiah 55:3; Ezekiel 16:60; Daniel 9:24; Hebrews 5:9)

    ** Greek: Alternatively, “another angel”

    *** Others understand only Luther by the third angel, and under the preceding angels Peter Waldo [AD 1140–1218] and Jan Hus [AD 1369–1415].

    **** Not as though the Gospel ought to be preached eternally, even to the damned, and be of benefit to them, but rather [it will remain eternally] with respect to its fruit, which the children of God shall enjoy forever, just as the priesthood and redemption of Christ are also called eternal (Hebrews 9:12).

    7. and he said with a great voice, “Fear God (not the Antichrist and his human statutes), and * give Him the honor (that He alone is your Savior and Redeemer, and that you cannot be saved through the merit of your works); for the time of His judgement is come (on which day each must give an account for his faith and doings), and pray to Him (neither the mute idols, nor the dead saints, but God alone) who (is the true God) ** who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the springs of water.

    * Deuteronomy 32:3

    ** Acts 14:15ff. (Acts 4:24)

    Useful Applications

    [There are no applications listed for v. 6–7 in the text. AJB]

  • Notes and Useful Applications for John 8:31–36 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the alternate Gospel Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), John 8:31–36, 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. A discussion with the Jews concerning the office of Christ, concerning the true freedom of the children of Abraham and their characteristics, as well as concerning the divinity of Christ. (v. 12–58)

    Annotated Text

    31. Then Jesus now said to the Jews who believed in Him, “If * you (steadfastly) remain in My Speech (and My Words remain in you, John 15:7), so you are My true disciples (those to whom the end of faith, eternal salvation, will be gifted).

    * John 7:17; 15:10, 14.

    32. And you will know the truth (have the faith of God’s elect, the knowledge of the truth according to godliness, in the hope of everlasting life, Titus 1:1–2), and the truth (such blessed knowledge of salvation, which consists in the forgiveness of sins, Luke 1:77) * will make you free (from slavery to sin, John 8:34, and from eternal death, John 8:51).”

    * John 8:36ff. (Romans 6:13; Galatians 5:1; 1 Peter 2:16)

    33. Then they answered Him (namely, the others who were still unbelieving Jews, who were mixed with those believers), “We are Abraham’s seed, *  we have never been anyone’s slaves (bondsmen) at anytime (The Jews said this out of lying presumption and a proud mind, for in truth the situation was something much different, as is known from the histories). ** How can You say then, ‘You shall be free?’”

    (Matthew 3:9; Jeremiah 2:14)

    * Greek: “and” – (By the former, they boast of a free origin, but with one, they boast of a free estate.)

    ** Nevertheless, it could also be that those who lived at that time and spoke with Christ had wanted it to be understood only of themselves, as those who were indeed subjects of the Emperor, but who were not slaves and still lived according to their own laws.

    34. Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, * whoever sins (whoever lets sin reign in his mortal body, gives obedience to its lusts, and gives his members over to sin as instructions of unrighteousness, Romans 6:12–13), he is sin’s slave (and is free concerning righteousness, whose end is eternal death, Romans 6:20–21).

    * Romans 6:16, 20; 2 Peter 2:19; 1 John 3:8.

    35. However, the * slave (as it goes in common life) does not remain eternally in the house (in this way also whoever is a slave of sins and a bondsman of the devil, 1 John 3:8, 2 Timothy 2:26; and such a one who remains stiff-necked without repentance has no part nor inheritance in the house of God and in the eternal kingdom of heaven, John 14:2, even though he finds himself among the external heap of the congregation of God); the Son (that is, God’s) remains (in the same house of God) eternally (and with Him those also remain therein, who hold fast the confidence and the boast of hope until the end, Hebrews 3:6).

    * Genesis 21:10

    36. So now, if the Son * makes you free (through the heavenly truth, John 8:32), so you will be truly (and eternally) free (from sin, death, and hell).”

    * Romans 6:18, 22; 1 Corinthians 7:22, Galatians 5:1 (Romans 8:2)

    Useful Applications

    [There are no applications listed for v. 31–36 in the text. AJB]

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Jeremiah 23:16–29 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Jeremiah 23:16–29, 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.

    IV. A repetition of the rebuking sermon, where Jeremiah recounts at length the sins of the false shepherds and how God will punish them. (v. 9–32)

    Annotated Text

    16. So says the Lord (the God) of Sabaoth: * “Do not listen to the words of the (hypocritical) prophets, who prophesy to you (only peace and good). They deceive you (with such caressing sermons), for they preach to you a vision of their own heart (what they themselves have thought), and not from the mouth of the Lord.

    * Jeremiah 6:14, 14:14, 27:14–15

    17. They say to those who blaspheme me * (to all idolatrous and wicked sinners, when they ought to admonish them to repentance): ‘The Lord has said, “It will go well for you.”’ And to all those ** who walk according to the darkness of their heart, they say: ‘No misfortune will come upon you’ (but they lead themselves and the people astray).”

    * Hebrew: “despise.” (Even if it did not happen outright, this nevertheless was the fruit of the inappropriate comfort amidst ruling wickedness.)

    ** Jeremiah 7:24; Isaiah 65:2; Matthew 7:13, 15 (Jeremiah 8:11; Ezekiel 13:10)

    18. For * who has stood in the council of the Lord, who has seen and heard His Word? (Who has told them what they so audaciously prattle? I know nothing of it.) Who has understood and heard His Word? (They or I? Is it not so that the Lord has not sent them? The result will show it, for…)

    * Romans 11:34ff. (Isaiah 40:13ff.)

    19. Behold, a * storm (misfortune and punishment) of the Lord shall come with fury (will come with great power upon them),  and a terrible tempest will fall upon the head of the godless.

    * Jeremiah 30:23; Psalm 11:6

    20. And * the Lord’s wrath (kindled over them) will not cease, until He does and carries out what He has in His mind; afterward (when these things come to pass, and still even more perfect at the time of the New Testament), you will learn it. (Who as correctly preached and prophesied? I, who preach God’s wrath and punishment, or they, who only preach peace? For so says the Lord concerning them:)

    * Jeremiah 30:24

    21. “I * did not send the (imagining) prophets, yet they ran (and they prophesied); I did not speak to them (that it shall go well for the Jews), yet they prophesied (no misfortune would come upon them).

    * Jeremiah 14:14ff. (27:15, 29:9)

    22. For if they (would have) remained in My council * (revealed by Me for the salvation of men, which is true repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, Acts 20:21, 27), and had preached My ** words  to My people, then they*** (my people) would have turned from their wicked nature and from their wicked life. (They would have zealously admonished them to conversion. Luther: “God’s Word converts; every other doctrine misleads, etc.” Do they think then that because I am in heaven that I do not know their deeds on earth?)

    * That is, the order of grace, according to which repentance and true faith are included together with all the promises.

    ** 1 Peter 4:11 (Jeremiah 27:18; Luke 24:47)

    *** Hebrew: “then they would have — preached to my people, and they – would have admonished them to repent.” (For to preach repentance, especially when corruption has taken root is the sign of a true prophet.)

    23. “Am I not a God who is near (and sees all),” says the Lord, “and not a God who is far? (And who does not know what you teach and do? Luther: “They are so secure and brazen, as if I did not see their false doctrine and wicked life.”)”

    (Acts 17:27)

    24. “Do you think that someone * can hide himself secretly so that I cannot see Him?” says the Lord; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Not with such an extension, but rather with such omnipresence that not even a little room may be named where I would not be present, yet as an immeasurable spirit, John 4:24) says the Lord.

    * Jeremiah 16:17; Psalm 139:7ff.; Sirach 23:28; Ephesians 4:10 (Amos 2:3)

    25. “I hear well that * the (hypocritical) prophets (so dangerously) preach and falsely prophesy (teach) in My name (of which they boast in a seductive manner) and say, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed! (The Lord has revealed it to me in a dream.)

    * Hebrew: “which”

    26. When will the (false) prophets cease, who falsely prophesy and prophesy the deceit of their heart, *

    Hebrew: “How long will it continue (in this way)? Does it then stand with these these prophets (in their hearts and pleasure, Ezekiel 13:2) that they preach lies? Or are they prophets to set forth the deceit of their hearts?”

    27. and who want * (gladly that it be brought so far in religion) that my people should forget my name (of the Lord) for their dreams (through their prophecies, which they say, that I have revealed to them in a dream), which one preaches to another, just as (in previous times) their fathers forgot my name for Baal?

    (Judges 3:7ff.)

    * Hebrew: “who then want”

    28. A (false) prophet who has dreams preaches (in spite of everything) dreams (Luther: “Let him leave My name in peace, and not say that it is My Word what he dreams, but rather that it is his own word and have his own name.”); but whoever has My Word (that I have placed in his mouth), let him preach My Word correctly. (And let him see to it well that such not be mixed with false doctrine and human ordinances * , for) How do chaff (false doctrine) and wheat (my Word, the heavenly nourishment for the soul) go together?” says the Lord (“The power of my Word is quite different and higher than what breaks forth in their prophesy”).

    (Ezekiel 20:39; 1 Peter 4:11)

    * as well as set forth the complete order of salvation (see v. 22).

    29. Is * My Word not as a (powerful and piercing) fire (which kindles, purifies, and cleanses the hearts of the godly),” says the Lord, and as a (strong) hammer, which smashes (the hard) rocks (that is, the stiff-necked and hardened consciences of the godless)? (In that they are powerfully convicted and overcome by My Word.)

    * Hebrews 4:12 (Luke 24:32)

    Useful Applications

    IV. DOCTRINE: That the hearts of men are struck through the preached word (as the spiritual hammer) and are broken for true repentance (v. 29).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 1 Corinthians 1:4–9 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, 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 Introduction. (v. 4–9)

    Annotated Text

    4. I * thank my (beloved) God at all times for your sake (so often I think of you) for the grace of God, which was given (granted) you in Christ Jesus,

    * Ephesians 1:15–16

    5. that you have been made rich in ever way through Him, in all doctrine, and all * knowledge (God has richly graced you with all kinds of spiritual gifts, which are useful and necessary for the edification of the Church and for the knowledge of God; but especially I thank Him, that He has brought you to the saving knowledge of Christ through the doctrine of the Gospel),

    * 1 Corinthians 12:8 (Romans 15:4; Colossians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 2:17)

    6. for as the preaching of Christ (the testimony of the Gospel) has been powerful in you (in that you have received it with true faith, and that by means of it you have been graced with the Holy Spirit; thus, the preaching of Christ has been confirmed and sealed among you),

    * Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21

    7. thus, that you have no lack in any (temporally and eternally serviceable) gift (consequently, you have no need of any other revelation or doctrine, 1 John 2:20, 27), and * wait only for the (final great and glorious) revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ (who on the Last Day will come again openly to hold the universal judgment);

    * Psalm 34:11; Philippians 3:20 (Titus 2:13)

    8. who * also will keep you firm (in true faith) until the end (of your life), that you ** be irreproachable until the *** (great judgement) day of our Lord Jesus Christ **** (because in this life the perfect righteousness of Christ is reckoned to you through faith, and you strive after an irreproachable walk, and thus can appear before Him with a good conscience).

    * 2 Corinthians 1:21

    ** Colossians 1:22; 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23 (2 Thessalonians 3:3)

    *** Greek: “in the day”

    **** Which is a day in which everything, even that which is now hidden in darkness, will come into the light [1 Corinthians 4:5].

    9. For * God is faithful (He keeps His promise firmly and unbreakably), through whom (by whom) you are called (through the preaching of the Gospel) ** to the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Luther: “That is, you are co-heirs and fellow partakers of all the goods of Christ.”)

    * 1 Thessalonians 5:24ff.

    ** John 15:5 (1 Corinthians 10:13)

    Useful Applications

    II. DOCTRINE: We ought to thank God at all times when we see that knowledge of Him, true repentance, and a Christian life are worked in men’s hearts through His Word (v. 4–7).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Deuteronomy 10:12-21 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament reading for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Deuteronomy 10:12–21, 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.

    III. How Moses, on the mountain, got the opportunity to admonish the people, and what the character of that reminder was. (v. 10–22)

    Annotated Text

    12. “Now Israel, what * does the Lord, your God require of you (in gratitude for all such great benefactions), than that you fear the Lord, your God (and guard yourself, that you do not provoke Him with sins), that you walk in all His ways (in His commandments), and love Him (above all creatures), ** and serve the Lord, your God (as a testimony of true love) with all your heart and will all your soul (without hypocrisy, in such a way that you do not think, speak, strive after, do, or begin anything that is not pleasing to this true God);

    * Micah 6:8

    ** Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37.

    13. that you keep the commandments of the Lord and His laws, which I give to you today so that it go well with you (that you may be showed with all kinds of goods and rich blessings)!

    14. Behold, * heaven and the heaven of heaven (the highest heaven) and earth and everything that is in it belong to the Lord, your God (as the almighty and the all-rich Creator, Ruler, Preserver, and Lord of all things).

    * 1 Kings 8:27

    15. Nevertheless * He had delight only in your fathers (when there nevertheless were very few of them, and in addition when they were despised before the world), that He loved them (was mercifully  disposed toward them), and He elected their seed (their descendants) after them, (namely,) you over all people (because this grace was granted to no other people on earth, for He received you as His peculiar people [cf. 1 Peter 2:9]), ** as it stands today (as it is evident and before our eyes that such has also been granted by Him alone).

    * Deuteronomy 7:6, 9:29

    ** Deuteronomy 4:38 (Exodus 19:5)

    16. Therefore, * circumcise now (in a spiritual manner) the foreskin of your heart (lay aside the old man, and put to death the sinful lusts and wicked cravings of the flesh [cf. Ephesians 4:22]), and do not * be further stiff-necked (against God and His commandment).

    * Deuteronomy 30:6

    ** Nehemiah 9:16 (Jeremiah 4:4; Acts 7:51; Romans 2:29; Colossians 2:11

    17. For the Lord, your God, is * a God of all gods (over the angels, over the magistrates, and whatever otherwise is called gods), and Lord over all lords (in all the world, who have received all their lordship and authority as a fief from this Lord); a great God (in power), mighty (indeed, almighty) and terrible (of whom all creatures must be afraid), who ** does not consider the person (and those of great reputation in the world), and does not take any bribe (to pervert justice or refuse to punish evil on account of it);

    * Psalm 89:7

    ** Acts 10:34ff. (2 Chronicles 19:7; Job 34:19; Wisdom 6:8; Sirach 35:16; Romans 2:11; Galatians 2:6; Ephesians 6:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17)

    18.  and who executes justice (He helps and stands by) for orphans (for the fatherless and motherless children) and widows (who are otherwise despised and forsaken by everyone), and loves * the stranger (protects, defends, and provides for them), that He gives them food and clothing.

    * Psalm 146:9; Exodus 22:21

    19. Therefore, you shall also * love the stranger (help protect and provide for them; also receive them faithfully according to this example of your God); for you were also strangers in the land of Egypt (since it pleased you well when people deal with you in a friendly manner, in the same manner you ought now rightly also do to other strangers).

    * Exodus 22:21ff.

    20. You shall fear the * Lord, your God (you shall dread to sin before Him); you shall serve Him (demonstrate all kinds of submission and honor according to His Word), you shall hang on to Him (with heartfelt trust and pure love), and ** shall swear in His name (affirm and confirm the truth upon the demand of the magistrate).

    * Deuteronomy 6:13ff.

    ** Psalm 63:12 (Matthew 4:10; Luke 4:8)

    21. He is your boast (the One whom you shall praise and boast of continually; in whom you only have to boast, that He is your gracious Father) and your God (your highest good), who has done for you (in your congregation) such great and terrible things (in Egypt and in the wilderness), which your eyes have seen.“

    (Exodus 15:2)

    Useful Applications

    III. CORRECTION: That we ought to circumcise ourselves spiritually, that is, suppress the sinful lusts within us, and lead a new life (v. 16–20).