PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: Epiphany

  • Notes and Useful Applications for John 2:1–11 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Second Sunday after Epiphany, John 2:1–11, 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.

    The Wedding at Cana, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    I. The history of the wedding at Cana. (v. 1–11)

    Annotated Text

    1. And on the third day (after Jesus had gone into Galilee, John 1:43, and had spent two days on the way) there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there (perhaps as a related kinswoman).

    2. Now Jesus and His disciples (who were mentioned in John 1[:35–51]) were also invited to the wedding (therefore, they were also present there. With His presence, Christ not only wanted to demonstrate His affability, but rather, by His very first miracle, He also wanted to honor the married estate as the first ordinance of God among men and the most excellent picture of the communion of Christ with His Church and teach that marriage ought to be held in honor by all, and the marriage bed ought to be kept undefiled, Hebrews 13:4.).

    3. And when the wine had been used up (because the supply was meagre on account of the poverty of the newly married couple), the mother of Jesus said (from good intention and care, but at an inopportune time, and also with a certain timidity, worry, and faint-heartedness) to Him, “They have no wine (They do not have enough wine; therefore, prove yourself as an almighty and miracle-working Lord in this emergency).”

    4. Jesus said to her, “Woman, what * have I (in such a work that concerns My office) to do with you? My hour is not yet come (I know well how and when I shall help).”

    * 2 Samuel 16:10 (Matthew 12:48)

    5. His mother (was assured by these words, that her Son Jesus would prove Himself helpful at the right time, and) said to the servants, * “Whatever He (this my Son) says to you, do it (even though it may seem illogical to you).”

    * Genesis 41:55

    6. Now there were set there six stone water jars (large containers or tubs)1, according to the manner of * Jewish purification (from which the Jews, according to old custom and according to the ordinances of the fathers, were accustomed not only to wash and purify their hands, but rather also the dishes, cups, and other vessels many times), and in each of them were two or three measures. (Luther: “Metreta in Greek [μετρητὰς]; two metreta make about one Eimer[2] of wine among us .”)

    1 * Or also “immovable troughs,” as one calls them in some places.

    * Mark 7:3

    [2] An “Eimer” was perhaps around 56.5 liters.

    7. Jesus said to them (to the servants and waiters, John 2:5), “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them until them up to the top.

    8. And He said to them (after He had changed the water into wine by His divine power), “Draw [some] now (into your vessels), and bring it to the master of the feast1 (to taste it, so that he might let it be served afterward to the guests). And they brought it (to him, as the Lord commanded them).

    1 * To “the steward of the feast,” who was chosen at times by lot. Today one might say “the host.”

    9. But when the master of the feast tasted the wine which has become water and did not know from whence it (such a fine wine kept until now) came (but the servants who had drawn the water knew) (and they did not immediately tell it to the master of the feast, to have him test it as to what he would say about it), the master of the feast called the bridegroom,

    10. and said to him, “(How should I understand this?) Everyone gives (at his appointed banquet and celebration) the good wine first, and when they (the guests) have become drunk (have enjoined themselves a little and drunk for merriment), then the inferior; (but) You (on the other hand) have kept the good wine until now (which seems strange to me.” However, there is no doubt that afterward the master of the feast with all the other attendees came to know the truth of this miracle of Christ.)

    11. This is the first sign (visible miracle), that Jesus did (after He had begun His preaching office), that happened at Cana in Galilee; and He revealed (thereby) His (until now completely hidden under the form of a servant) glory (glory as of the only-begotten Son of the Father, John 1:14, of which He only allowed a single ray to shine forth, as the sun does at time from the clouds). And His disciples believed in Him (their faith in Him as the now appeared Messiah was thereby markedly strengthened).

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE:  That the Lord Christ Himself, together with His mother and disciples, was at a wedding in Cana in Galilee, redounds to the married estate a particularly great honor, that it is a holy well-pleasing estate to God. (v. 1–2)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Ephesians 5:22–33 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Second Sunday after Epiphany (Lutheran Service Book), Ephesians 5:22–33, 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 historic reading is Romans 12:6–16a.

    John Sees the New Jerusalem, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    II. Special rules for wives who have become believers, how they ought to conduct themselves toward their husbands. (v. 22–24)

    III. An instruction for the men, together with a strong admonition to both parts taken from the example of Christ and the congregation. (v. 25–33)

    Annotated Text

    22. The (married) wives to be subject to their husbands,1 as to the Lord (as to God Himself,2 because He has commanded such obedience, and also has good pleasure in it, and wants it to be regarded and considered as rendered to Himself).

    * Genesis 3:16; Colossians 3:18; 1 Peter 3:1 (Titus 2:5)

    1 Greek: “You wives to be subject to your husbands” [αἱ γυναῖκες τοῖς ἰδίοις ἀνδράσιν]

    2 † See Ephesians 6:6ff.

    23. For the * husband is the head of the wife (He has authority over his wife from God’s order); just as Christ also is the Head of the congregation (His Church), and He (Christ) is the Savior (who defends her against all enemies in this world and wants to make her blessed there) of (this) His (spiritual) body (the Church).

    * 1 Corinthians 11:3ff. (1 Timothy 2:11–12)

    24. But, as now the congregation is subject to Christ (as their Lord and Head), in this way (ought) also the wives to their husbands (as those from whom they have honor and protection, being subject and obedient) in all (just) things.

    (Colossians 3:18ff.)

    25. You (married) * husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also has loved the congregation (His Church), and has given Himself (into death) for her,

    * Colossians 3:19ff. (1 Peter 3:7)

    26. so that He might sanctify * her (that she be considered holy and made holy, both through the donation of His righteousness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit), and purify1 her (being washed from the filth of sin) † through the water-bath in the Word (through Holy Baptism, in which water and Word are bound with one another),

    * John 17:17

    1 Greek: Alternatively, “in that He purified her…” [καθαρίσας]

    † John 3:5

    27. that He might present her to Himself (then on the Last Day and in eternal life) a (such a) congregation (and spiritual bride), which * is glorious (and indeed beautiful), not having a spot or wrinkle (any stain of sin or disfigurement), or any such thing (that could make her unsightly), but rather that she would be holy and blameless (in this life through the reckoned holiness of Christ, 1 Corinthians 1:30, and through the begun sanctification of the Spirit, but there in that life through perfect holiness, so that the Law can neither condemn nor accuse her).

    * Psalm 45:14; Song of Songs 4:7; 2 Corinthians 11:2 (Revelation 19:7ff.; 1 Thessalonians 3:13, 5:23)

    28. In this way the (married) husbands also ought to love their wives as their own bodies (because they on account of the marriage covenant are one flesh, Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5–6). Whoever loves his wife, loves himself (His own body and His own flesh).

    29. For no one ever hated his own flesh (unless he was completely insane); but rather he nourishes it, and tends to it (he provides for his body with all its needs[1]), just as also the Lord (Christ) the congregation (as He provides for all her needs and protects her).

    (Colossians 2:23)

    [1] German: “Hülle und Fülle”

    30. For * we (true believers) are members of His (spiritual) body, (His Church, and on account of His flesh and His assumed human nature we are) of His flesh and of His bones (His blood relatives, indeed His brothers, Genesis 37:27).

    * Romans 12:5; 1 Corinthians 6:15 (1 Corinthians 12:12ff.)

    31. For this reason (on account of the close married union of husband and wife) a man (a married man) * will leave father and mother, and will cling to his wife (love the wife more than father and mother), and the two will be1 one flesh.

    * Matthew 19:5ff. (Genesis 2:24)

    1 Greek: “these” (thus bound in marriage)

    32. This mystery is great (and incomprehensible to human reason), but I speak of Christ and the congregation (of the spiritual union of Christ with His bride, the Christian Church, whose close union is prefigured in the married estate. Luther: “A sacrament or mystery is called a secret or a hidden thing, which nevertheless shows its meaning from the outside. In this way, Christ and His congregation is a secret thing, a great holy hidden thing, that one believes and cannot see. But through a husband and wife, as through an external sign, it is signified that just as a husband and a wife are one body and have all goods in common, so also the congregation has everything that Christ is and has”).

    (Song of Songs 1:1ff; Psalm 45:10ff; Isaiah 62:4)

    33. Nevertheless (although this great secret properly refers to Christ and His Church, nevertheless it ought to be an admonition to you that) you also (according to the example of Christ), indeed each and every (Christian married husband), have love for His wife as for Himself; but let the wife fear (and honor in all subjection) the husband1 (her married lord).

    (Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:6)

    1 Greek: “(Yet let him love her) in such a way, that the wife always maintains due reverence toward the husband.”

    Useful Applications

    II. CORRECTION: That wives are to be subject to their husbands in true love and obey in just things, because God has thus commanded it. (v. 22)

    III. CORRECTION: That husbands, on the other hand, ought to love, honor, nourish, and care of them as their own bodies. (v. 28–29) DOCTRINE and CORRECTION: That there is no more beautiful image of the union of Christ and His Church, indeed, of all believers with Him, than the holy married estate, which also for that reason is to be entered into and led with all faithfulness and love. (v. 30–33)

  • 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)

  • Martin Chemnitz’s Homily Summary for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany

    Martin Chemnitz’s Homily Summary for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany

    The following is a translation of Martin Chemnitz’s homily summary found at the end of his postil for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Postilla, Volume II, pg. 296) I have added Scriptural references in brackets for easy of use.

    “So now, this is the summary of the teaching which we ought to hold on to from this sermon:

    1. First, as far as the history is concerned, [we ought to know] how it goes one after another, how after the Lord Christ entered His office (Ampt) at thirty years old, was baptized by John, and was publicly called (außgeruffen) by God His Heavenly Father form heaven that He was the Messiah, and that all the world should hold and recognize Him as such [Matthew 3:13–17]. Soon afterward, He was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness, whereafter forty days [Matthew 4:1–11], He returned to John and once more received from Him the testimony that He was the Lamb of God who would offer Himself for the sins of the entire world [John 1:29–42]. From this testimony, five of John’s hearers were moved to follow Jesus, with whom he went down to Galilee and was invited to a wedding at Cana, where He performed His very first miracle (Wünderwerck) and made water into wine [John 2:1–11]. Thereby, He wanted to prove that He was not only a great prophet, but rather was the only-begotten Son of God. This miracle He had performed before He came to Jerusalem the following Easter, that He might make an appearance through it and His teaching; and how, for the very first, He gave His mother so much to understand, that she ought not interfere in the least with His office (Ampt) and prescribe Him what He ought to do.
    2. Second, because the Lord did this His first miracle at a wedding (Hochzeit), the doctrine of the estate of marriage is to be dealt with in the congregation of God as a chief doctrine in this Gospel, and that we can first confront the heretics who bring in this devil’s doctrine (as Paul calls it in 1 Timothy 4[:1–5]), namely, that the estate of marriage is a fleshly estate which is forbidden to Christians. We have good reason [to believe] that the estate of marriage is a holy and God-pleasing estate, which God the Father instituted [Genesis 2:18–25], God the Son has confirmed [Matthew 19:1–6], and the Holy Spirit has spoken blessing over (Psalm 128). Then, how one ought to take hold of this estate in all the fear of God, live in it, and how married couples ought to behave toward one another [Ephesians 5:22–33], both in love and sorrow (in Lieb und Leid). Then, when the dear cross comes in, how one should grasp on [to the marriage estate] in patience, keep quiet for God, and take up prayer into his hands, and thereby seek help and comfort from God. However, when God tests us and does not help so quickly, when He allows the cross to become more difficult at first and it appears as if He does not want to help us at all, how we should then restrain ourselves and take a stand, fight with God in true faith and certain confidence in His Word and promise, and should not let ourselves be pulled away until He finally hears us.

    These are the two points which we ought to hold on to from this Gospel. May the beloved God inscribe this teaching in our hearts, that, by God’s grace, we may grasp it well, hold on to it, and use it in a Christian manner. Amen.”