PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: Final Judgment

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading of the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete), 1 Corinthians 4:1–5, 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. A statement against those who had low regard for Paul and the other apostles. (v. 1–13)

    Annotated Text

    1. Therefore, let everyone consider us as * Christ’s servants and stewards over God’s mysteries (in the preaching of the Gospel and the distribution of the Holy Sacraments in the house of God, that is, the Christian Church, 1 Timothy 3:15. Luther: “The mystery is the Gospel, in which the divine goods are hidden and expressed to us.”).

    * Matthew 16:19; Colossians 1:25 (2 Corinthians 4:5)

    2. Now nothing more is to be sought in stewards than they * be found faithful (in their office; and not that they all together are adorned with high exceptional gifts).

    * Luke 12:42

    3. But for me it is a small matter (I do not consider it a high matter), that I be judged (in an inconsiderate manner) by you (that you at one time criticize this lack or that lack in me, especially, that my speech is despisable, 2 Corinthians 10:10, and that I do not preach with lofty words and high wisdom, 1 Corinthians 2:1), or by a human day1 (that other men hold me highly and praise out of favor, Jeremiah 17:16), I do not even judge myself (how high I am to be regarded on account of the gifts God has granted to me and how much I have labored; much less is it fitting for you to judge me).

    (2 Corinthians 6:8; Job 9:2ff; Psalm 103:3; Psalm 143:2)

    1 * Even if I am otherwise judged in an ordinary court.

    4. I1 am aware of nothing against myself (no unfaithfulness or willful negligence in my office or any other gross sin);2 but in this * I am not (by God) justified (as if nothing at all were lacking in me and I could therefore stand before God’s judgment by my own righteousness); but it is the † Lord (namely, Jesus Christ, the judge of the whole world) who judges me (who will judge me at His time, namely, on the Last Day, when He then, according to His promise, not only will publicly my diligence in my call which has flowed forth from faith before all angels and men, but rather He will also richly reward me from pure grace).

    1 Greek: “For I” [γὰρ]

    2 * (I therefore do not shrink back from this either)

    * Exodus 34:7

    † Psalm 35:24 (Job 27:6; John 5:27)

    5. Therefore, do not judge1 (out of curiosity and inconsiderateness) before the time until the Lord comes (on the Last Day), which will also bring to light (reveal) what is hidden in darkness (and is carried out and maintained in great secrecy) and reveal the council of hearts (what each has thought and had in mind and with what intention and opinion that one has done this or that);2 then each one’s (each faithful servant of Christ and steward of God, 1 Corinthians 4:1) praise (and wage) will befall him from God.

    (Matthew 7:1; Romans 2:5, 16; Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12)

    1 Greek : “in no way,” or “in no part”

    2 Greek: “and” [καὶ]

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That we ought to give due honor to teachers and preachers because they are Christ’s servants and (spiritual) stewards over God’s mysteries, that is, over the Holy Word of God, wherein the same mysteries are revealed to us and the heavenly benefits are set forth. (v. 1)

  • Martin Chemnitz’s Explanation and Sermon Outline for the Gospel of the Second Sunday of Advent

    The following is my translation of Martin Chemnitz’s explanation and sermon outline for the Gospel of the Second Sunday of Advent, Luke 21:25–33, as found in his Postilla, pgs. 42–43. Chemnitz uses a composite text based upon Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, and Luke 24. Curly brackets indicate marginal notes in the original text. Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions.

    Image found in Chemnitz’s Postilla, pg. 40

    Sermon for the Second Sunday of Advent

    Explanation of the Gospel

    {In which part of our Catechism this Gospel belongs}

    The doctrine of today’s Gospel belongs in the [second] article of our Christ faith, which reads, “I believe that our dear Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, God’s only-begotten Son, became man for my sake, and through His suffering and death, He has paid for and made satisfaction for my sins and the sins of the entire world, He rose again the third day from the dead, and ascended into heaven, from thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.” And the order of the doctrine in the Sunday gospels proceeds finely after one another, as in this way the dear ancients [i.e., the Church Fathers] have ordered the texts of the Sunday gospels so that either the following gospel explains the one that precedes it, or as far as the doctrine is concerned, that it follows upon what precedes.

    {A summary repetition of the doctrine for the First Sunday of Advent [Ad Te Levavi]}

    Thus, eight days ago from today, we heard in the Gospel for the First Sunday [of Advent] about the first coming of the Lord Christ, which has not only happened once when He came in the flesh in a visible manner, when He Himself taught and preached, and also finally accomplished the work of redemption, but rather, which still happens to this day and endures until the end of the world [Matthew 28:20], when He comes to us through the Word and His Holy Sacraments in all grace so that He might call us from all our sins, from death, from the devil, and from hell, so that we may once again be reconciled with the dear God, and may come to eternal life. And this doctrine concerning the first coming of the Lord Christ serves to this end, that we not neglect the time of grace, but rather that we recognize our king, embrace Him, seek Him, receive Him, serve Him, and be thankful.

    {The Second Sunday of Advent concerning the coming of Christ for judgment, as it follows after the First [Sunday]}

    This doctrine was presented to us eight days ago. Upon this now follows today’s Gospel, which further instructs us, that, if we do not receive the time of grace, nor make right use of it, then we must further learn from God’s Word and allow ourselves to be instructed what will then one day follow after it, namely, that God at times punishes those who despise His Word in this life, although not all.

    {The good fortune of the godless offends the pious.}

    With most people it goes in such a way that the pious complain that things go better for the wicked and the godless than they do for God-fearers, which often causes great offense. Likewise, when pious Christians hear that their King is coming to them with many goods and treasures which He wants to bring to His subjects, yet which nevertheless is not fulfilled in this life, then they think that nothing will come of it, that these are only empty words, and there is nothing behind it, only “good words of Paul” (bona verba Pauli), as the scoffers are accustomed to speak concerning the comfort of the Gospel.

    {The godless despisers will be punished on the Last Day.}

    Then comes this Gospel and gives us a beautiful instruction and says: There will come a different day, a different time, when the heavens will crack open and the elements will be melted [2 Peter 3:10], and then it will be said: those who have received the King, they will stand on that day, but those who neglected and despised Him, of them it will be said, “And the people will be terrified on earth and will languish.” [~Luke 21:26?]

    {To what end Christ has His coming preached}

    This is the first thing that we ought to consider in today’s Gospel. And because much depends on this for us—that we may rightly prepare ourselves for that day of the last coming of the Lord Christ of which we can have no certain proper report as to when He will come, and, although God in His Word has wanted to reveal to no one the time and hour when this day shall come, even the angels themselves [Matthew 24:36]—so the Son of God nevertheless does this for our good when He first tells us beforehand that this day will certainly come. Thereafter, He also clearly and properly recorded the signs which will precede the Last day and by which one can know that the [Last] Day is not very far; for in addition He has also described how things will proceed on that [Day], as to how the Judgment will be held, what pertains to the process, but especially in what manner the Son of Man will come, namely, in great power and glory, that there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, how the earth and all that is in it will be burned up, that men will tremble, and that the waters will roar. However, the foremost reason for which the Lord reports this is as Mark describes, “Take heed, watch, and pray, for you do not know in which hour the Son of Man will come. What I say to you, I say to all. Watch yourselves that your heart not be weighed down with feasting and drinking, and the cares of sustenance.” (Mark 13[:33–37], [Luke 21:34])

    Concerning these points, we want to hear a brief instruction in today’s Gospel.

    Division of the Sermon [Sermon Outline]

    1. When we heard eight days ago that the King is present with many goods and treasures which the world does not regard, and yet the pious often think that because they do not receive the goods from Him into their hands in this life and that therefore it is nothing and everything said to us concerning this King is in vain; that we, on the contrary, know that it will not remain so for all time, but rather the end will carry the burden (das Ende wirdt die Last tragen), when the day comes which God has appointed in which our King will no longer come in a poor miserable form as He once did at the time to the Jews, but rather with great power and glory to judge the entire world, as St. Paul says in Acts 17[:31], that all creatures will tremble because of it, and then the godless will learn who He is whom they now utterly despise and the pious will find that they have not believed in Him and hoped in Him in vain.
    2. How each person, to whom his salvation is dear, ought to prepare for it and make himself ready for the time, so that the Day of the Lord may not come upon him unexpectedly, because He will come suddenly and when one expects it the least, as a thief in the night, or as lightning, or as the birds are caught; and what things one should be diligent in, namely, three things: (1) that we guard ourselves against gluttony, drunkenness, and the cares of sustenance; (2) that we watch, prepare, and arm ourselves with everything that serves to this end so that we may be fitted and ready to stand on that day; and (3) that we pray that God would make us fit for all of this, because our guarding and watching will otherwise not accomplish it (außmachen; [read ausführen]).
    3. How finally, we ought not fear this day, nor be terrified of it, but rather rejoice and lift up our heads, because this day is not a day of wrath (ein Tag des Zorns) for us as it is for the godless, but it is a day of refreshment (ein Tag der Erquickung), a day when everything will be restored to us which may have been lacking to us in this life.

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Luke 21:25–33 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Holy Gospel for the Second Sunday of Advent (Populus Zion), Luke 21:25–33, 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.

    III. A prophecy concerning the end of the world, in which signs are recounted in like manner. (v. 25–38)

    Annotated Text

    25. “And * there will be seen signs in the sun, moon, and stars (for the sun and the moon will lose their radiance and the stars will fall from heaven); and there will be anxiety among the people1 (especially the godless), and they will be timid (so that they do not know what to do); † and the sea and the waves will roar (The waters will burst forth, destroy land and people, and otherwise roar and rage in terrible unheard ways).

    * Isaiah 31:10; Matthew 24:29

    1 Greek: “the peoples” [ἐθνῶν]

    † Psalm 46:4 (Mark 13:24; Joel 3:4; Revelation 6:12)

    26. And men will be * languishing from fear and from expectation of the things which are shall come upon the earth (on account of the terrifying signs; therefore, the people on earth will have to wait for nothing other than the Last Day and the end of the world); for even the powers of the heavens will be shaken (the heavens with their stars will not be as powerful as before for warmth, fruitfulness, and for hidden workings).

    * Isaiah 64:7; Ezekiel 24:23

    27. And * then (immediately after these preceding signs) they (the people on earth) will see the Son of Man (Christ in His assumed humanity) coming in the clouds with great power and glory (He will allow His divine omnipotence and glory communicated to Him according to His human nature to be seen and heard everywhere).

    * Daniel 7:13 (Matthew 26:64)

    28. But when you see these things begin to happen (do not wait only for the last moment, but rather when you see beforehand these things that are preached come into fulfillment more and more), so (you believers) look up (be renewed in your courage), and raise your heads (and hearts with joyful confidence and heartfelt longing), * for your redemption (indeed more and more) draws near (because it is present that through the Last Day you shall be completely delivered from all evil, Romans 8:23).”

    * Romans 8:21, 23

    29. And He (Christ) spoke to them a parable (how to recognize the presence of the Last Day), * “Look at the fig tree and all the trees.

    * Matthew 24:32 (Mark 13:28)

    30. When they are already budding, you see in them and take note that summer is now near.

    31. So also you (believers and pious people), when you see all these things happening, then know that the Kingdom of God is near (do not be all to terrified at the signs previously recounted, but rather assure and comfort yourselves that you shall soon be relocated into the kingdom of eternal joy and glory and shall have your joyful everlasting summer there).

    32. Truly, * I say to you, this generation (of the Jews) will not pass away (not entirely be eradicated, but rather wander about, scattered here and there), until all this happens (until the Last Day shall come upon the previously mentioned signs).

    * Matthew 24:34ff.

    33. * Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words † will not pass away.

    * Luke 16:17; Psalm 102:27; Isaiah 51:6; Matthew 5:18

    † Isaiah 40:8

    34. But guard yourselves, that your hearts are not weighed down (that they cannot lift themselves to God on high with devotion in prayer, faith, hope, etc.) with * gluttony and drunkenness, and with cares of sustenance, and the day (the day of judgment) comes upon you quickly.

    * Romans 13:13; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:18 (1 Thessalonians 5:5ff.; 1 Peter 4:7ff.)

    35. For * it will come as a snare upon all who dwell on earth (just as a bird-catcher casts the net unexpectedly and swiftly over the birds when they hop about on the ground, pick up the grains, and fear no evil, so also when the godless and the earthly minded children of the world are secure, gorging and getting and drunk, and indulging in the lusts of this world, they will be suddenly and unexpectedly trapped and startled by the Last Day).

    * 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (2 Peter 3:10)

    36. So now you therefore be vigorous (vigilant) at all times (flee security and live always in Christian preparedness), and pray, that you may be worthy (deemed worthy by God by grace), to escape all these things that (before and on the Last Day, in a terrible manner, especially with swift abruptness, v. 35) shall happen, and to stand1 before the Son of Man (that you may appear before the judgment seat of Christ with a joyful countenance and a good conscience and not be rejected by Him with the godless, Psalm 1:5; Wisdom 5:1).”

    (Matthew 24:42, 25:13; Mark 13:34ff; Revelation 3:2, 16:15)

    1 * “to persist,” see Psalm 1:5

    Useful Applications

    III. WARNING: That one ought to expect the Last Day at all times, and that we ought to guard ourselves against gluttony, drunkenness, and the cares of sustenance (or avarice) so that the Last Day may not overtake us while we are unprepared, for by these things the hearts of men are weighed down and many damnable sins are committed. (v. 34)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for James 5:7–10 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Epistle Reading for Wednesday of Ad Te Levavi, James 5:7–10, 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 command concerning patience and comfort in tribulation. (v. 7–11)

    Annotated Text

    7. So now be * patient, beloved brothers (you who must allow yourselves to be frightened and oppressed so miserably by the godless rich, and also do not let yourselves be embittered by it), until the coming of the Lord (until Christ appears on the Last Day to hold judgment, who will not only deliver you from such tribulation, but also will reciprocate tribulation upon those who have laid affliction upon you, 2 Thessalonians 1:6). See how a farmer waits for the beautiful fruit of the earth, and is patient over it, until it receives the morning and evening rain (until God gives a fruitful rain, both for sowing and also for harvest time, by which the land is watered and is made rich, its furrows are soaks, its plowed field is moistened, and its growth is blessed, Psalm 65:10–11).

    * Luke 21:19; Hebrews 10:36 (James 1:4; Deuteronomy 11:14)

    8. You also be patient (do not allow yourselves to be moved to impatience by the oppression of the godless rich), and strengthen your hearts (by faithful trust and by the certain hope of the promised redemption and future blessèdness); for the coming of the Lord (Christ for judgment) is near (for the time between the first coming of the Son of God in the flesh and between His second coming for judgment is considered a short time, not only reckoned against eternity, but also against the time of the world which has already passed).

    (1 Corinthians 10:11; Philippians 4:5; Revelation 22:12)

    9. Do not groan against one another (out of impatience, hatred, anger, and vindictiveness), beloved brothers, so that you are not (by impatience, self-vengeance, and loveless sighing and wishing) condemned (for strife, envy, anger, hatred, and vindictiveness belong among the works of the flesh, and those who do these things will not inherit the Kingdom of God, Galatians 5:20–21). Behold, * the Judge is1 at the door (the coming of the Lord Christ, the appointed universal Judge, is so near as if He were already standing at the door).

    * Matthew 24:33 (Colossians 3:13)

    1 Greek: “standing” [ἕστηκεν]

    10. Take, my beloved brothers, * as an example the suffering and patience of the prophets, who had spoken in the name of the Lord (comfort yourselves in your suffering with the example of your teachers, who preached the Gospel of Christ to you and endured much hardship on account of it).

    * Matthew 5:12 (Romans 15:4)

    11. Behold, we praise them as blessèd (the saints of the Old Testament) who have endured1 (who endured much vileness in this world and are now redeemed out of them, and have been exalted to eternal glory). You have heard of the * patience of Job (it is known to you from his history), and the end of the Lord2 (Christ) you have seen (you on your part have seen how Christ endured all adversity, even death itself, with great patience and entered His glory through His suffering, Luke 24:26); for the † Lord is compassionate (of great compassion) and is merciful (He allows the need of His people to go to His heart, and finally redeems them out of all tribulation).

    1 Greek: “who endure steadfastly” [ὑπομείναντας]

    * Job 1:21–22

    2 † Others interpret this as referring to the end of the suffering sent by God, Job 42:10ff.

    † Psalm 103:8 (Matthew 5:11; Numbers 14:18)

    Useful Applications

    II. CORRECTION: To patience in the time of suffering according to the example of the holy prophets, and especially the man of God, Job. (v. 10–11)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 25:1–13 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Trinity, Matthew 25:1–13, 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 parable of the ten virgins. (v. 1–13)

    Annotated Text

    1. Then (when Christ comes to hold the judgment) 1 the Kingdom of Heaven (the estate of those who publicly confess themselves to [be part of] the Church of God and to the Gospel) will be like ten 2 virgins, who 3 took their lamps  (presented themselves externally as Christians) and went out to meet the Bridegroom (Christ).

    1 Or, much more in the last times and with reference to His second coming.

    2 † A number of which was commonly required at solemn Jewish ceremonies.

    3 * Invited as guests for a wedding, which in those lands was for the most part held in the evening.

    2. But five of them were foolish (by which those are to be understood who do not deal wisely in their Christianity and who do not let their salvation be a matter of true seriousness to themselves), and five were wise (by which those are to be understood who are upright Christians, who are understanding what the will of the Lord is, Ephesians 5:17, and who fulfill it in deed).

    (2 Timothy 3:5; Revelation 14:4)

    3. The foolish took their lamps; however, they did not take oil along with themselves 1 (they did not have true saving faith and Christian virtues, but rather were only hypocrites).2

    1 In separate vessels, to refill their lamps in the case of a longer delay.

    2 † Here, the oil is the grace of the Holy Spirit (Psalm 45:8), which is mediated by the Word and Sacraments, which works faith, love, and all good in men, and which prepares their hearts in the grace of God for willing and joyful service.

    4. But the wise took oil in their vessels along with their lamps (also well provided with oil). (Luther: “The lamps without oil are good works without faith, which must all be quenched. The vessel of oil however is faith in the conscience in the grace of God, which does good works that endure.”)

    5. Now, when the Bridegroom was delayed (with His coming), they * all became drowsy and slept (in such a form that they did not wait with due care for the coming of Christ).

    * James 3:2

    6. But, at midnight (when they least expected it) there was a cry (through the sound of the trumpet): “Behold, the Bridegroom comes; go out to meet Him!”

    [For the trumpet sound, see Matthew 24:31; 1 Corinthians 15:52]

    7. Then * all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps (they prepared their lamps and poured oil into them).

    * Luke 12:36ff.

    8. But the foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are quenched.”

    9. Then the wise answered and said, “Not so, so that there may not be a lack for us and you. But go away to the merchants and buy for yourselves (buy where you want, we have nothing left over for you. Luther: “But just as here none gives the oil to another, so also must each believe for himself”).

    10. And when they went out to buy, the Bridegroom came, and those who were ready * went in with Him to the wedding (into the joy of eternal life), and the door was shut (so that no one could come in anymore).

    * Revelation 19:7

    11. Finally, the other virgins also came and * said, “Lord, Lord (they repeated this word ‘Lord’ from hypocritical hearts, Matthew 7:22; Luke 6:46), open to us!”

    * Luke 13:25ff.

    1 * Or also, from all too-late recognition of the majesty of Christ, Isaiah 45:23; Philippians 2:10–11

    12. But He answered and said, “Truly, I say to you, * I do not know you (I regard you not; you do not belong to My wedding, for you had the time of grace, and when you ought to have sought the oil of true faith working through love, you did not pay attention to it; and now it is too late).

    * Matthew 7:23; Psalm 1:6

    1 * I cannot recognize you, with your fruitless behavior, as the companions of My bride.

    13. Therefore, * watch (be prepared at all times), for you neither know the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man will come. (In the following parable [i.e., the Parable of the Talents, Matthew 25:14–30], Christ reminds us that each person ought to righty use and employ the gifts God has imparted to him during the time of his [earthly] life, so that on the Last Day, he may receive a reward for his faithfulness and diligence, yet by grace. But it is to be understood with this parable, that Christ will deal with us in this manner.)

    * Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33ff.; Luke 21:36 (Revelation 16:15)

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That we ought to be watchful at all times in faith and remain in preparedness (which is signified by the oil and the burning lamps of the virgins), so that we meet the heavenly Bridegroom spiritually when He appears in His glory for judgment, and so that we do not neglect the time of grace according to the likeness of the foolish virgins. (v. 1–13)

  • 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)