PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: Gospel

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 42:1–9 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament reading of the First Sunday after Epiphany, Isaiah 42:1–9, 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.

    Note: This is the appointed reading from the Lutheran Missal Project.

    I. A promise of God the heavenly Father and a prophecy concerning Christ as to what kind of office He will have and how He will carry it out. (v. 1–9)

    Annotated Text

    1. Behold, this is * My Servant (although Christ, according to His divine nature, is equal to God the Father in essence, power, and honor and also according to His human nature has received divine attributes by virtue of the personal union, nevertheless, for our sake, He has become the servant of God the Father through His humiliation, Philippians 2:7), whom I uphold;1 and (this is) My Elect (the one whom I have chosen for the work of redemption from eternity past), in † whom My soul has good pleasure. I have given Him My Spirit (without any measure, so that He should rest fully on Him, Isaiah 11:2, John 3:34), He will bring forth justice (how a man must become righteous before God and be blessed) among the Gentiles (through the preaching of the Gospel).

    * Matthew 12:18

    1 Hebrew: “I grasp Him and support Him” (see Exodus 17:12). Thus, in Matthew 12[:18–21] is the meaning only expressed.

    † Matthew 3:17, 17:5; 2 Peter 1:17 (Isaiah 49:6)

    2. He will not cry out nor call (Christ will not establish a worldly kingdom in which there is much turmoil and unrest, Luke 17:20), and His voice will not be heard in the streets (He will conduct Himself in humility and in the lowly form of a servant, Philippians 2:7).

    (Matthew 12:19)

    3. The * bruised reed He will not break (He will not further trouble contrite and broken hearts, but much more comfort them and bless them), and the smoldering wick (the little light of weak faith in the one who wants to despair on account of his sins) He will not quench (He will show Himself gentle toward those who labor and are burdened, Matthew 11:28–29, and He will bear with their weaknesses with patience). He will teach to keep the justice (which counts before God) truthfullly1 (He will also instruct those who have become righteous through faith in Him as to how henceforth they ought to serve God the Lord in holiness and righteousness, Luke 1:74–75).

    * Matthew 12:20; Psalm 34:19 (Matthew 9:12ff.)

    1 Hebrew: “to bring forth to firm conviction” (that is, “perform.” Therefore, it is also given as “unto victory” or “victorious” [εἰς νῖκος] in Matthew 12[:20].

    4. He will be neither sullen nor dreadful (Luther: “He will not be harsh or irascible and sour, but rather friendly, gentle, and benevolent”), until He establishes justice on earth;1 and the islands will wait (there will also be far remote Gentile peoples called to His kingdom, who dwell on the islands) for His Law (for the doctrine of the Gospel).

    (Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 12:21)

    1 Hebrew: “He will not become distressed (that is, disgruntled, Isaiah 61:3), nor retreat, until He establishes justice in the land (of Israel); thereafter, etc.”

    5. Thus says God, the Lord, who created and spread out heaven, who made the earth and its vegetation, who gives breath to the people who are on it and spirit (life) to those who go on it:

    6. I, the Lord (God the Father) have called (I have ordained You for this, that You shall carry out the work of redemption) You (My beloved Son, Christ) with righteousness (in such manner that You will render a complete payment to My righteousness, and obtain the perfect righteousness that counts before Me for the human race), and I will grasp You by the hand (as You contend against death, sin, devil, and hell), and I will keep you, and I will have You given as a covenant (as Mediator of the New Testament or Covenant) among the people1 (that You establish and confirm them through Your blood), as Light * to the Gentiles (that You bring not only the Jews but also the Gentiles through the light of the Gospel into the light of the saving knowledge of God and their Savior);

    1 The people of Israel (see Romans 9:4, 15:8; Acts 3:25).

    * Isaiah 9:2, 49:6, 60:1 (Daniel 9:24; Luke 2:32; Romans 5:19; Romans 8:2ff.)

    7. that You shall open the eyes of the blind (those stuck in spiritual blindness), and lead the prisoners from the prison (that You redeem them from the curse of the Law, as well as death and eternal condemnation) and those who * sit in darkness (who lack the true knowledge of God in Christ), from the prison (in which no light lightens or shines).

    * Matthew 4:16 (Isaiah 35:5, 61:1; Luke 1:79; Acts 26:18)

    8. * I am the Lord (who alone am the only true self-subsisting God), that is My (proper) name; † and I will give My honor to no other (false god), nor My praise to idols.

    * Exodus 3:15

    † Isaiah 48:11 (Exodus 6:3; Psalm 83:19)

    9. Behold what shall come I proclaim to you beforehand,1 and I proclaim new things (of which no one could have surmised); before they come up (spring forth and flourish), I let you hear of them (Here, the promise properly speaking is to be understood of the coming of the Messiah, who in the prophet Zechariah 6:12 is called “Zemah,” that is, a “Branch”).

    (Isaiah 41:26)

    1 Hebrew: “Behold, the first things (which I had previously allowed to be spoken, e.g., the conquest of Canaan, the kings of Israel, etc.) have come, and what is new (that is, what has not yet come), etc.” See Isaiah 43:19.

    Useful Applications

    I. COMFORT: That all repentant, troubled, and broken hearts (who are like a bruised reed and a smoldering wick) ought to be raised up, comforted, and made joyful by their Savior Christ from His holy Word. (v. 3–4)

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

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

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

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

    Annotated Text

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

    * Isaiah 52:1

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

    † Isaiah 9:2 (John 1:5, 9ff.)

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

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

    * Exodus 10:23

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

    * Matthew 4:16 (Revelation 21:24)

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

    * Isaiah 49:18ff.

    † Isaiah 66:12

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

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

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

    * Matthew 8:11 (Acts 11:18)

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

    * Matthew 2:11 (Psalm 72:10)

    Useful Applications

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

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 2:2–5 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament of the Ember Wednesday of Advent, Isaiah 2:2–5, 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. Isaiah deals with the future calling of the Gentiles to the Kingdom of Christ. (v. 1–5)

    Annotated Text

    1. This is that which Isaiah, the Son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. (The prophecy belongs to the New Testament.)

    2. It shall come to pass in the latter time that the mountain where the house of the Lord (the Kingdom of Christ and God, where He will dwell and reveal Himself) shall certainly be higher (Luther: “that one no longer needs to run here and there, but rather will certainly find God,” namely, in the Christian Church, which is built upon Christ as the Rock, Matthew 16:18; the same is also called Mount Zion here because it was first assembled together in Jerusalem at the time of Christ and His apostles and then from there spread itself into all the world) than all mountains and be exalted over all hills (the Christian Church and the Kingdom of the Lord Messiah [Christ] will far excel all other kingdoms and will have a different and better condition than the Church of the Jewish people), and all the Gentiles will run1 to it (Luther: “as water runs with force and freely of itself”);

    * Jeremiah 3:17; Micah 4:1 (Psalm 68:16–17)

    1 Hebrew: “flow” (in heaps)

    3. And1 many people will go forth and say, “Come, let us go to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that He may teach us His ways, and that we may walk in his paths. For from Zion the Law will go forth, and the Lord’s Word from Jerusalem (the apostles will begin to preach the doctrine of the Gospel at Jerusalem and in the Jewish land, and from there spread it until the end of the world, Acts 1:8).

    (Psalm 50:2; Psalm 110:2; Zechariah 8:23)

    1 Hebrew: “For it will happen…” (This is an explanation of what preceded.)

    4. And He (Christ, to whom His heavenly Father has given all judgment, John 5:22) will judge among the Gentiles and rebuke many people (He will convince them through the preaching of His Word that they have merited eternal damnation, and therefore admonish them that so that they may flee from such condemnation and be all the more eager and willing to accept His Gospel). Then they1 will make their * swords into plowshares and their spears into sickles (Luther: “or reaping hooks.” Jews and Gentiles will in Christ will have love and value for one another, and not, as previously, be hostile toward one another, rather they will have one heart, mouth, and mind according to the Gospel). For no people will2 lift up a sword against another, and they no longer learn war (They will no longer hold so stiffly to pagan idolatry, but rather will give themselves captive with their reason under the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5).

    * Micah 4:3 (Isaiah 11:3ff.; Romans 12:16; 1 Corinthians 1:10, 16:14; Ephesians 2:14)

    1 Hebrew: “for they shall” — (This is Christ’s doctrine of love from true faith, John 13:34ff.)

    2 Hebrew: “shall” — ([At the same time,] lawful governmental war protection, which comes from love toward one’s own, still remains unchanged in times of need according to Romans 13:4)

    5. Come now, you of the house of Jacob, let us * walk in the light of the Lord (Christ; that is, the converted Gentiles will admonish the Jews themselves to true recognition of God in Christ).

    * John 8:12

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: Concerning the universal call of the Gentiles to the Kingdom of Christ through the preaching of the Apostles. (v. 2–4)

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Isaiah 40:1–11 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications forthe Old Testament of the Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete), Isaiah 40:1–8, 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 prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, and His forerunner, John the Baptist, what he will preach. (v. 1–11)

    Annotated Translation

    1. “Comfort (with these words God speaks to the prophets, apostles, and their true successors, the servants of Christ, who carry out the office of the New Testament, that they ought to kindly comfort the people of God with these words), comfort My people!” says your God.

    2. “Speak * kindly with Jerusalem,1 and preach to her, that her hard service2 (Luther: “the Divine Service in the Old Testament”) has an end (that the burdensome Divine Services and the arduous exercises in the manifold ceremonies of the Mosaic Law have come to an end, that they are also redeemed from the curse and bane of the Law, as well as from the various accusations of the conscience), for her misdeeds are forgiven3 (for Christ’s sake), for she has received twofold (grace upon grace, John 1:16, Romans 5:20) from the hand of the Lord, for all4 her sins (Luther: “Namely, forgiveness of sins and freedom from the Law of Moses, that is, pure grace for sin, life for death,” etc.).

    (Zephaniah 3:18; Daniel 9:24; Ephesians 5:2; Hebrews 9:8ff.)

    1 Hebrew: “Speak to Jerusalem in her heart” (that is, preach to her what will be comforting to her. See Genesis 34:3, 50:21; Judges 19:3; Hosea 2:14; Zephaniah 3:9).

    2 Hebrew: “Her hard (military) service” (her Divine Service, which she carried out in the army of God, the Israelite Church, according to the Levitical order, which was a hard yoke both in itself, and also on account of the frequent great judgments of wrath. See Acts 15:10; Deuteronomy 8:24ff.).

    3 Hebrew: “reconciled” [i.e., propitiated], see Leviticus 1:4

    4 Hebrew: “in” or “among all” — regardless of their greatness and number.

    3. There is * a voice of a preacher in the wilderness (namely, John the Baptist, who began the New Testament with his preaching and teaching), ‘Prepare (through true repentance and correction) for the Lord (the Messiah, who is true God with the Father and the Holy Spirit) the way (that He may take up lodging in your hearts through true faith), make a level path in the field for our God (that He may enter in among you freely and unhindered).

    * Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4; John 1:23 (Malachi 3:1)

    4.All valleys (all hearts that are oppressed by the burden of the Law) shall be exalted (be set right again through the preaching of the Gospel), and all mountains and hills (proud hearts and hypocritical work-saints) shall be made low (brought to the recognition of their sins, and their trust in their own works will be laid low in their hearts), and what is unlike shall be made even, and what is rough shall be made smooth (Christ will make everything fine and straight, in that all men must live by His grace alone and no one will have any advantage over the other, Acts 10:34–35);

    (Isaiah 42:16; Zephaniah 3:11ff.)

    5. for the glory of the Lord shall be revealed (in Christ and in all His works and miracles); and all flesh shall see it together (Jews and Gentiles, Colossians 3:11; Isaiah 66:23) for the mouth of the Lord has spoken (for Christ’s mouth is truly God’s mouth, therefore, whoever has heard Christ speak has heard God speak).

    (Isaiah 52:6–10; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16)

    6. A voice says, “Preach!” (Christ will command His servants to preach.) And he (the servant of God) said, “What shall I preach?” (Answer, this:) “All * flesh is hay1 (all men, as they are now born after the fall into sin, are sinful and mortal, also unfit for all good, and cannot stand before God’s judgment), and all its goods (Luther: “All good deeds or good living which reason can do and does”) are as flowers in the field (therefore, they only ought to seek their righteousness and salvation in Christ alone, who is proclaimed to them in the Gospel).

    * Isaiah 51:12ff.; 1 Peter 1:24 (Matthew 6:30; James 1:10–11)

    1 Hebrew: “grass;” compare Psalm 37:2, as well as v. 7 here.

    7. The hay withers, the flower fades, for the Spirit of the Lord blows on them (when the Spirit of God tests the works of men who are not yet reborn, stirs their conscience, sharpens the Law, and thereby shines into the heart, then everything upon which they rely withers and falls apart, and all boasting lies down). Indeed, (all) the people are as hay (not only the wicked and godless people, but also the people of God are sinful, mortal, and perishable by nature).

    8. The hay withers, the flower fades, but the * Word our God (through which we are born anew and reborn to eternal life) remains forever.

    * Psalm 119:89; Luke 21:33; 1 Peter 1:25

    9. Zion, you preacher (by this are to be understood the holy apostles, who first preached the Gospel in Jerusalem and in the Jewish land, but afterward had preached it in the entire world, Luke 24:47, Acts 1:8)1, go up onto a high mountain (that your voice may be heard far and wide); Jerusalem, you preacher, lift up Your voice with power, lift it up and fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold, there is (Christ) your God (revealed in the flesh, 1 Timothy 3:16, who now Himself speaks with you in His assumed human nature, Isaiah 52:6).

    (Matthew 10:27; Romans 10:18; Malachi 3:1)

    1 † The Hebrew word generally means to proclaim a joyful message. See Isaiah 52:7.

    10. For behold, the Lord YHWH (Christ, the Chief Shepherd of His Church, 1 Peter 5:4) comes with power1 (to content against the devil and everything that hinders and prevents us from salvation, and to cast out the prince of this world, John 12:31), and His arm is glorious (He will powerfully gather together a kingdom out of the human race in which He will rule with His Word and Spirit). Behold, His reward (His gift of grace, which He has acquired by His obedience and suffering) is with Him, and His * recompense (according to which He will do good to believers and will punish unbelievers) is before Him.

    * Romans 2:6ff. (Isaiah 62:11; Revelation 22:12; 1 John 3:8)

    1 Hebrew: alternatively, “against the powerful,” cf. Luke 11:21

    11. He will shepherd His flock as * a Shepherd; He will gather the (tender, young) lambs together in His arms and carry them in His bosom, and lead the sheep mothers (He will faithfully tend the weak sheep1).

    * John 10:11–12ff. (Psalm 23:2; Ezekiel 34:11–12, 23; Micah 5:3)

    1 † Those who understand the “sheep mothers” as the faithful teachers come closer to the purpose and the metaphor.

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: That we obtain forgiveness of sins, comfort, salvation, and blessedness from Jesus Christ through faith in His Holy Word. (v. 1, 2–10).

  • 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 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 Matthew 22:34–46 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Mark 22:34–46, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    IV. The last discourse of Christ with the Pharisees concerning the greatest commandment in the Law and concerning the Messiah. (v. 34–46)

    Annotated Text

    34. But when the Pharisees heard that He had stopped up the mouth of the Sadducees (thus that they could no longer answer Him nor rebuke His speech), they gathered together (namely, the Pharisees).

    35. And * one among them, a scribe, (who had heard them as they questioned one another, and saw that He had answered them finely; meanwhile, he came forward when the others were gathering together and taking counsel, and asked Him, Mark 12:28, and) tested Him (in the beginning, he had brought forth his question to Christ with a wicked intent, but afterward the Holy Spirit changed his heart), and said,

    * Luke 10:25.

    36. “Master, which is the foremost commandment (before all) in the Law (that we ought to keep and to fulfill before all things? The scribe wants to say this much: Because a resurrection of the dead will follow and another life exists after this one, as you have rightly answered the Sadducees, therefore the question now is, which is the foremost commandments that one must keep before all others if one wants to inherit eternal life)?

    37. But Jesus (answered and) said to him, (The foremost commandment before all commandments is this: “Hear, O Isarel, the Lord, our God, is one singular God,” Mark 12:29, and) * “’You shall love God (the only true God), Your Lord, with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind (and with all your powers, Mark 12:30).’

    *Mark 12:30ff. (Deuteronomy 6:4–6; Luke 10:27)

    38. This is the foremost and greatest commandment (as the foundation of what follows, if it should be upright).

    39. But the second is like it (because God the Lord wants this commandment to be kept just as much as the first; also because both commandments require not only an external obedience, but rather also a inward obedience, and because no one can rightly love God unless he also loves his neighbor, 1 John 4:20–21; finally, because the transgression of the commandment concerning love of the neighbor is just as reprehensible as the transgression of the commandment concerning the love of God): ‘You shall love your neighbor (all those who need your help) as you yourself (thus, that you show them all the love, friendship, and kindness, which you desire, so that it may happen to you from others. There is no other greater commandment than this, Mark 12:31ff.).’

    * Leviticus 19:28; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8; Colossians 3:14.

    40. On these two commandments hang (is grasped or summed up, Romans 13:9) the entire Law and the Prophets (what Moses and the Prophets require of a man when they deal with the doctrine of the Law; they also can neither be sufficiently understood, nor rightly applied for the salvation of souls if one does not recognize from them our incapability to fulfill the Law and how necessary the Mediator is, who fulfills in us the righteousness that is demanded by the Law, Romans 8:3–4. And the scribe said to Him, “Master, You have truly spoken correctly; for there is one God, and there is none other besides Him; and to love Him with all the heart and with all the mind, and with all the soul, and with all powers and love one’s neighbor as oneself, this is more than bread offerings and all sacrifice.” But when Jesus saw that He had answered reasonably, He said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God.” And no one dared to question Him further, Mark 12:32–34).”

    41. Now when the Pharisees were with one another, they asked Jesus (when He taught in the temple, Mark 12:35),

    (Matthew 22:34)

    42. and said, “What do you think concerning the Christ (what do you hold concerning the promised Messiah)? * Whose Son is He (from which stem and race will He be born when He comes?)?” They said, “David’s” (from the lineage of David, according to the divine promise).

    (Luke 20:41)

    * He led them there in order to show that the discussion is not settled with the Law, but rather that the knowledge of Christ and His person, as well as His office is necessary above all in the Kingdom of God.

    43. He (answered and) said to them (“How do they say, the scribes, that Christ is David’s Son?” Mark 12:35, Luke 20:41): “How then does David call Him in the Spirit (through the Holy Spirit, Mark 12:36, that is, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) a Lord, when He says (in the book of the Psalms):

    44. * “The Lord (God the Father) has said to my Lord (to Christ, His Son, who is my lord and my God): ‘Sit at My right hand (reign with Me in like majesty, power, and glory, 1 Corinthians 15:25; Hebrews 1:3, 8:1; Ephesians 1:20), until I place Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet (until I fully subject these to you on the Last Day. Then, David indeed calls Him his Lord, Mark 12:37).’”

    * Psalm 110:1; Mark 12:37; Luke 20:42; Acts 2:34; Hebrews 1:13 (Hebrews 10:13).

    45. So now, if David (the mighty king, who acknowledge no higher lord on earth, but rather only the true God in heaven) calls Him a Lord, whose Son then is He? (Christ does not deny that the Messiah will be David’s son according to His human nature, but rather He wants to give the Pharisees the knowledge that He will also be David’s Lord, according to His divine nature.)

    46. And * no one could answer Him a word (nor show the correct understanding and basis of this Davidic saying, because they did not know the Messiah rightly from the Holy Scripture, but rather held Him to be a mere man who would see a worldly kingdom on earth), ** and also no one dared to ask Him a question from the day forward (They tested Him with crafty questions. And many people heard Him gladly, Mark 12:37. But that Christ wanted to conclude all His sermons and miracles with this conversation concerning the Law and the Gospel, thereby He showed that everything contained in Holy Scripture can and ought to be drawn into these two chief points, namely, to the Law and the Gospel, Isaiah 8:20, John 1:17, Romans 11:32).

    * Luke 14:6.

    ** As the interpretation of the Jews today, [applying it] to Abraham, sounds truly wretched.

    Useful Applications

    IV. DOCTRINE: Christ is David’s Son and Lord, both as true man and as true God (v. 42–45). DOCTRINE: Whoever is lacking in this knowledge, is and remains with a legalistic nature and in darkness (v. 42–46).

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Epistle Reading for the Feast of the Holy Cross, 1 Corinthians 1:18–25, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    III. A report against two vices, which have been found over the Preaching Office: one, where the people, who are otherwise completely union in religion, nevertheless become divided for the sake of the teachers; second, where people, because of human wisdom and vain eloquence, marvel highly at the false teachers. (v. 10–31)

    [v. 10–17 omitted due to the appointed reading]

    18. For the Word of the cross (the doctrine of the Gospel concerning Christ, the crucified) is (according to their erring thoughts, v. 25) foolishness to those, * who (in their unbelief) are perishing; but to us, we who are (through faith in Christ) being saved, it is ** a power of God (through which He strengthens us and keeps us to eternal life).

    * 2 Corinthians 4:3.

    ** Romans 1:16.

    (Cf. 1:24; 4:10)

    19. For it stands * written: “I will make as nothing the wisdom of the wise, and the understanding of the understanding (those who in divine matters follow their human reason) I will destroy.

    * Isaiah 19:14.

    (Job 12:17)

    20. Where * are the wise men (among the Gentiles)? Where are the scribes (among the Jews)? Where are the philosophers? (those who can make from human skill many disputations? Among all these, is there anyone who knows how to declare the counsel of God for our salvation?) Has not God the ** wisdom of this world made as foolishness? (And what they put forward as the way to salvation, is it not shown to be foolishness? Because they regulate the doctrine of the Gospel according to reason and do not receive it in simplicity of faith, they thereby become fools before God.)

    * Job 12:17; Isaiah 33:18.

    ** Baruch 3:28.

    (Matthew 11:25; Romans 1:22)

    21. For because the world (the philosophers) through their (imagined) wisdom * did not know (but rather much more became futile in their reasoning, Romans 1:21) God in their wisdom, it well-pleased God, through the foolish preaching to save those, who believe in it. (That is, because body Jews and Gentiles much more value their earthly and natural wisdom rather than the heavenly wisdom, which God reveals through His Word and in His works, and therefore they neither know nor honor Him, much less can they be saved; so it has pleased His eternal wisdom through the preaching of the Gospel, which appears entirely strange, absurd, and silly to the philosophers, to save all those who believe in it, whereby the highly-praised wisdom of the world is made to shame and pure foolishness.)

    * Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21.

    (Isaiah 55:8ff.)

    22. Since * the Jews demand signs (they do not allow themselves to be content with the evident and powerful miracle-signs of Christ and the Apostles, but rather continually, of their own mind, want to have new and greater miracle-signs) and ** the Greeks (the Gentiles) ask according to wisdom (they judge the doctrine of the Gospel according to their reason, and want to have it proved from philosophy).

    * Matthew 12:38; 1 Corinthians 16:1; John 4:48

    ** Baruch 3:23.

    (John 6:30)

    23. But we preach the crucified Christ, (who) * to the Jews is a stumbling block (who was from the beginning and still is; who seemed to them much to lowly and powerless that He should be the promised Messiah who was to deliver them from their bondage. And it was no small scandal for them that He was condemned to death by the great council in Jerusalem as a blasphemer), and to the ** Greeks is foolishness (it seemed to be, as those thought it was great foolishness if one should believe that through the death of one man the sin of the entire world has been atoned for and [eternal] life has been won).

    * Matthew 11:6; John 6:61; Romans 9:32

    ** 1 Corinthians 2:14

    (Acts of the Apostles 26:24)

    24. But to those who are called (through the Gospel to knowledge of Christ, and do not despise such call willingly), both Jews and Greeks, we preach Christ (who indeed is [the Christ] in fact, whether or not they recognize Him as such), * divine power and divine wisdom. (The holy Apostle calls Christ divine power and divine wisdom, not only because He is true God, of one essence of the Father, and divine power and wisdom is essential to Him, but also because God proved His power and wisdom through Him, in that Christ through His suffering and death has blotted out the sin of the entire world, has powerfully overcome death and the devil, and has thereby fulfilled the most wise counsel of God concerning our salvation; that He also has revealed this same divine wisdom in the preaching of the Gospel, and thereby has gathered a Church for Himself from the human race, which He powerfully sustains and protects against all the the raging of the gates of hell; and finally, because He has made us wisdom from God, v. 1 Corinthians 1:30, and we are preserved by His power through faith unto salvation, 1 Peter 1:5.)

    * Romans 1:16; Colossians 2:3.

    25. For the divine foolishness (what the Gentiles who demand wisdom, v. 22, according to their corrupted reason judge as foolishness) is wiser than men are (not only than human wisdom, but rather also than men themselves); and the divine weakness (what the Jews, who demand signs, v. 22, consider as weakness) is stronger than men are. (Luther: “Divine foolishness and weakness is the Gospel, which is foolish in the eyes of the wise, but is powerful and wise in the eyes of Christians.”)

    [v. 26–31 omitted due to the appointed reading]

    Useful Applications

    III. DOCTRINE: That generally, those who are foolish, weak, ignoble, despised, and nothing before the people of this world are chosen and called by God by faith to eternal life; but on the other hand, many among the wise, powerful, and noble (for the sake of their unbelief) are rejected to condemnation, v. 26–28. DOCTRINE: The grace of God is still to be recognized and praised in a congregation, wherein the chief work, His pure Word, goes rightly, even though many deficiencies are otherwise found therein, v. 4–30.

  • Notes and Useful Applications for 2 Corinthians 3:4–11 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications of the Epistle Reading for the Twelfth Sunday after Trinity, 2 Corinthians 3:4–11, 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.

    2. A report as to whence the working [of the Preaching Office] comes. (v. 4–6)

    4. But we have such a trust * through Christ to God (Luther: “that we have prepared you for the letter,” and that our Preaching Office is effective for the conversion of many people).

    * Compare John 14:6ff.

    5. Not * that we are sufficient of ourselves to think (much less to do or to think) something (good, which is for the promotion of our salvation or the salvation of other people) as from ourselves (from human powers), but rather, that we are sufficient, is (solely and only) from God.

    * Compare 2 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:13.

    6. Who also has made us sufficient, to carry out the Office of the New Testament (which is an Office), not (primarily) of the letter (of the Law, which with letters was written on stone tablets, and prescribed a completely perfect obedience, which alone is not able to give grace to sinners, nor the power to such obedience), but rather of the Spirit (of the Gospel, through which the Holy Spirit works faith in the hearts of men, and is given to the faithful. Luther: “to teach the letter is to teach merely the Law and works without the knowledge of the grace of God, by which everything that man is and does is condemned and is recognized as guilty of death, for without God’s grace he can do nothing good. To teach the Spirit is to teach grace without Law and merit, by which man is made living and is saved.”). For the letter (of the Law) kills (because it gives man knowledge of his sins, Romans 3:20; it accuses man and convicts him in his heart that he is guilty of eternal death, Romans 4:15.), but * the Spirit (the Gospel) makes alive (it draws man out again from such terror of death because it directs him to Christ, the Mediator, who is the end of the Law, Romans 10:4.).

    * Compare John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 5:18; Romans 7:6, 10–11; 2 Corinthians 5:20ff.; Galatians 3:10ff.

    3. How the Law and the Gospel are to be held against one another, and how the Gospel is to be greatly esteemed compared to the Law. (v. 7–11)

    7. But the office (of the Law in the Old Testament), that through the letter kills (v. 6) and in the stone is formed (written) **, has glory (is preached with a particular clarity, as when God glorified Moses before the people when he brought down the tablets of the Law the second time), in such a way that the children of Israel could not (properly and precisely) look * upon the appearance of Moses on account of the glory of His appearance, it nevertheless ceased (for when Moses died, this glory had ceased).

    * See Exodus 34:30.

    ** Greek: graven –

    8. How shall not much more the office (of the Gospel in the New Testament), that gives the * Spirit **, (which the Word of the Gospel writes in the heart, a particular) glory have? (which was proved in the miracles of Christ and His Apostles, as well as in the bodily glory of the appearance of Christ, which He allowed to be seen at His Transfiguration, which glory remains into eternity, and then in the powerful working of the Gospel, through which the hearts of men are enlightened.)

    * See Galatians 3:14; Galatians 3:2ff.

    ** Greek: the office of the Spirit

    9. For as the office that preached condemnation (which convicted men through the Law, that they merit condemnation), had glory; * much more does the office ** which preaches righteousness (which teaches men how they can and ought to be come righteous and be saved through Christ), have a surpassing glory.

    * Greek: is glorious (that is, brings with itself and works [glory])

    ** See Romans 1:17; cf. 2 Corinthians 3:21; John 5:45.

    10. For even that part (the office of the Old Testament), which was glorified (because the Law was given with great glory on Mount Sinai, and Moses, with a shining appearance, presented it to the people of Israel), is no to be considered glorious compared to this surpassing glory. *

    * Greek: For in so far as it was honored with glory (the office of the Law), it is not even worthy that one call it (radiance or) glory, (in view of and) compared to this surpassing glory.

    11. For if that has glory which ceases (since the Old Testament is abolished by the New Testament and believers are redeemed from the curse and coercion of the Law), much more will that have glory * which remains (because the New Testament will remain until the Last Day, and the benefits which have been distributed to us through the Gospel in the New Testament will extend to eternal life).

    (See Hebrews 12:27ff.)

    * Greek: be in glory (and constantly keep it).