PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: John

  • Notes and Useful Applications for Matthew 17:1–9 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel of the Transfiguration of our Lord, Matthew 17:1–9, 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.

    The Transfiguration of Jesus, by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

    I. The history of the transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. (v. 1–8)
    II. The conversation of Christ with His disciples concerning the future Elijah. (v. 9–13)

    Annotated Text

    1. And after * six days (In Luke it says, “And it came to pass about eight days after these sayings,” [Luke 9:28]. For there had been six days between the time Jesus spoke these words at the end of the nearest preceding chapter and afterwards on the eighth day this Transfiguration followed), Jesus took to Himself Peter and James and John, his (James’s) brother (which three He likewise afterwards took to Himself  when He wanted to go to His suffering in the garden of the Mount of Olives, Matthew 26:37, to indicate that those who have much of the suffering of Christ are also richly comforted through Christ, 2 Corinthians 1:5), and lead them (specially alone from other people, and went with them) to a high mountain (called Tabor, situated in Galilee,1 to which He withdrew to pray, and when He prayed, the form of His face was altered, Luke 9:28–29).

    * Mark 9:2 (Luke 9:28)

    1 † Or as others hold, “Panium, near Caesarea Philippi.” Peter calls it simply “the holy mountain” [τῷ ἁγίῳ ὄρει], 2 Peter 1:18.

    2. And (He) was * transfigured before them (He was transfigured before them, Mark 9:2, in such a way that He received an entirely different form, He allowed them to see a glance of His heavenly, peculiar Majesty and glory, which was communicated to Him according to His human nature by virtue of the personal union, so that they would be guarded against the offense of the cross of Christ), and His face shown as the sun, and His clothes were white (and gleamed) as light (they became bright and very white as the snow, in such a way that no fuller on earth can make them so white, Mark 9:3).

    * John 1:14; 2 Peter 1:16–17

    3. And behold, there appeared to them (two men bodily, who were) Moses and Elijah, who (appeared in radiance and) spoke with Him (concerning the departure [τὴν ἔξοδον] which He was to fulfill at Jerusalem, that is, concerning His suffering. As Moses and the prophets had prophesied of Christ in their writings, John 5:39, 5:46, Acts 10:43, so also Moses thus speaks here with Christ, as well as Elijah in the name of the all the prophets, and give Him testimony, that He is the Messiah and Savior of the world).

    4. But Peter (and those who were with Him were full of sleep; but when they awoke, they saw His radiance and the two men standing with Him. And it came to pass when they were departing from Him, Luke 9:32–33, Peter began) answered and said to Jesus, “Lord (and Rabbi, Mark 9:5, that is, Master, Luke 9:33), it is good to be1 here (for this transfiguration of Christ and this bodily conversation which Moses and Elijah held with Christ was a foretaste and prefiguration of the joy of eternal life); if you would like, then I will make three huts here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah (but he did not know what he was saying, for they were confused, Mark 9:6).

    1 Greek: “It is something (truly) beautiful (and pleasant), that we are here (in such a pleasurable bright light).” [καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι]

    5. Then while He was thus still speaking, behold, there (came and) overshadowed them a luminous cloud (so that they were surrounded by it and were terrified when the cloud covered over them). And behold, a Voice (namely, the heavenly Father, fell) from the cloud (which) said (concerning Jesus Christ), * “This is My beloved (only-begotten) Son (whom I have begotten from eternity out of My essence), in whom I have good pleasure, whom you ought to hear (that you believe what He says to you and do what He commands you. Thus there is found here once more a glorious revelation of the most-holy Trinity: the Father allows His voice to beard from heaven, the Son stands in His transfiguration on the mountain, the Holy Spirit, who enlightens the hearts of men, reveals Himself in a bright cloud).”

    * Matthew 3:17ff.; 2 Peter 1:17

    6. When the disciples heard this, they fell (from fear) on their faces, and were very terrified (because they could not bear God’s majesty).

    7. But Jesus came to them, * touched them (strengthened and comforted them) and said, “Stand up, and do not be afraid.”

    * Daniel 8:18, 10:10

    8. Now then they lifted up their eyes (and looked around themselves, Mark 9:8, and while such a Voice occurred, Luke 9:36, they found and) they saw no one (with them), except Jesus alone (Moses and Elijah had disappeared again).1

    1 * Or rather had entered the bright cloud, Luke 9:35.

    9. And when they descended from the mountain, Jesus commanded them and said, “You shall tell no one this vision (this revelation of My glory) until the Son of Man is raised from the dead (for Christ at that time was still in the state of His humiliation, and wanted that He should suffer and die beforehand before He entered into His glory, Luke 24:26. But afterward, after Christ’s resurrection and ascension, both apostles Matthew and Peter not only proclaimed such, but rather also recorded it in their Scriptures. The disciples have followed such a command, as is fitting; for Luke reports of them when he says, “And they were silent and proclaimed nothing to anyone in those days as to what they had seen,” Luke 9:36).

    * Matthew 16:20

    Useful Applications

    I. DOCTRINE: Christ’s transfiguration according to His humanity on the mountain is a picture of the glory and transfiguration of the bodies of believers as they will be in the resurrection of the dead and in eternal life (v. 1–2)

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

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

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

    Annotated Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Useful Applications

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

  • Notes and Useful Applications for John 1:19–28 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the historic Holy Gospel of the Fourth Sunday of Advent (Memento Nostri), John 1:29–28, 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. Several testimonies of John concerning Christ. (v. 15–34)

    Annotated Texts

    19. And * this is the (exceptional, and most noteworthy, before other sermons and confessions concerning Christ) testimony of John, when the Jews (the entire high court, or the great council of the Jewish people, 2 Chronicles 19:8) sent from Jerusalem (several from their midst, namely) priests and Levites (those whose office it was to preserve the divine doctrine and to instruct the people concerning the true knowledge of God and the Messiah, Malachi 2:7), that they might ask him, “Who are you?” (What is the nature of your person and office? And by what authority do you teach and baptize? And are you perhaps the promised Messiah, long awaited by our people, who will deliver us from Roman yoke?)

    * John 5:33

    20. And he confessed, and did not deny; and he confessed (He spoke the pure truth freely and openly, and said), * “I am not the Christ (the Messiah, whom you consider and hold me to be, Luke 3:15; John 5:35; Acts 13:25).

    * John 3:28

    21. And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” (the Tishbite, who was taken up to heaven with fiery horses and chariots, 2 Kings 2:11, and who, according to the prophecy of the prophet Malachi, as it is understood by our forefathers, will come again in his own person before the Messiah appears? Malachi 4:5) He said, “I am not.” (with regard to the person of Elijah, according to which He will remain in heaven eternally; however, with regard to the likeness and equality with Elijah, then John the Baptist was precisely that same Elijah of whom the prophet Malachi speaks in the place mentioned, as the Lord Christ Himself later explains, Matthew 11:14; 17:11). “Are you * a prophet?” (A man of God raised up and sent by Him in a special manner, to proclaim to the people of Israel either liberation from the Roman power, or something else that is important?) And he answered, “No.”1

    * Deuteronomy 18:15; Matthew 16:14

    1 † That [St. John the Baptist] was not a basic prophet, but indeed more than a prophet, Christ Himself testifies (see Matthew 11:9).

    22. Then they said to him, “What (and who) are you then? (Tell us plainly) so that we may give an answer (can give a thorough report) to those who have sent us (v. 19). What do you say concerning yourself (and what do you claim to be)?

    23. He said, * “I am a voice of one (calling or) preaching in the wilderness (I have been sent by God for this, that I should call out and preach here in the wilderness outside of the city, and that I should speak to the people and admonish them earnestly and zealously to repentance): ‘Straighten (o you children of men who want to be redeemed from eternal death and be eternally blessed, make plain and even) the way of the Lord (prepare yourselves, that you may receive the Messiah in true faith, and that He may come to you and dwell with you in grace),’ as the prophet Isaiah had said (concerning this my office long ago).

    * Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 3:3; Mark 1:3 (Luke 3:4)

    24. And those who were sent, they were of the Pharisees (concerning this order among the Jews, see Matthew 3:7).

    25. And they asked him and said to him, “Why then do you baptize if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor a prophet?” (Baptizing or sprinkling men with water of purification belongs to the Messiah, as such has been prophesied of Him, Ezekiel 36:25; Zechariah 13:1. Because you, according to your own statement, are neither the Messiah, nor even Elijah, or a prophet; why then do you undertake to baptize people in such great quantities and at the same time say that this is done for the purification of sins and for forgiveness of sins, Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3)

    26. John answered them and said, * “I baptize (as a servant) with water (as has been commanded me by God, v. 33, for the forgiveness of sins, which the Lord Himself works through me, as His unworthy servant or servants baptism, as a salvific means and instrument); but He (the same Lord whom I prepare serve and prepare the way for) is walking1 in the midst of you (has already begun to carry out His teaching office among you), whom you do not know (yet are not wanting to receive as the true Messiah, this is the One will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire, Matthew 3:11; Luke 3:16).

    * Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7–8; Luke 3:16 (Acts 1:15, 11:16)

    1 Greek: “standing (already) in the midst of you” [μέσος ὑμῶν ἕστηκεν]

    27. This * is He who will come after me, who was before me (v. 15), so that I am not worthy that I should loose his shoe straps (that I might be His least servant, because He is not only true man, but rather also true God and the only-begotten Son of God).

    * John 3:26 (Acts 13:25)

    28. These things (this exceptional testimony and confession of John concerning Christ) happened at Bethabara (Luther: “or, Beth-bara, Judges 7:24,” whose name means so much as a place of passing over, because one could go over the Jordan at that place), beyond the Jordan, * where John was baptizing (because at that same place there were always many people coming and going).

    * John 10:40

    Useful Applications

    [There are no useful applications listed for v. 19–28.]

    II. DOCTRINE: That Christ (according to His office) is the Lamb of God, who bears the sin of the world, that is, He is our propitiatory sacrifice before God, through whose merit we obtain forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith, as the sacrificial lambs were types during the time of the Old Testament. (v. 29)