PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS

Tag: Weimarische Bibelwerk

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Feast of All Saints, Matthew 5:1–12, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. An instruction for Christ’s disciples, that they, even though they will have a miserable appearance before the world, nevertheless are blessed before God. (v. 1–12)

    Annotated Text

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

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

    * Luke 6:20ff.

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

    * Isaiah 57:15 (Revelation 3:17)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    * Proverbs 21:21; James 2:13

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

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

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

    * Hebrews 12:14; James 3:18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Romans 3:19–28, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. A glorious testimony by Christ of John. (v. 7–15)

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

    Annotated Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

    *Mark 7:16 (Luke 8:8)

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

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

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

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

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

    * Matthew 3:4

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

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

    ** Greek: alternatively, “

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Romans 3:19–28, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. The conclusion of the previously led disputation, that, namely, neither Jew nor Gentile know righteousness with works of the Law, because they both trespass the Law. (v. 9–23)

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

    Annotated Text

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Philippians 3:9)

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

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

    1 Greek: “Because” [γὰρ]

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

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

    * Ephesians 2:8

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

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

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

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

    (Romans 4:5)

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

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

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

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

    1 Greek: “excluded” [ἐξεκλείσθη]

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

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

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

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the First Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), Revelation 14:6–7, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

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

    Annotated Text

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

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

    ** Greek: Alternatively, “another angel”

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

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

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

    * Deuteronomy 32:3

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

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the alternate Gospel Reading for the Commemoration of the Lutheran Reformation (Reformation Day), John 8:31–36, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. A discussion with the Jews concerning the office of Christ, concerning the true freedom of the children of Abraham and their characteristics, as well as concerning the divinity of Christ. (v. 12–58)

    Annotated Text

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

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

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

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

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

    (Matthew 3:9; Jeremiah 2:14)

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

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

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

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

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

    * Genesis 21:10

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

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

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament Reading for the Eighth Sunday after Trinity, Jeremiah 23:16–29, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

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

    Annotated Text

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

    * Jeremiah 6:14, 14:14, 27:14–15

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

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

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

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

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

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

    * Jeremiah 30:23; Psalm 11:6

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

    * Jeremiah 30:24

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    (Acts 17:27)

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

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

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

    * Hebrew: “which”

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

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

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

    (Judges 3:7ff.)

    * Hebrew: “who then want”

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

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

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

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

    * Hebrews 4:12 (Luke 24:32)

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Epistle Reading for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, 1 Corinthians 1:4–9, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    II. The Introduction. (v. 4–9)

    Annotated Text

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

    * Ephesians 1:15–16

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

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

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

    * Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 1:21

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

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

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

    * 2 Corinthians 1:21

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

    *** Greek: “in the day”

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

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

    * 1 Thessalonians 5:24ff.

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

    Useful Applications

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

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

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Old Testament reading for the Eighteenth Sunday after Trinity, Deuteronomy 10:12–21, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

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

    Annotated Text

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

    * Micah 6:8

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

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

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

    * 1 Kings 8:27

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

    * Deuteronomy 7:6, 9:29

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

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

    * Deuteronomy 30:6

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

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

    * Psalm 89:7

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

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

    * Psalm 146:9; Exodus 22:21

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

    * Exodus 22:21ff.

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

    * Deuteronomy 6:13ff.

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

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

    (Exodus 15:2)

    Useful Applications

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

  • 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 Luke 14:1–11 from Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877)

    The following is my translation of the notes and useful applications for the Holy Gospel for the Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity, Luke 14:1–11, as they are found in Das Weimarische Bibelwerk (1877). Square brackets indicate my own notes and additions. For the useful applications, I recommend the reader see this very helpful article by Dr. Benjamin T. G. Mayes.

    I. A miracle upon a man with dropsy at the meal. (v. 1–6)
    II. A warning, that one ought not desire to sit at the highest place. (v. 7–11)

    Annotated Text

    1. And it came to pass that He came (without doubt on account of a previous invitation) into a house of a ruler of the Pharisees in order to each bread on a Sabbath (to have a meal, in order that he might have pretext and opportunity to instruct him and his fellow people of the order *); and they (the Pharisees, who were in that same house) ** paid attention to Him (they laid in wait for Christ, whether He would say or do something, from which they might seize the opportunity to accuse Him as a transgressor of the Law).

    * Or those who were of his sect and party, to which the majority of the people of both sexes adhered to.

    ** Mark 3:2

    2. And behold, there was a man before Him who had dropsy (whom, without doubt, the Pharisees had requested there so that they may see whether Christ also would heal him on the Sabbath. For if He did it, they would have cause to despise Him as a transgressor of the Sabath; but if He did not do it, then they wanted to blame Him as being either so unmerciful or so powerless that He either would not or could not accomplish it).

    3. And Jesus answered (began to speak), and spoke to the scribes and Pharisees, and said, “Is it also lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”

    4. But they were still silent (maliciously, in order to not betray themselves). And He took him (the man with dropsy), and healed him, and let him go.

    5. And He responded and said to them, “Who among you, whose ox or donkey has fallen into the well, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (How much more is it not unlawful that I have helped this poor man on the Sabbath, who otherwise would have suffocated from dropsy?)

    (Luke 13:15)

    6. And they could not give an answer back to Him again.

    7. Now He spoke a parable to the guests (He admonished them to humility through a suitable example taken from a feast), when He noticed (in looking at them He perceived) how they chose to sit in the highest places (how each one eagerly wanted to have the place of best seat at the feast), and said to them:

    (Matthew 23:6)

    8. When you are invited by someone to a feast (or to another honorable banquet), do not sit down in the highest place, so that someone more honorable (who is held in greater honor) than you be invited by him.

    (Proverbs 25:6–7)

    9. And then the one who has invited you and him should come and say to you, “Give way for this man,” and you have to sit down at the lowest with shame.

    10. But rather when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, in order that when the one who has invited you comes, he says to you, “Friend, move up higher.” Then you will have honor before those who sit at table with you.

    (Sirach 3:20)

    11. For * whoever exalts himself (holds himself high in his heart, always striving after a higher estate, wanting to be more noble, more holy, and more pious than others and displays such pride openly with words, gestures, and works), he shall be humbled (be despised by God and men, put to shame, robbed of his goods and honors, and finally cast into the deep hell); and whoever humbles himself (gladly remains in a lowly estate, not thinking too much of himself, considering others more than himself, and acknowledges himself as guilty of the deepest hell on account of his sin), he shall be exalted (be brought to honor here, temporally, and there, eternally).

    * Matthew 23:12ff. (Luke 18:14; Proverbs 29:23; 1 Peter 5:5)

    Useful Applications

    I. CORRECTION: That one ought not neglect an opportunity to do good to others, as here Christ cared for the man with dropsy and healed him (v. 2–4). II. WARNING: Concerning wretched pride, when one chooses to sit at the highest place or considers himself in his mind to be higher, better, and more pious than others—such people are surely humbled by God and are cast down with shame (v. 7–11). DOCTRINE: Positions of honor remain in their order and worth; but to strive after them before others is not fitting, see Romans 13:7; 12:16.