Preface.

against the Old Testament in its literal sense—
indeed, the very abolition of it. Thus,
they killed him with the literal text of the
Scripture, just as
still happens today. This matter has
a much different meaning original: "Verstand," here referring to the underlying sense or logic of the text. and
a spiritual interpretation original: "geistlich Ausrechnen," literally a spiritual calculation or reckoning. that is
recognized only by the children of God and
those who are truly spiritual; to others, it
shall remain eternally hidden—a parable,
a strange speech, and a sealed book.

We see how the Pharisees
attacked him with the letter of the law;
yet we refuse to become wise original: "witzig," which in the 16th century meant "wise" or "clever" rather than "funny." through the
misfortunes of others, nor do we
understand what Paul says so bluntly: The *
Letter kills. Now, Scripture is the
letter, the Law, and the Old Testa—

* An explanation of: "The letter kills, but the spirit gives life" A reference to 2 Corinthians 3:6..