This COMMENTARY ON THE NEW
TESTAMENT was first published more than forty years ago. It was a
part of the “Complete Edition,” which has been out of print for
some time. Hence this reprint of A. E. Knoch's “Notes” reflects
his doctrinal views at the time of their first publication.
This edition is printed from the same type as the
original edition. The correction lines which he had had set during the
last years of his life, have been inserted. Although we have not been
indifferent to changes suggested, additional insertions have been kept
to a minimum in order to preserve the work as that of A. E. Knoch.
What A.E.K. had to say on commentaries in general,
should always be kept in mind, for it applies to his own “Notes”
on the New Testament as well:
“The writer of these notes cannot help uttering a
heartfelt prayer that they will never be taken for more than what they
are intended to be—suggestive thoughts which lead to and not from the
Sacred Text. He would rather they would vanish than that they should
stand between anyone and the living oracles. May we never be tainted
with the spirit of the ancient Rabbis who did not scruple to place
their words above the Sacred Scrolls. In the Talmud we read: 'The
words of the scribes are more noble than the words of the law; for the
words of the law are both hard and easy [to understand], but the words
of the scribes are all easy.' Another traditional saying was, 'He who
deals with Scripture does a thing indifferent; he who reads the Mishna
has a reward; but he who devotes himself to the Gemara is most
meritorious of all.'
“In the same way the commentaries and confessions
and creeds of Christendom have a stronger hold on the hearts of many
of His saints than the inspired Scriptures. May He grant that many
will return to the fountain undefiled!”