1. the treasure and the pearl is the gospel, which is hidden from the flesh, but by the spirit of faith it is found; which faith for the sake of the same denies all things, that it may truly possess.
2. before the world are the hypocrites of the
*) This summa is found in Erl. A. 64, 257.
D. Red.
The pious and righteous Christians have not yet been set apart, which will happen on the last day; however, they will boast of their holiness and pretend to be good Christians.
3. a teacher or preacher who has nothing but the Word of God, that is, one who has been taught the kingdom of heaven, brings forth, not from the books, but from the treasury of the heart^ old and new, that is, the law and the gospel.