For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Ver. 15. Which earshot be touched] Christ retaineth still compassion, though freed from personal passion. And though freed from feeling, hath still yet a fellow feeling, Acts 9:5; Matthew 25:35. a Trajan the emperor being blamed by his friends for being too gentle toward all, answered that being an emperor he would now be such toward private men as he once, when he was a private man, wished that the emperor should be towards him. Christ hath lost nothing of his wonted pity by his exaltation in heaven.
Tempted] Or, pierced through, πεπειρασμενον. Luther was a piercing preacher, and met with every man's temptations; and being once demanded how he could do so? Mine own manifold temptations (said he) and experiences are the cause thereof; for from his tender years he was much beaten and exercised with spiritual conflicts.
Yet without sin] Tempted Christ was to sin, but not into sin.
a Manet compassin etiam cum inpassibilitate