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4.36 AVERAGE
4.36 AVERAGE
As a doctor in theology, one would expect Luther to take an academic approach to the epistle, much as our commentaries read today. Instead, he takes a pastoral approach by also expressing his own pastoral concerns for the German people with this inspired Word of God through Paul. We should read Galatians as Luther did. To fathom the illocutionary force of the letter, that is, what Paul is attempting to accomplish, I think Luther did a terrific job in conveying this through Paul’s own pastoral—and especially apostolic—concerns.
When reading his commentary, one should be aware of Luther’s historical backdrop, as he makes mention of the pope, the papacy, sectarians, and other false teachers and false doctrines. Familiarity with his personal history will also aid in reading this.
Because Luther writes out of pastoral concern, the commentary is easy to read for every layman, and every pastor should have this commentary sitting on his bookshelf. It contains a wealth of Luther’s pastoral wisdom and insight, including his aptitude for theological application.
When reading his commentary, one should be aware of Luther’s historical backdrop, as he makes mention of the pope, the papacy, sectarians, and other false teachers and false doctrines. Familiarity with his personal history will also aid in reading this.
Because Luther writes out of pastoral concern, the commentary is easy to read for every layman, and every pastor should have this commentary sitting on his bookshelf. It contains a wealth of Luther’s pastoral wisdom and insight, including his aptitude for theological application.
A wonderful reminder of the power of justification by faith alone. From a spiritual perspective, I found the book uplifting, thought-provoking, and encouraging.
Yet, I think, what made this book particularly endearing was simply the delight of having one of my favorite people talk about one of my other favorite people. I'm not sure if I can properly explain. But it is the sense that Martin Luther writes about Paul as one writes about a mutual friend. I've read through the book of Galatians dozens of times and the New Testament scarcely less. Thus, Paul stands out as someone whose writings have influenced me from my earliest years. And since I spent the first 18ish years of my life in a Lutheran church, I also feel like Luther and I stand on pretty familiar ground. Both men impacted my spiritual walk. So to read about Luther talk about Paul and Paul's struggles and quote Paul's letter and contrast it with his other letters felt like chatting with one friend about a very dear mutual friend. And of course, all three of us share a mutual adoration for our best friend, Jesus. It sounds almost childish to put it that way, and yet I can think of no better explanation. Thousands of years span the timeline of Paul to Luther to Amy, and yet all three of us rejoice in justification by faith, not of our own works, but of God's!
I definitely recommend this one for a deeper look at Galatians. (Though I will offer this in warning, Luther is not one to pull his punches where the Pope or Catholic church is concerned!)
Yet, I think, what made this book particularly endearing was simply the delight of having one of my favorite people talk about one of my other favorite people. I'm not sure if I can properly explain. But it is the sense that Martin Luther writes about Paul as one writes about a mutual friend. I've read through the book of Galatians dozens of times and the New Testament scarcely less. Thus, Paul stands out as someone whose writings have influenced me from my earliest years. And since I spent the first 18ish years of my life in a Lutheran church, I also feel like Luther and I stand on pretty familiar ground. Both men impacted my spiritual walk. So to read about Luther talk about Paul and Paul's struggles and quote Paul's letter and contrast it with his other letters felt like chatting with one friend about a very dear mutual friend. And of course, all three of us share a mutual adoration for our best friend, Jesus. It sounds almost childish to put it that way, and yet I can think of no better explanation. Thousands of years span the timeline of Paul to Luther to Amy, and yet all three of us rejoice in justification by faith, not of our own works, but of God's!
I definitely recommend this one for a deeper look at Galatians. (Though I will offer this in warning, Luther is not one to pull his punches where the Pope or Catholic church is concerned!)