Rudolf Stier (1800–1862) entered the University of Berlin to study law, but abandoned that idea for his love of poetry. As a consequence of the unexpected death of a young woman he loved, his focus turned to theology and he entered the pastoral seminary in Wittenberg where he devoted himself to a comprehensive study of the Bible. Stier was a pastor at Frankenleben from 1829 to 1838 and at Wichlinghausen from 1838 to 1847. In 1850, he was called to the office of superintendent at Schkeuditz, then was superintendent at Eisleben from 1859 until his death. He was the author and translator of numerous books and commentaries, but is chiefly known for his devotional and mystical commentaries, The Words of the Lord Jesus.