Luther’s Works Upgrade 3 (2 vols.)

As a professor for Old Testament, Martin Luther never wrote out a full commentary on Matthew. He preached on it regularly, however, both in the traditional texts of the church year, and especially in his sermon series on Matthew 18–24 (begun in Luther’s Works Volume 67 and continued here), preached to the people of Wittenberg over the course of four years (1537–1540).

Luther’s preaching reflects the events of 1537–1540. In his exposition of Matthew 18–24, Luther both explains the text and takes the occasion from it to warn his hearers of the dangers he sees threatening the Reformation—such as engaging in former superstitions, compromising with the pope, taking advantages of one’s neighbor through usury and greed, and neglecting the role of the Law in the life of the believer. Amidst his teaching from Matthew on the forgiveness of sins, divorce, infant Baptism, repentance, the divinity of Christ, the marks of the church, the resurrection, and the end of the world, Luther also seeks to strengthen his hearers to endure persecution—from imperial troops loyal to the pope or from Turkish armies—which he saw on the horizon.

These are earnest sermons of biblical exposition, antithesis, and admonition, in the attempt to guard the people from the devil and all temptations that would snatch them away from Christ. This edition provides clear, accurate translation in modern American English with detailed footnotes explaining historical and theological context, and an index.

Few other books communicate the gospel to Luther’s contemporaries so powerfully as Luther’s Church Postil (sermons for the church year). Now for the first time, Luther’s authorized, final edition of the Church Postil is presented here in English. This volume provides Luther’s sermons on New Testament texts from Easter through Pentecost.

In 1535, Luther wrote to a friend, “Concerning the [earlier version of the] postil, you have more respect for it than I do. I would like the whole book to be destroyed. And this is what I am doing: I am entrusting to Dr. Caspar Cruciger the work of reediting the whole into a new and better form, which would be of benefit to the whole church everywhere. He is the sort of man, unless love deceives me, who will correspond to Elisha, if I were Elijah (if one may compare small things with great), a man of peace and quiet, to whom I shall commend the church after [I depart]; Philip does this too.”

Luther’s Works, American Edition, vol. 77 (Church Postil III) offers accurate and clear translation of Luther’s sermons on the chief biblical text for the seasons of Epiphany, Ascension, and Pentecost. It also includes the careful, explanatory introductions and footnotes that have become a hallmark of Luther’s Works: American Edition, and an index.