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Luther's Works Volume 68 (Sermons on the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapters 19-24)
Earnest sermons of biblical exposition, antithesis, and admonition, in the attempt to guard the people from the devil and temptations.
About this Volume
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).
In July 1537, Johann Bugenhagen (1485–1558), the pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, departed for Denmark to organize the reformation there, and Luther began preaching in Bugenhagen’s stead, on Sundays as well as on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Luther’s Wednesday sermons on Matthew’s Gospel, 56 in all, probably began on July 11, 1537. The last sermon in this series on Matthew was preached on September 19, 1540. Luther thus continued preaching even after Bugenhagen’s return in July 1539, though he moved his Matthew sermons to Sunday afternoons beginning in August.
Luther’s preaching here is joined closely with 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 the temptation to engage in former superstitions, to compromise with the pope, to take advantages of one’s neighbor through usury and greed, and to neglect 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 sees approaching just over 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.
Features:
Edited by Benjamin T.G. Mayes and Translated by Kevin G. Walker
Endorsements for the Luther's Works Series
"Among the greatest and most prolific theologians of Christian history, Martin Luther still speaks to us today. This 20-volume new series splendidly complements its 55-volume predecessor and offers a treasure-trove of writings never before available in English, writings crucial to understanding Luther’s life, thought, and profound influence throughout the centuries. Offering readable yet reliable translations, well introduced and appropriately annotated, this new series should delight scholars as well as engage laity and clergy."
— Mark U. Edwards, Jr., Academic Dean, Harvard Divinity School
"Kudos to Concordia Publishing House and its editors for embarking on a twenty-volume addition to Luther’s Works. Volume 69, Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Chs. 17–20, is a superb example of what we can expect from the edition’s general editor, Christopher Brown. His introductions, notes, and references—and the translations—are excellent. Pastors, professors, and students will profit from the judicious choice of Luther’s sermons, disputations, and exegetical works."
— Carter Lindberg, Professor of Church History Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology
Read more endorsements >
About the Series
The 28 planned new volumes are intended to reflect both modern and sixteenth-century interests and to expand the coverage of genres underrepresented in the existing volumes, such as Luther's sermons and disputations. The primary basis for the translation is the comprehensive Weimar edition.
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).
In July 1537, Johann Bugenhagen (1485–1558), the pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Wittenberg, departed for Denmark to organize the reformation there, and Luther began preaching in Bugenhagen’s stead, on Sundays as well as on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Luther’s Wednesday sermons on Matthew’s Gospel, 56 in all, probably began on July 11, 1537. The last sermon in this series on Matthew was preached on September 19, 1540. Luther thus continued preaching even after Bugenhagen’s return in July 1539, though he moved his Matthew sermons to Sunday afternoons beginning in August.
Luther’s preaching here is joined closely with 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 the temptation to engage in former superstitions, to compromise with the pope, to take advantages of one’s neighbor through usury and greed, and to neglect 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 sees approaching just over 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.
Features:
- Commentary on Matthew 19–24
- Detailed footnotes explaining historical and theological context
- Fully indexed
- Clear, accurate translation in modern American English
Edited by Benjamin T.G. Mayes and Translated by Kevin G. Walker
Endorsements for the Luther's Works Series
"Among the greatest and most prolific theologians of Christian history, Martin Luther still speaks to us today. This 20-volume new series splendidly complements its 55-volume predecessor and offers a treasure-trove of writings never before available in English, writings crucial to understanding Luther’s life, thought, and profound influence throughout the centuries. Offering readable yet reliable translations, well introduced and appropriately annotated, this new series should delight scholars as well as engage laity and clergy."
— Mark U. Edwards, Jr., Academic Dean, Harvard Divinity School
"Kudos to Concordia Publishing House and its editors for embarking on a twenty-volume addition to Luther’s Works. Volume 69, Sermons on the Gospel of St. John, Chs. 17–20, is a superb example of what we can expect from the edition’s general editor, Christopher Brown. His introductions, notes, and references—and the translations—are excellent. Pastors, professors, and students will profit from the judicious choice of Luther’s sermons, disputations, and exegetical works."
— Carter Lindberg, Professor of Church History Emeritus, Boston University School of Theology
Read more endorsements >
About the Series
The 28 planned new volumes are intended to reflect both modern and sixteenth-century interests and to expand the coverage of genres underrepresented in the existing volumes, such as Luther's sermons and disputations. The primary basis for the translation is the comprehensive Weimar edition.
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Subscribe to the Luther's Works series and save 30% on each volume. Volumes release twice a year and will be shipped to you automatically. To become a subscriber, view the release schedule, or read endorsements visit cph.org/luthersworks.
View all of Luther's Works
| Number of Pages | 456 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 9780758613974 |
| Books of Bible | Matthew |
| Section of Bible | New Testament, Gospels |
| Authors | Martin Luther |
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