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Preface to Romans

Dr. Martin Luther

Martin Luther (1483-1546) was a leader of the Protestant Reformation and namesake of the Lutheran Tradition. He was born in Eisleben and was well-educated before entering the University of Erfurt. It was there that, rather than pursue an advanced law degree, Luther became an Augustinian monk. Between 1505 and 1512 he studied and lectured in theology, punctuated by achievement of his Doctorate at Wittenberg. By 1517 Luther was realizing in full the doctrine of justification by faith, as declared by the apostle Paul and Augustine. His publication of 95 theses against indulgences sparked protest throughout Germany, forcing Luther to defend his theology in disputations at Heidelberg and Leipzig. His treatises of 1520 brought him into greater conflict with the papacy, and he was excommunicated. After the Diet of Worms in 1521, he continued to define and uphold his theology, seeking to reform the Church, emphasizing the authority of Scripture and the Pauline doctrine of justification.

The preface to Romans, from Luther’s German translation of the New Testament.

This preface to Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is part of Luther’s German translation of the Bible, which was begun in 1521, with the complete New Testament published the following year. The New Testament prefaces appeared in this 1522 edition. The preface to Romans begins thus: “This letter is truly the most important piece in the New Testament. It is purest Gospel.” Luther proceeds to summarize the epistle – its terminology and thought, treating it throughout as central to Christian faith and life. Indeed Paul’s Roman epistle was fundamental to Luther’s belief – his extensive lectures were recorded and published, providing a powerful and influential source of exegesis. This preface, in its own right, is a significant and concise Commentary of the book that is, and has remained, the cornerstone of Protestant doctrine.

Church History

Reformation