The Guardian of Justification by Faith.

This is the first of series of blogs looking at Galatians through the eyes of the great reformer, Martin Luther. The importance of this work cannot be overstated.  The main theme: justification by faith in Christ alone is central to Christianity; and is central to this Letter.

The book of Galatians is a letter from Paul. It was written by the Apostle about 49 A.D. prior to the Jerusalem Council which had taken place in 50 A.D. This quite possibly could have been Paul’s first letter. Paul writes this book to deal with the problem of circumcision and Jewish legalism toward Gentile believers.

Luther's preface to this commentary is unique.  He writes, "I MYSELF can hardly believe I was as verbose when I lectured on St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians, as this volume indicates. But since I recognize as mine all the thoughts which the brethren have taken such pains to set down in it, I am forced to admit that I said as much and perhaps even more. For the one doctrine which I have supremely at heart, is that of faith in Christ, from whom, through whom and unto whom all my theological thinking flows back and forth day and night." [1]

Here is the prime concern: "faith in Christ."  Luther saw, in his day that this Epistle stood as a bastion against those who railed against the doctrine of justification by faith. "This rock was shaken by Satan in Paradise, when he persuaded our first parents that they might by their own wisdom and power become like God, abandoning faith in God, who had given them life and promised its continuance." [1] 

Luther's main passion in these lectures and this commentary is to ". . . stir up my brethren in Christ against the wiles and malice of Satan, who in these last days has become so infuriated at the recovery of the sound knowledge of Christ . . .." [1]

"The Galatian letter stands like a sentinel over the truth that salvation is the gift of God’s grace, unearned and undeserved, to be received by faith alone (Gal 2:15, 16)." [2]

Father, Martin Luther aptly shows us in this Commentary that the attack by Satan on the truth of Your Gospel started in the Garden of Eden and has not let up through the ages.  It is inherent in me as it is in all humanity that we by our own wisdom and power can be the masters of our own destiny and we have no need of You.  In fact it becomes true that we think we can be You.  This is seen no clearer than when we talk about sin, about forgiveness about everlasting life.  How foolish we are.  It seems so simple to just embrace the mantra of "faith alone" yet this is infinitely difficult.  It requires the supernatural power of Your Holy Spirit to crush our foolhardy independence and self-sufficiency.  It is easy to say, Father, but hard to do: if we boast let us boast in the Lord.  We love to boast in ourselves.  Grant mercy to us this day, Father, and may this stalwart of an epistle help us to lay broken before You and joyfully attribute all glory and honor to You and You alone.  Amen!



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1.  Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.
2. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ga 1:1). Nashville: T. Nelson.