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The Crossway Classic Commentaries
Martin Luther's Commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians (1535): Lecture Notes Transcribed by Students and Presented in Today's English
Martin Luther's most comprehensive work on justification by faith, his commentary on St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians is translated and edited from the Latin into a lively style, paralleling his spoken lectures. Combined with the passion and faith expressed in these lectures, the biblical foundation for the crucial doctrine of justification is underscored and expressed to a new audience.
The commentary is also a historical document, a recording of a professor in a classroom in 1531 from July to December of that year, which expresses the Reformer's commitment to the good news of Jesus' death in the sinner's place, challenging the reader/hearer to compare St. Paul's theology with what he/she hears in the church today.
The commentary is also a historical document, a recording of a professor in a classroom in 1531 from July to December of that year, which expresses the Reformer's commitment to the good news of Jesus' death in the sinner's place, challenging the reader/hearer to compare St. Paul's theology with what he/she hears in the church today.
594 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1535
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About the author
Martin Luther
5,064 books812 followersMartin Luther (1483-1546) was a German monk, theologian, university professor and church reformer whose ideas inspired the Protestant Reformation and changed the course of Western civilization.
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.
Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.
Luther's theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a spiritual priesthood. According to Luther, salvation was a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.
Luther's confrontation with Charles V at the Diet of Worms over freedom of conscience in 1521 and his refusal to submit to the authority of the Emperor resulted in his being declared an outlaw of the state as he had been excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church. Because of the perceived unity of the medieval Church with the secular rulers of western Europe, the widespread acceptance of Luther's doctrines and popular vindication of his thinking on individual liberties were both phenomenal and unprecedented.
His translation of the Bible into the vernacular, making it more accessible to ordinary people, had a tremendous political impact on the church and on German culture. It furthered the development of a standard version of the German language, added several principles to the art of translation, and influenced the translation of the English King James Bible. His hymns inspired the development of congregational singing within Christianity. His marriage to Katharina von Bora set a model for the practice of clerical marriage within Protestantism.
Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther's writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews' homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.
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January 7, 2025
THE GREAT DIVIDE OF THE REFORMATION... However wrongly interpreted it may have been!
If you’re travelling west on the transcontinental train through Canada, along the old Canadian Pacific tracks when you get as far as Alberta, you’ll come to a clearly marked large wooden sign near the British Columbia border - The Great Divide.
That is the point within the Canadian Rockies which marks the water flow from atop the range - on one side, simplistically put, the streams flow east; and on the other, they eventually reach the Pacific.
It is all part of the geological Continental Divide, stretching from North to South America.
So it is with Luther’s stunningly direct book - on the near side of this former Augustinian monk’s Galatians flows the freedom of the gospel of love - and on the far side, the entrapment of a teaching espousing the rigid rules of the law.
We don’t get to Heaven by acting good.
No - we get there by actively and with every nerve and sinew avoiding each and every evil, and clinging with untiring tenacity to the hand of the almighty through faith.
Now, only God knows who are the blessed Sheep and who are the grisly Goats.
That, at least, according to us Catholics. And whatever denigrating words you may have for us and our Pope, you’ve gotta admit we’ve made a decisive shift towards the freedom of love in Francis’ papacy.
All well and good.
But Luther, in a fit of pride, thinks he knows too.
And in a way he does. His point is extremely valuable, but he underestimates his enemies’ strength.
For by embracing the rules of the work ethic, his church - and yes, ours - nowadays tends to end up seeing the world in Black and White, instead of shades of suspicious grey.
Through which lens a writer of Roman allegiance like Graham Greene or Flannery O’Connor believes a truly Human view of the world may truly be seen.
Now hold that thought...
For all my glaring oversimplification here, Luther’s words in this book Galvanized my Flagging Faith, at the time of my pre-retirement burnout.
Because it showed the central freedom of love in a world of law and rules, and because, after all, I started this ordeal of life on his side of the playing field.
For I wasn’t a cradle Catholic.
But it now showed me that there WAS a way to see the true faces of my tormentors clearly. It gave me hope for my recovery.
That, of course, was only the merest glimmer of a new beginning in my darkened soul.
But it was enough.
It jived so well with my intuition. And isn’t your gut feeling usually right?
When I was away at university many years ago, the prof I considered the wisest of the lot there (but so markedly human like us) said that that’s the test of Truth - the sense it creates deep in your BONES. Of course he was right.
Unknowingly, he gave me further ammunition for my inwardly-debated move to the Church long ago.
For that’s how deep faith starts. In your feelings - deep in your bones. At the time, I was reading about the gospel of love according to St Therese. I was emotionally enthusiastic.
But our Protestant side also reminds us that sound common sense and Logic can pick up our faith when our initial emotional enthusiasm fails. As Luther did for me at retirement. And aren’t these two factions mere opposite sides of One Great Coin?
I think I can sum up this whole long spin of mine by quoting an old poem that a wise Baptist Gentleman of the Old South, Vance Havner, cited long, long ago:
Three men were walking on a wall -
Feeling, Faith and Fact;
Feeling took an awful fall
And Faith was taken back -
Faith was so close to Feeling
That he fell too!
But Fact remained and pulled Faith up...
And that brought Feeling too!
Kinda all makes sense, don’t it?
And THAT’s how my life and freedom were eventually restored to me, many years after my burnout.
If you’re travelling west on the transcontinental train through Canada, along the old Canadian Pacific tracks when you get as far as Alberta, you’ll come to a clearly marked large wooden sign near the British Columbia border - The Great Divide.
That is the point within the Canadian Rockies which marks the water flow from atop the range - on one side, simplistically put, the streams flow east; and on the other, they eventually reach the Pacific.
It is all part of the geological Continental Divide, stretching from North to South America.
So it is with Luther’s stunningly direct book - on the near side of this former Augustinian monk’s Galatians flows the freedom of the gospel of love - and on the far side, the entrapment of a teaching espousing the rigid rules of the law.
We don’t get to Heaven by acting good.
No - we get there by actively and with every nerve and sinew avoiding each and every evil, and clinging with untiring tenacity to the hand of the almighty through faith.
Now, only God knows who are the blessed Sheep and who are the grisly Goats.
That, at least, according to us Catholics. And whatever denigrating words you may have for us and our Pope, you’ve gotta admit we’ve made a decisive shift towards the freedom of love in Francis’ papacy.
All well and good.
But Luther, in a fit of pride, thinks he knows too.
And in a way he does. His point is extremely valuable, but he underestimates his enemies’ strength.
For by embracing the rules of the work ethic, his church - and yes, ours - nowadays tends to end up seeing the world in Black and White, instead of shades of suspicious grey.
Through which lens a writer of Roman allegiance like Graham Greene or Flannery O’Connor believes a truly Human view of the world may truly be seen.
Now hold that thought...
For all my glaring oversimplification here, Luther’s words in this book Galvanized my Flagging Faith, at the time of my pre-retirement burnout.
Because it showed the central freedom of love in a world of law and rules, and because, after all, I started this ordeal of life on his side of the playing field.
For I wasn’t a cradle Catholic.
But it now showed me that there WAS a way to see the true faces of my tormentors clearly. It gave me hope for my recovery.
That, of course, was only the merest glimmer of a new beginning in my darkened soul.
But it was enough.
It jived so well with my intuition. And isn’t your gut feeling usually right?
When I was away at university many years ago, the prof I considered the wisest of the lot there (but so markedly human like us) said that that’s the test of Truth - the sense it creates deep in your BONES. Of course he was right.
Unknowingly, he gave me further ammunition for my inwardly-debated move to the Church long ago.
For that’s how deep faith starts. In your feelings - deep in your bones. At the time, I was reading about the gospel of love according to St Therese. I was emotionally enthusiastic.
But our Protestant side also reminds us that sound common sense and Logic can pick up our faith when our initial emotional enthusiasm fails. As Luther did for me at retirement. And aren’t these two factions mere opposite sides of One Great Coin?
I think I can sum up this whole long spin of mine by quoting an old poem that a wise Baptist Gentleman of the Old South, Vance Havner, cited long, long ago:
Three men were walking on a wall -
Feeling, Faith and Fact;
Feeling took an awful fall
And Faith was taken back -
Faith was so close to Feeling
That he fell too!
But Fact remained and pulled Faith up...
And that brought Feeling too!
Kinda all makes sense, don’t it?
And THAT’s how my life and freedom were eventually restored to me, many years after my burnout.
March 28, 2014
This book changed my life forever. It is also my first time ever looking into what Martin Luther knew about the Bible, reading one of his books. Prior to reading this I was a Seventh Day Adventist for nearly 5 years. I knew a little about Jesus before Adventism, but was introduced to it through family. During this 5 years I was taught that the Law and the Gospel were the same thing. To my surprise, Martin brought me straight to the Scriptures to show me that the Law and the Gospel are two completely different forces. I never really touched the book of Galatians as an Adventist, and this commentary forced me to. I am so grateful that the deceptions found within Adventism were rapidly discarded from my mind thanks to the aid of this book. I now know for sure that I am saved by grace by faith in Christ and not by works. This single book tore down in two weeks the walls of superstition that Adventism built in my mind for over 5 years. That should say something.
This read is not only stunning in intellectual depth, but very funny at parts too as Luther uses the aid of metaphors, similes, and even the abuses of the Catholic church itself to prove Scripture. And of course he backs up Scripture with more Scripture, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Even if you feel well versed in righteousness by faith, please read this book; I highly doubt it will fail to solidify your faith in Christ and Christ alone.
This read is not only stunning in intellectual depth, but very funny at parts too as Luther uses the aid of metaphors, similes, and even the abuses of the Catholic church itself to prove Scripture. And of course he backs up Scripture with more Scripture, line upon line, here a little, there a little. Even if you feel well versed in righteousness by faith, please read this book; I highly doubt it will fail to solidify your faith in Christ and Christ alone.
October 8, 2024
2024 Review
I challenged myself in 2024 to re-read the books that impacted me most in my 20s.
Even though I grew up in a Lutheran church, I wasn't exposed to Luther's writings outside of the Small Catechism. When I think about the impact of reading this book, it was how readable it made Luther. He was someone I could pick up and understand, not some mystical mind from the past.
2019 Review
A wonderful reminder of the power of justification by faith alone. From a spiritual perspective, I found the book uplifting, thought-provoking, and encouraging.
Yet, I think, what made this book particularly endearing was simply the delight of having one of my favorite people talk about one of my other favorite people. I'm not sure if I can properly explain. But it is the sense that Martin Luther writes about Paul as one writes about a mutual friend. I've read through the book of Galatians dozens of times and the New Testament scarcely less. Thus, Paul stands out as someone whose writings have influenced me from my earliest years. And since I spent the first 18ish years of my life in a Lutheran church, I also feel like Luther and I stand on pretty familiar ground. Both men impacted my spiritual walk. So to read about Luther talk about Paul and Paul's struggles and quote Paul's letter and contrast it with his other letters felt like chatting with one friend about a very dear mutual friend. And of course, all three of us share a mutual adoration for our best friend, Jesus. It sounds almost childish to put it that way, and yet I can think of no better explanation. Thousands of years span the timeline of Paul to Luther to Amy, and yet all three of us rejoice in justification by faith, not of our own works, but of God's!
I definitely recommend this one for a deeper look at Galatians. (Though I will offer this in warning, Luther is not one to pull his punches where the Pope or Catholic church is concerned!)
I challenged myself in 2024 to re-read the books that impacted me most in my 20s.
Even though I grew up in a Lutheran church, I wasn't exposed to Luther's writings outside of the Small Catechism. When I think about the impact of reading this book, it was how readable it made Luther. He was someone I could pick up and understand, not some mystical mind from the past.
2019 Review
A wonderful reminder of the power of justification by faith alone. From a spiritual perspective, I found the book uplifting, thought-provoking, and encouraging.
Yet, I think, what made this book particularly endearing was simply the delight of having one of my favorite people talk about one of my other favorite people. I'm not sure if I can properly explain. But it is the sense that Martin Luther writes about Paul as one writes about a mutual friend. I've read through the book of Galatians dozens of times and the New Testament scarcely less. Thus, Paul stands out as someone whose writings have influenced me from my earliest years. And since I spent the first 18ish years of my life in a Lutheran church, I also feel like Luther and I stand on pretty familiar ground. Both men impacted my spiritual walk. So to read about Luther talk about Paul and Paul's struggles and quote Paul's letter and contrast it with his other letters felt like chatting with one friend about a very dear mutual friend. And of course, all three of us share a mutual adoration for our best friend, Jesus. It sounds almost childish to put it that way, and yet I can think of no better explanation. Thousands of years span the timeline of Paul to Luther to Amy, and yet all three of us rejoice in justification by faith, not of our own works, but of God's!
I definitely recommend this one for a deeper look at Galatians. (Though I will offer this in warning, Luther is not one to pull his punches where the Pope or Catholic church is concerned!)
October 9, 2023
Wish I could give 4.5 because it was a little repetitive and long. But, it's a classic nonetheless from Luther writing about his favourite book.
Throughout the book, a clear argument is made for the distinction between the Law and the Gospel, seen through these points.
1. Luther clearly defines what the Gospel and faith are about: becoming one with Christ.
- “Faith connects you so intimately with Christ, that He and you become as it were one person. As such you may boldly say: "I am now one with Christ. Therefore Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine." On the other hand, Christ may say: "I am that big sinner. His sins and his death are mine, because he is joined to me, and I to him."”
2. Luther then reiterates the purpose of the Law - "to check civil transgression, and to magnify spiritual transgressions."
- "The Law is a mirror to show a person what he is like, a sinner who is guilty of death, and worthy of everlasting punishment. What is this bruising and beating by the hand of the Law to accomplish? This, that we may find the way to grace. The Law is an usher to lead the way to grace. God is the God of the humble, the miserable, the afflicted."
3. Now that the Law and Gospel are separated, Luther urgently shows that "When a person has put on Christ nothing else matters." Thus, there is no basis for any discrimination.
- "If the woman would change places with the man, if the son would change places with the father, the servant with the master, nothing but confusion would result. In Christ, however, all are equal. We all have one and the same Gospel, "one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all," one Christ and Savior of all.
4. Luther shows Paul's approach to dealing with the Galatians, and that the spirit of meekness prevails over a harsh word. "Oversharp criticism provokes anger and despair, but no repentance." This can be useful to Christians today when reproving others.
Throughout the book, a clear argument is made for the distinction between the Law and the Gospel, seen through these points.
1. Luther clearly defines what the Gospel and faith are about: becoming one with Christ.
- “Faith connects you so intimately with Christ, that He and you become as it were one person. As such you may boldly say: "I am now one with Christ. Therefore Christ's righteousness, victory, and life are mine." On the other hand, Christ may say: "I am that big sinner. His sins and his death are mine, because he is joined to me, and I to him."”
2. Luther then reiterates the purpose of the Law - "to check civil transgression, and to magnify spiritual transgressions."
- "The Law is a mirror to show a person what he is like, a sinner who is guilty of death, and worthy of everlasting punishment. What is this bruising and beating by the hand of the Law to accomplish? This, that we may find the way to grace. The Law is an usher to lead the way to grace. God is the God of the humble, the miserable, the afflicted."
3. Now that the Law and Gospel are separated, Luther urgently shows that "When a person has put on Christ nothing else matters." Thus, there is no basis for any discrimination.
- "If the woman would change places with the man, if the son would change places with the father, the servant with the master, nothing but confusion would result. In Christ, however, all are equal. We all have one and the same Gospel, "one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all," one Christ and Savior of all.
4. Luther shows Paul's approach to dealing with the Galatians, and that the spirit of meekness prevails over a harsh word. "Oversharp criticism provokes anger and despair, but no repentance." This can be useful to Christians today when reproving others.
July 6, 2021
Luther's Commentary on Galatians is an amazing read on God's full and total justification of the believer by faith in Jesus Christ. So often, we are like the Galatians - our heart are prone to stray to "another gospel" that is of works, not of grace. This book truly reminds us that Christ alone saves, not any of our supposed "good deeds." He alone Who bled, died, became a curse, and now is risen saves those who believe on Him, no matter how much their sins terrify them.
Great to read along with a thorough study of Galatians. Recommended for every Christian - especially for timid souls who need to remember the sure and certain promise of Christ's kind and gentle love!
Great to read along with a thorough study of Galatians. Recommended for every Christian - especially for timid souls who need to remember the sure and certain promise of Christ's kind and gentle love!
February 12, 2025
I read this for the past several weeks, a couple pages a day. I found the message provided what I need. Martin Luther and Paul the Apostle resonate with me. They have backgrounds similar to mine, a religious background that binds the mind. The true Gospel brings freedom. Martin Luther had to suffer for this truth. I'm grateful for his words and influence.
October 17, 2010
This is the book that God used to bring me to assurance. It is truly wonderful and should be widely read.
July 20, 2024
This commentary changed the way I view and communicate the Good News of Christ. The foci of the “external word,” theology “from above,” and “Christ for us and for our salvation” were engrained into every section of Luther’s work. Justification comes by grace through faith, and faith comes from hearing, hearing the Word of God—the living Christ through the Scriptures and his message of forgiveness of sins for YOU.
And the framework of Law and Gospel (or Promise) brings so much clarity to the whole storyline of Scripture and therefore the whole of the Christian life. It helps keep imperatives for the Christian tied to the finished work of Christ, which is good news for you and for me.
This is a top 5 on my booklist.
And the framework of Law and Gospel (or Promise) brings so much clarity to the whole storyline of Scripture and therefore the whole of the Christian life. It helps keep imperatives for the Christian tied to the finished work of Christ, which is good news for you and for me.
This is a top 5 on my booklist.
May 28, 2012
Luther regarded this work as among his best. It dealt with the central issues of the Reformation in a clear and decisive way. If you want to know what the Reformation was about, read this book. John Bunyan said of it that there was no book apart from the Bible better suited to help a wounded conscience. It was a favorite of his and deserves to be more widely read today.
December 27, 2019
In the introduction, J.I. Packer writes that Luther's Commentary on Galatians is, "undoubtedly the finest and most powerful paean on justification that any Reformer ever uttered". It aided Charles Wesley in coming to saving faith. Wesley would later write the hymn Hark the Herald Angels Sing. John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, said this book is second only to the Bible in healing a wounded conscience. I did not think it could possibly live up to this acclaim. It did.
June 17, 2020
Fantastic! This is an abridged version, I believe. The unabridged version runs many hundreds of pages. Even so, this is full of many lustrous insights.
The message of the first four chapters is hammered home with admirable consistency: we are justified by faith, not by works. Those who teach that any external human works or efforts are necessary, even relatively insignificant ones, are of the devil. The Gospel is Christ crucified. Full stop. It is not Christ crucified plus I contribute by keeping the Law.
Paul also provides, by way of reminding the readers of his genuine Apostolic credentials, several interesting bits of personal biography.
The fifth chapter is a valuable lesson on living in the Spirit as opposed to living by the flesh. Luther provides many valuable and precious bits of wisdom to complement Paul's teaching.
The last chapter is a very pastoral chapter. Luther shows a very compassionate side which would probably surprise many people who only know Luther from the bad press he gets from the Roman Catholic church as well as unbelievers who do not believe in Paul's gospel of justification by faith alone.
The only minor objections I have - and this may just be a personal foible - this version is in modern English. By that I mean the turns of phrases for which Luther is so well known have been modernized, maybe even Americanized. Personally, I rather like the older versions. If you like the beautiful language of the King James Version or the Geneva Bible, then you will need a little time to adjust. It's not quite as jarring as reading the Living Bible, but it tiptoed around the fringes of that.
Secondly, Luther's introduction to his Commentary on Galatians is one of the classic works of its kind. Supposedly, John Wesley was converted upon hearing the intro read aloud. Unfortunately, the introduction is not included with this version, and that is a great pity.
However, this is still a highly recommended work. I believe any Christian would be blessed by it.
The message of the first four chapters is hammered home with admirable consistency: we are justified by faith, not by works. Those who teach that any external human works or efforts are necessary, even relatively insignificant ones, are of the devil. The Gospel is Christ crucified. Full stop. It is not Christ crucified plus I contribute by keeping the Law.
Paul also provides, by way of reminding the readers of his genuine Apostolic credentials, several interesting bits of personal biography.
The fifth chapter is a valuable lesson on living in the Spirit as opposed to living by the flesh. Luther provides many valuable and precious bits of wisdom to complement Paul's teaching.
The last chapter is a very pastoral chapter. Luther shows a very compassionate side which would probably surprise many people who only know Luther from the bad press he gets from the Roman Catholic church as well as unbelievers who do not believe in Paul's gospel of justification by faith alone.
The only minor objections I have - and this may just be a personal foible - this version is in modern English. By that I mean the turns of phrases for which Luther is so well known have been modernized, maybe even Americanized. Personally, I rather like the older versions. If you like the beautiful language of the King James Version or the Geneva Bible, then you will need a little time to adjust. It's not quite as jarring as reading the Living Bible, but it tiptoed around the fringes of that.
Secondly, Luther's introduction to his Commentary on Galatians is one of the classic works of its kind. Supposedly, John Wesley was converted upon hearing the intro read aloud. Unfortunately, the introduction is not included with this version, and that is a great pity.
However, this is still a highly recommended work. I believe any Christian would be blessed by it.
July 13, 2017
This commentary refreshed my understanding of the gospel and my joy in the gospel.
Read this commentary if you want to distinguish between the law and gospel, have Christ set before your eyes, encourage a guilty conscience, or learn how to speak the gospel to yourself and others. Possibly you just want to see Luther smack talk the papacy.
I would recommend it to any brother or sister in Christ but especially to those who are battling a guilty conscience. For example,
"To be dead to the Law means to be free of the Law. What right, then, has the Law to accuse me, or to hold anything against me? When you see a person squirming in the clutches of the Law, say to him: 'Brother, get things straight. You let the Law talk to your conscience. Make it talk to your flesh. Wake up, and believe in Jesus Christ, the Conqueror of Law and sin. Faith in Christ will lift you high above the Law into the heaven of grace. Though Law and sin remain, they no longer concern you, because you are dead to the Law and dead to sin.'"
Again, I highly recommend it.
Read this commentary if you want to distinguish between the law and gospel, have Christ set before your eyes, encourage a guilty conscience, or learn how to speak the gospel to yourself and others. Possibly you just want to see Luther smack talk the papacy.
I would recommend it to any brother or sister in Christ but especially to those who are battling a guilty conscience. For example,
"To be dead to the Law means to be free of the Law. What right, then, has the Law to accuse me, or to hold anything against me? When you see a person squirming in the clutches of the Law, say to him: 'Brother, get things straight. You let the Law talk to your conscience. Make it talk to your flesh. Wake up, and believe in Jesus Christ, the Conqueror of Law and sin. Faith in Christ will lift you high above the Law into the heaven of grace. Though Law and sin remain, they no longer concern you, because you are dead to the Law and dead to sin.'"
Again, I highly recommend it.
July 9, 2018
Historically, this is one of the most important commentaries ever written. It embodies the reformation teaching of justification by faith alone. Galatians was Luther's favorite epistle, and his commentary on Galatians was his favorite among his own writings.
It's also just as vibrant and insightful today as it was when Luther wrote it.
It's also just as vibrant and insightful today as it was when Luther wrote it.
October 29, 2020
By explaining Galatians line by line, Luther explains the doctrine of salvation by believing in Jesus versus salvation earned by works. He shows that it is clear that we should do good works in the strength of the Lord, but these good works are to be a result of salvation in Christ, not the way to salvation.
August 13, 2022
A must read for all mature Christian’s. Here are just a few thoughts I put down while reading:
Our sins must become Christs sins or we’re without hope.
When sin death or devil trouble you, write it down and remember Jesus delivered you from them.
True doctrine always produce concord.
Paul wishes he could speak to the Galatians in person because then he could switch tone and between law and gospel better.
The Law is still a promise, but a conditional promise.
The church is Sarah. Seems to be barren to the world, but is actually fruitful before God, and has many children for God.
I am barren in that I can produce no fruit outside of God’s gift of new life in me apart from the Law.
Your status is a matter of birth, passive, not of exertion.
Come to terms with your status as trouble maker as a preacher of the Gospel.
Christian Liberty = Liberty from the wrath of God. God will never be angry with the Christian but merciful for the sake of his Son.
Never forget that Jesus paid for this freedom.
Christ has abolished all of the law from demands on your life.
Trying to earn justification by works of the law means Christ has not yet come.
In terms of justification, you must choose either the righteousness of Christ or the law. Don’t make Christ of no use to you.
Falling from grace means falling from its kingdom. Falling from the ship makes no difference what side you fall from, your in the ocean now.
“Feel God’s righteousness as much as you feel your sin.”
By Hope we begin, by faith we continue. Without faith, hope is stupid. Without hope, faith is despairing.
Convince your congregation that the beliefs they’ve been taught are false, imaginary, wicked, and contrary to the Word of God, AKA, of the Devil.
Christ is both a gift and an example. When you’re first starting, he remains a gift. But when the people venture into false security, he must be introduced as an example.
“Satan, don’t trouble me right now, I can only see Jesus as a gift right now who forgives my sin. I cannot have you as a teacher.”
“Christ is both gift and example. When one is first saved, he remains simply gift for a very long time. He must also become simply a gift again to those mature Christians who fail again and again to follow Him as example.”
“Do not be convinced by the call for charity and unity outside of unity in doctrine. If we do not love God and his Word, what difference does it make if we love anything at all?”
Do not mix life and doctrine when complaining about uncharitable ness. Doctrine is of heaven, life is of earth. Life is sin uncleanness misery, and charity must bear and love all things. Forgiveness of sins must be continuous and the standard as you iron out error. But with doctrine there must be no error, no pardon. The least point of doctrine is of more importance than all Heaven and earth. We can overlook the constant sin of daily life as we sin much, just as even saints sin as they confess in the Lord’s Prayer and Creed. But the doctrine of our Lord is pure, because all the articles of our faith are grounded on the purity of the Holy Scriptures.
Preaching a small error of doctrine publically to keep face with the World = preaching circumcision to avoid the ire of the Jews. The enmity of the world is good for the church. Paul is suspicious of any doctrine that does not cause antagonism.
Luther could not achieve unity with the Pope or Sacramentarians with his preaching, teaching, or writing. Yet you have done so in communing this non Lutheran?! ***
At an impasse, cursed is any person or group who is against God’s Word.
Let us do everything we can to advance the glory and authority of God’s Word. Every tittle of it is greater than all Heaven and earth. Christian charity and unity have nothing to do with the Word of God. We are to curse all men who in the smallest point corrupt the Word of God. For the little leaven leaven’s the whole lump. Cut them off, as Paul does.
You are above all laws as far as conscience is concerned. Don’t turn it to licentiousness
The more we are sure of our forgiven status in Christ, the more we neglect the Word, Prayer, well doing, and suffering. Thankfully Satan keeps us in the Word and prayer. ***
Have nothing to do with licentious pastors who cannot understand the distinction between Justification and Sanctification. They will not be convinced.
False prophets hallmark is not only erring the doctrine but also failing to do good.
Faith must come first. Justification must come first. Then talk about good works.
True Christian good works are not recognized and even seen as stupid or naive or waste of time y the world and those who err. All of life to them is doing bad things to get ahead and then pulling a steam release valve of escapism and licentiousness.
By love, serve others. This is how love fullfills the law. You learn what you need to do, aka vocation.
Doctrines of faith and works are easily confused. If you only preach faith, the people won’t do good works.
Obey the spirit and fight against the flesh. This is the constant Christian life cycle.
Maybe sanctification is the cycle of making a theologian going up and down on holiness scale.
Your neighbor is not less your neighbor because he’s offended you, in fact he needs your love more.
Don’t get rid of the flesh, subdue it by the spirit so you don’t die in your sins.
Only Christ can provide perfect righteousness, so look to him in hope.
Fear not the flesh, fight against it. You’ll never defeat it.
Papists must realize as they die, “this was all for naught, I simply give myself to Christ in faith.”
Fight temptation with scripture passages.
“There is nothing worse than to continue on in sin.”
Your lapses are forgiven when you pull yourself together before the Lord. Love God and receive his Supper.
A holy life is to be baptized into and believe in Christ, and to subdue the flesh with the spirit.
Feeing the list of the flesh humbles us, keeps us from trusting in our good works and makes us run to Christ for our righteousness.
Any religion where you try to please God apart from faith and his Word is simply idolatry.
Tel people who always say “I’m a sinner” “rejoice in the Lord always.” Why don’t they have fruit of the spirit?
“Know the manners of your friends, but do not hate them.”
Christians get over their anger issues by imitating Christs meekness
Resist the flesh by nailing it to the cross. Although it is still alive it cannot act on its desires. It’s hands are nailed in place.
Watch out for vain glory in pastors and priests. You cannot stubbornly argue about doctrine and scripture without grace damage to the church.
Watch out for vain pastors using their call to be shepherd as a stepping stone to fame.
If a man of god is despised, he is in danger. If he is praised, he is also in danger. Augustine
It is nice if God to send so much hatred our way as pastors so that we do not become puffed up though it is also thanks to God’s gifts alone and not our own doing.
When people praise your preaching, they’re really praising Christ and his Word, not you.
Pastors must rebuke the fallen but if the fallen are sorry they must restore them in meekness
Find joy in your office, not the praise of others. Find the approval of your conscience, and not the praise of others. Consider it joy to preach the gospel and forgive sins.
When people hear the gospel, they stop giving their money.
If you don’t support your pastor financially, God will take everything from you
It’s easy to do good once or twice, but impossible without Christs promise of reward at the harvest to keep doing good and being met with ingratitude. Therefore do not grow weary of doing good.
Our sins must become Christs sins or we’re without hope.
When sin death or devil trouble you, write it down and remember Jesus delivered you from them.
True doctrine always produce concord.
Paul wishes he could speak to the Galatians in person because then he could switch tone and between law and gospel better.
The Law is still a promise, but a conditional promise.
The church is Sarah. Seems to be barren to the world, but is actually fruitful before God, and has many children for God.
I am barren in that I can produce no fruit outside of God’s gift of new life in me apart from the Law.
Your status is a matter of birth, passive, not of exertion.
Come to terms with your status as trouble maker as a preacher of the Gospel.
Christian Liberty = Liberty from the wrath of God. God will never be angry with the Christian but merciful for the sake of his Son.
Never forget that Jesus paid for this freedom.
Christ has abolished all of the law from demands on your life.
Trying to earn justification by works of the law means Christ has not yet come.
In terms of justification, you must choose either the righteousness of Christ or the law. Don’t make Christ of no use to you.
Falling from grace means falling from its kingdom. Falling from the ship makes no difference what side you fall from, your in the ocean now.
“Feel God’s righteousness as much as you feel your sin.”
By Hope we begin, by faith we continue. Without faith, hope is stupid. Without hope, faith is despairing.
Convince your congregation that the beliefs they’ve been taught are false, imaginary, wicked, and contrary to the Word of God, AKA, of the Devil.
Christ is both a gift and an example. When you’re first starting, he remains a gift. But when the people venture into false security, he must be introduced as an example.
“Satan, don’t trouble me right now, I can only see Jesus as a gift right now who forgives my sin. I cannot have you as a teacher.”
“Christ is both gift and example. When one is first saved, he remains simply gift for a very long time. He must also become simply a gift again to those mature Christians who fail again and again to follow Him as example.”
“Do not be convinced by the call for charity and unity outside of unity in doctrine. If we do not love God and his Word, what difference does it make if we love anything at all?”
Do not mix life and doctrine when complaining about uncharitable ness. Doctrine is of heaven, life is of earth. Life is sin uncleanness misery, and charity must bear and love all things. Forgiveness of sins must be continuous and the standard as you iron out error. But with doctrine there must be no error, no pardon. The least point of doctrine is of more importance than all Heaven and earth. We can overlook the constant sin of daily life as we sin much, just as even saints sin as they confess in the Lord’s Prayer and Creed. But the doctrine of our Lord is pure, because all the articles of our faith are grounded on the purity of the Holy Scriptures.
Preaching a small error of doctrine publically to keep face with the World = preaching circumcision to avoid the ire of the Jews. The enmity of the world is good for the church. Paul is suspicious of any doctrine that does not cause antagonism.
Luther could not achieve unity with the Pope or Sacramentarians with his preaching, teaching, or writing. Yet you have done so in communing this non Lutheran?! ***
At an impasse, cursed is any person or group who is against God’s Word.
Let us do everything we can to advance the glory and authority of God’s Word. Every tittle of it is greater than all Heaven and earth. Christian charity and unity have nothing to do with the Word of God. We are to curse all men who in the smallest point corrupt the Word of God. For the little leaven leaven’s the whole lump. Cut them off, as Paul does.
You are above all laws as far as conscience is concerned. Don’t turn it to licentiousness
The more we are sure of our forgiven status in Christ, the more we neglect the Word, Prayer, well doing, and suffering. Thankfully Satan keeps us in the Word and prayer. ***
Have nothing to do with licentious pastors who cannot understand the distinction between Justification and Sanctification. They will not be convinced.
False prophets hallmark is not only erring the doctrine but also failing to do good.
Faith must come first. Justification must come first. Then talk about good works.
True Christian good works are not recognized and even seen as stupid or naive or waste of time y the world and those who err. All of life to them is doing bad things to get ahead and then pulling a steam release valve of escapism and licentiousness.
By love, serve others. This is how love fullfills the law. You learn what you need to do, aka vocation.
Doctrines of faith and works are easily confused. If you only preach faith, the people won’t do good works.
Obey the spirit and fight against the flesh. This is the constant Christian life cycle.
Maybe sanctification is the cycle of making a theologian going up and down on holiness scale.
Your neighbor is not less your neighbor because he’s offended you, in fact he needs your love more.
Don’t get rid of the flesh, subdue it by the spirit so you don’t die in your sins.
Only Christ can provide perfect righteousness, so look to him in hope.
Fear not the flesh, fight against it. You’ll never defeat it.
Papists must realize as they die, “this was all for naught, I simply give myself to Christ in faith.”
Fight temptation with scripture passages.
“There is nothing worse than to continue on in sin.”
Your lapses are forgiven when you pull yourself together before the Lord. Love God and receive his Supper.
A holy life is to be baptized into and believe in Christ, and to subdue the flesh with the spirit.
Feeing the list of the flesh humbles us, keeps us from trusting in our good works and makes us run to Christ for our righteousness.
Any religion where you try to please God apart from faith and his Word is simply idolatry.
Tel people who always say “I’m a sinner” “rejoice in the Lord always.” Why don’t they have fruit of the spirit?
“Know the manners of your friends, but do not hate them.”
Christians get over their anger issues by imitating Christs meekness
Resist the flesh by nailing it to the cross. Although it is still alive it cannot act on its desires. It’s hands are nailed in place.
Watch out for vain glory in pastors and priests. You cannot stubbornly argue about doctrine and scripture without grace damage to the church.
Watch out for vain pastors using their call to be shepherd as a stepping stone to fame.
If a man of god is despised, he is in danger. If he is praised, he is also in danger. Augustine
It is nice if God to send so much hatred our way as pastors so that we do not become puffed up though it is also thanks to God’s gifts alone and not our own doing.
When people praise your preaching, they’re really praising Christ and his Word, not you.
Pastors must rebuke the fallen but if the fallen are sorry they must restore them in meekness
Find joy in your office, not the praise of others. Find the approval of your conscience, and not the praise of others. Consider it joy to preach the gospel and forgive sins.
When people hear the gospel, they stop giving their money.
If you don’t support your pastor financially, God will take everything from you
It’s easy to do good once or twice, but impossible without Christs promise of reward at the harvest to keep doing good and being met with ingratitude. Therefore do not grow weary of doing good.
August 13, 2020
I'm a Baptist preacher who preached through Galatians. So, Luther and I certainly disagree on some fundamental issues relative to church practice. OK...that's out of the way.
The cons for me: He rambles quite extensively at times and chases some rabbits - and I'm not sure he always catches them. There is some unwarranted and unnecessary typology (which also, unfortunately, exists in Baptist pulpits). He's amillennial and it comes out quite a bit. I'm not angry with him over his position there - it's just not mine. He was far too brief in a couple of places where I felt like he needed to be more in-depth. That was strange considering how much he rambled at other times.
So why the four stars you ask? I'm glad you asked. This was a really interesting take on Galatians for me because of Luther's history. He regularly explained his exodus from Catholicism and why. He regularly shared his experiences as a monk and how they perverted the Gospel. This historic perspective was really interesting to me. I enjoy history.
Also, Luther obviously understood justification by faith apart from the Law. He still struggled at times to place the Law in its proper place. But considering where he came from, it's understandable.
I'm glad I read this along with other commentaries, if for no other reason, it's a classic commentary on Galatians. Not to mention, there are some really good one-liners for a pastor preaching through a book.
The cons for me: He rambles quite extensively at times and chases some rabbits - and I'm not sure he always catches them. There is some unwarranted and unnecessary typology (which also, unfortunately, exists in Baptist pulpits). He's amillennial and it comes out quite a bit. I'm not angry with him over his position there - it's just not mine. He was far too brief in a couple of places where I felt like he needed to be more in-depth. That was strange considering how much he rambled at other times.
So why the four stars you ask? I'm glad you asked. This was a really interesting take on Galatians for me because of Luther's history. He regularly explained his exodus from Catholicism and why. He regularly shared his experiences as a monk and how they perverted the Gospel. This historic perspective was really interesting to me. I enjoy history.
Also, Luther obviously understood justification by faith apart from the Law. He still struggled at times to place the Law in its proper place. But considering where he came from, it's understandable.
I'm glad I read this along with other commentaries, if for no other reason, it's a classic commentary on Galatians. Not to mention, there are some really good one-liners for a pastor preaching through a book.
November 18, 2022
This book is a great blessing and also a great lesson in an unexpected fashion.
The spiritual truths illustrated are powerful and potent and I have been blessed several times before I even got out of the first chapter [of Galatians]. Luther had some great insight from the Lord when he follows the Scripture.
But here is an interesting lesson - giants of the faith have feet of clay. Most mature Christians know this but perhaps some carnal or baby Christians may need to learn this valuable lesson. Luther rightly points out how Paul tenderly and kindly points out the doctrinal errors of the saved, but seduced, Galatians and says we should do the same for our Christian brethren in the world. But then Luther roughly and unkindly attacks Anabaptists [Christian brethren with a different view than him on baptism -they were Scripturally correct btw.]. History records that when he could, Luther actually persecuted them as bad as the RCC had him. When they gave the same basic response to him that he had given to his persecutors [show me from Scripture I am wrong] he refused and continued the unjust persecution.
Giant of the faith with feet of clay - just as we all have. That being said, the commentary itself is excellent. His hypocrisy will hold it down to 3 stars along with his carry-over doctrines from the RCC ["sacraments," etc.]
The spiritual truths illustrated are powerful and potent and I have been blessed several times before I even got out of the first chapter [of Galatians]. Luther had some great insight from the Lord when he follows the Scripture.
But here is an interesting lesson - giants of the faith have feet of clay. Most mature Christians know this but perhaps some carnal or baby Christians may need to learn this valuable lesson. Luther rightly points out how Paul tenderly and kindly points out the doctrinal errors of the saved, but seduced, Galatians and says we should do the same for our Christian brethren in the world. But then Luther roughly and unkindly attacks Anabaptists [Christian brethren with a different view than him on baptism -they were Scripturally correct btw.]. History records that when he could, Luther actually persecuted them as bad as the RCC had him. When they gave the same basic response to him that he had given to his persecutors [show me from Scripture I am wrong] he refused and continued the unjust persecution.
Giant of the faith with feet of clay - just as we all have. That being said, the commentary itself is excellent. His hypocrisy will hold it down to 3 stars along with his carry-over doctrines from the RCC ["sacraments," etc.]
Read
December 26, 2012After reading the Bible, every Christian should at least one time in their life read something by Martin Luther to understand the man who has been responsible for the Protestant Reformation and the issue of justification that was at stake. Luther's commentary of Galatians was a delightful read. I was surprised that there was not a strong polemical taste to this work but instead one feels the pastoral heartbeat of Luther as he expounds the meaning of the text and often showing how a promise in Galatians should be applied to combating wrong thoughts and demonic discouragement. Again, a delightful read, but more than reading the words of Martin Luther this commentary made me read more carefully on my own the book of Galatians itself.
March 7, 2022
This is the commentary of the Reformation. Luther takes you on a verse by verse journey through the epistle to the Galatians in a devotional manner. The text isn't so much exposited with careful attention to the Greek, as much as it is read through, taught, and applied for the edification of the reader. I enjoyed it.
Luther's struggles with the papacy comes out throughout the entire work. He struggled greatly with condemnation and is a staunch advocate for justification by faith alone. This is a great read to get into the mind of Luther and what was taking place in the Church at the time.
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Luther's struggles with the papacy comes out throughout the entire work. He struggled greatly with condemnation and is a staunch advocate for justification by faith alone. This is a great read to get into the mind of Luther and what was taking place in the Church at the time.
---------------------------
Check out my blog!
www.laymansprogress.com
March 14, 2019
Surprisingly easy to follow. I listened to the bulk of it through audiobook, making notes in a paper copy along the way. Luther considered this one of his favorite works and I can see why. This is not a dry exegesis of the text, but a work filled with Luther’s passion, personality, frustrations, and struggles as he works to outline the magnitude and impact of God’s grace communicated through the book of Galatians. I loved working through this the last month or so as God used it to shape and challenge my thinking often. Great, super helpful read.
June 6, 2017
5/5 For the book itself, Luther has stunning theological insights. His works overflow with a sense of Christ's grace.
3/5 for the translation. I trust he had a decent understanding of the text, Graebner has this odd desire to make Luther 'talk American' so throws random 1930's American slang into a work written by a sixteenth-century German. It's awful distracting to hear Luther talking about 'dollars'.
3/5 for the translation. I trust he had a decent understanding of the text, Graebner has this odd desire to make Luther 'talk American' so throws random 1930's American slang into a work written by a sixteenth-century German. It's awful distracting to hear Luther talking about 'dollars'.
February 14, 2024
This was a great commentary on Galatians. I really did enjoy it. Sometimes books written long ago and translated from another language are hard to read. This book was not that way. It was well-written and well-translated. It was a good help in understanding the Book of Galatians.
May 29, 2009
solid.
December 2, 2012
Despite being a bit repetitive in its main theme this 500 year-old commentary is a law & gospel classic.
November 25, 2022
As a commentary, I don't love it. Luther was (understandably) so consumed by his own theological divisions between Catholics and Anabaptists that it muddies his interpretation and causes him to misread the book.
However, it's also a really good look into Luther's perspective, and his grasp of salvation by works versus salvation by faith is really good (my complaint is not of his theology here, which is solid, but that he misunderstands what Paul is really saying here, which is not exactly the same as Luther's complaints regarding the Catholic church).
There's also a whole lot of practical wisdom, especially in his thoughts on chapters five and six. I have lots of underlines in those sections in my physical copy. Well worth the read (and it's short).
However, it's also a really good look into Luther's perspective, and his grasp of salvation by works versus salvation by faith is really good (my complaint is not of his theology here, which is solid, but that he misunderstands what Paul is really saying here, which is not exactly the same as Luther's complaints regarding the Catholic church).
There's also a whole lot of practical wisdom, especially in his thoughts on chapters five and six. I have lots of underlines in those sections in my physical copy. Well worth the read (and it's short).
April 25, 2020
This really helped me understand Galatians better and see it as distinctly seperate from other New Testament books. Luther mostly just rephrases over and over the concept that faith, not the law, justifies and saves. The law exposes our depravity and points us to our need for Christ. He compares the false apostles defaming Paul referenced in Galatians to the papists and the Pope himself. He actually goes as far as to call them antichrists so things get pretty spicy.
December 29, 2024
Wonderful book for all Christians, especially those who struggle with assurance of salvation. Luther meticulously analyzes this brilliant section of Holy Scripture to proclaim the Gospel, the message that "comforts terrified consciences," as the reformers are fond of saying, that produces faith, and that gives us hope. When the mirror of the Law confronts us, we remember the righteousness of Christ.
September 17, 2025
To call this a commentary is to severely under appreciate this wonderful, truly marvelous work of piety.
This is a frothy soul tonic in book form. Such a beautiful unfolding of the law-gospel distinction. I think I will add this to my list of books that I wish to reread every so often, like Pilgrim’s Progress and Augustine’s De Trinitate. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.
This is a frothy soul tonic in book form. Such a beautiful unfolding of the law-gospel distinction. I think I will add this to my list of books that I wish to reread every so often, like Pilgrim’s Progress and Augustine’s De Trinitate. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.
April 28, 2025
Thought it was a tad repetitive towards the end but the main thrust is amazing in Luthers insights into the gospel. Galatians is a glorious book.
May 28, 2024
I usually try to avoid the iconic books/authors, but if you're going to read any one thing from Martin Luther, his commentary on Galatians is said to be his best work -even according to Martin Luther himself.
This book was kind of a sandwich that started off strong, got a little dry and weak in the middle, and then closed with a huge bang. His work on Chapters 5 and 6 were the strongest in the whole book and will speak to any truly repentant, regenerate, humble Believer!
On an authorial note, the translator of this book states in the Preface that he agreed to translate this book if he would be permitted to do so according to a more modern English vernacular. I found this strategy to be mostly transparent but there were certain circumstances when it was a little too modern or a little too English, such as when Graebner cites Luther's work in 3:19 and mentions "the electric chair" as one fear a criminal has as motive to not commit crime. Also in 2:20 Graebner cites a rhyme allegedly written by Luther in this work of his, yet the saying rhymes in English and that raises my suspicions as to the actual authenticity of this translated work. If I'm not mistaken, Luther did not speak English.
The commentary itself, however, was one that I absolutely enjoyed reading and am glad that I may now say that I have done so. I would recommend to anyone who wishes to know Luther at his best and/or have a Galatian commentary added to their shelves that they read this book.
This book was kind of a sandwich that started off strong, got a little dry and weak in the middle, and then closed with a huge bang. His work on Chapters 5 and 6 were the strongest in the whole book and will speak to any truly repentant, regenerate, humble Believer!
On an authorial note, the translator of this book states in the Preface that he agreed to translate this book if he would be permitted to do so according to a more modern English vernacular. I found this strategy to be mostly transparent but there were certain circumstances when it was a little too modern or a little too English, such as when Graebner cites Luther's work in 3:19 and mentions "the electric chair" as one fear a criminal has as motive to not commit crime. Also in 2:20 Graebner cites a rhyme allegedly written by Luther in this work of his, yet the saying rhymes in English and that raises my suspicions as to the actual authenticity of this translated work. If I'm not mistaken, Luther did not speak English.
The commentary itself, however, was one that I absolutely enjoyed reading and am glad that I may now say that I have done so. I would recommend to anyone who wishes to know Luther at his best and/or have a Galatian commentary added to their shelves that they read this book.
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