Reading the Bible with Martin Luther

Prominent Reformation historian Timothy Wengert introduces the basic components of Martin Luther's theology of the Bible and examines Luther's contributions to present-day biblical interpretation. Wengert addresses key points of debate regarding Luther's approach to the Bible that have often been misunderstood, including biblical authority, the distinction between law and gospel, the theology of the cross, and biblical ethics. He argues that Luther, when rightly understood, offers much wisdom to Christians searching for fresh approaches to the interpretation of Scripture. This brief but comprehensive overview is filled with insights on Luther's theology and its significance for contemporary debates on the Bible, particularly the New Perspective on Paul.

Contents

1. Authority: Putting James in Its Place
   James and Straw
   The Self-Authenticating Scripture
   Sola Scriptura?
2. Method: Dying and Rising
   A Cautionary Tale about Throwing Stones
   Distinguishing Law and Gospel
   The Law's First Use: The Pastor as Vo-Tech Teacher
   A Third Use for the Law: The First and the Second Uses Apply to Believers
   Exegesis Is for Proclamation: Finding the Law and the Gospel in the Text
3. Interpretation: Strength Perfected in Weakness
   The Weakness of Scripture
   Finding the Central Weakness of Scripture: Romans
   Finding the Center of the Gospels
4. Practice: Luther's Biblical Ethics
   Gleichmut: The Christian's Balancing Act
   Das Gewissen: The Conscience
   Glaube: Faith
   Gemeinschaft: Community
5. Example: Luther Interpreting Galatians 3:6-14
   The Argumentum
   Galatians 3:6-14 in 1519
   Galatians 3:6-14 in 1535
   An Afterword: Looking Forward to Reading the Bible with Luther
   Indexes