Epistle Sermons, Vol. 2: Epiphany, Easter and Pentecost — Context and Discussion

Luther's Exegetical Precision in the Philippians 2 Sermon

The longest excerpt from the volume is Luther's treatment of Philippians 2:6–11. He focuses on the phrase "existing in the form of God," noting that in Greek and Latin it might suggest Christ merely bore a divine appearance. Luther counters by contrasting "existing in" with "took upon him": Christ was truly God by nature, not by arrogation. He distinguishes Christ's humility from the devil's and Adam's children's robbery of divine honor.

Luther repeatedly invokes the conscience as an internal witness: even those who falsely claim divinity know in their conscience they are not God. This psychological angle recurs in his other sermons. He also warns against substituting one's own ideas for Paul's words, urging readers to accept the text as spoken. The sermon's density shows Luther's commitment to precise theological language, not mere moral exhortation.

The Translator's Framing: Evangelization and Luther's Legacy

John Nicholas Lenker's foreword and dedication position this volume within a broader narrative of world evangelization. He identifies three forces—Reformation, heathen missions, and emigration—as divinely orchestrated movements. Lenker cites Herzog's Encyclopedia to argue that Luther himself urged prayer for the heathen and the sending of missionaries. He further claims Luther insisted his church be called "Evangelical," not "Lutheran," to emphasize its gospel-proclaiming mission.

This framing is not incidental: it shapes how the reader encounters the sermons. Lenker presents Luther as "the evangelist of Protestantism," and the volume as part of an 85-volume corpus. The dedication addresses "Pastors and Laymen" interested in evangelization, suggesting the sermons are intended not only for doctrinal instruction but also for inspiring missionary zeal. Readers should note that Lenker's claims about Luther's intentions are asserted, not demonstrated from the sermons themselves.

Recurring Themes: Divinity, Humility, and the Conscience

Across the excerpts, Luther returns to several motifs. One is the contrast between Christ's rightful divinity and humanity's attempted robbery of divine honor. He uses the Philippians 2 passage to argue that Christ did not grasp at equality with God but humbled himself, taking the form of a servant. Another motif is the conscience as an unignorable witness: even if one suppresses it, the conscience testifies that one is not God.

Luther also emphasizes the importance of precise language. He criticizes those who substitute their own ideas for Paul's words, and he carefully explains Greek and Latin constructions. This attention to wording suggests his sermons were meant for listeners who could follow detailed argument. The excerpts do not include narrative or application; they are tightly focused on exegesis. Readers should expect a demanding, text-centered style rather than illustrative stories.

What the Excerpts Reveal About the Volume's Structure

The table of contents lists 14 text sections, covering Epiphany, Easter, and Pentecost. The foreword indicates this is Volume II of Luther's Epistle Sermons, part of an eight-volume set of Luther's Complete Works. The excerpts show that each sermon likely follows the epistle reading for the day, with Luther working through the text phrase by phrase.

The sample from Philippians 2 is typical: Luther begins by stating the meaning, then addresses potential misunderstandings, and finally draws doctrinal conclusions. He does not provide a separate application or moral lesson; the theology itself is the application. The volume's length (over 120,000 words) suggests each sermon is substantial. Readers approaching the book for the first time should expect to encounter Luther's characteristic blend of grammatical analysis, theological argument, and pastoral concern, all delivered in a dense, lecture-like style.

These sermons reward slow reading. Luther's method demands attention to every phrase, and his arguments often hinge on a single Greek word. The translator's foreword adds a layer of interpretation that may color how readers understand Luther's intent. For those interested in Reformation exegesis or the history of preaching, this volume offers a direct encounter with Luther's voice—unadorned by modern summaries. Approach it as a primary source, not a devotional aid, and let the text's own logic guide your reading.

I finished Luther's sermons on Philippians 2 the other evening, and what stayed with me wasn’t the theology so much as the quiet humility he keeps returning to—how divinity folds itself into ordinary grief. It made me think of Two Sermons Preached in the Parish Church of Nonington, Kent, January 17, 1864 being the Sunday following the Funeral of John Pemberton Plumptre, Esq. — A Closer Reading, which carries that same weight, but softer, more personal. Some books just sit beside you afterwards, quietly.