Tag Archives: Commemorations

May Thoughts… Spring of the Church

May 30, 2021MeditationsApostles, Commemorations, Feasts, Festivals, May, Missionaries, RulersJoshua Kurtenbach

In May we remember many people and events at key points in the history of the Church and see how God has always cared for His people and brought about growth to His Church. The saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers,” and this month we remember these men and women of flowers of God which He raised up and used as His instruments to bring about the growth and flourishing of His Church throughout history.

May 1: St. Philip and St. James, Apostles

English image of the apostles from the 19th century.

St. Philip (1st century AD – 80) is one of the Twelve Apostles and is not to be confused with Philip the Deacon who is featured prominently in Acts. St. Philip is listed in the apostolic lists in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, but other than that does not appear. However, in John, Philip is featured prominently in a number of events including the feeding of the five thousand where Jesus tests Philip by asking him where they will buy bread (John 6:1-7); Philip was approached by some Greeks who wished to see Jesus as He neared His passion (John 12:20-23); and he asked Jesus to show them the Father when they were gathered at the Last Supper to which Jesus answers “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father,” (John 14:1-14). Philip is also a great example of the way Christians witness to friends and family, for after being called by Jesus as a disciple Philip finds his friend Nathaniel to tell him about Jesus (John 1:43-45).

St. James (1st century AD) the Less, also known as the son of Alphaeus, is like Philip, one of the Twelve. Like Philip, he is not to be confused with other Jameses in the New Testament including James the Greater (the son of Zebedee) and James the Just (of Jerusalem). Not much is known about James, other than that he was younger or shorter than James the son of Zebedee. Despite both being members of the Twelve we know little of Philip and James, even in extra-biblical tradition. However, in this we see an example for us in the faith today. Not much is recorded because it would seem, not much is extraordinary about them. They were called by the Lord and they continued steadfast in their vocation with no care as to whether they would be remembered, only focusing on sharing the Gospel so that more would know Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and be saved.

Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
John 1:45

May 2: Athanasius of Alexandria, Pastor and Confessor

Athanasius of Alexandria (c. 296/298 – May 2, 373), was bishop of Alexandria, staunch defender of the deity of Christ, and theologian. Athanasius was born to a Christian family and was given a good secular education. While still a deacon he wrote his famous treatise On the Incarnation of the Word of God which clearly and beautifully teaches on the incarnation of the Word in human flesh. He was close to his bishop Alexander and accompanied him to the Council of Nicea which was convened in 325 in order to deal with the heresy of Arius, a presbyter from Alexandria who argued that Jesus was not fully God. At the death of Alexander Athanasius was elected bishop of Alexandria and continued to steadfastly defend the deity of Christ and His being of “one substance with the Father.” His outspoken defense of Christ’s deity would cause him trouble with Arian (Constantine II), pagan (Julian the Apostate), and Arian friendly (Valens) emperors. Because of this, he would be exiled five times while bishop of Alexandria. While not written by him, the Athanasian Creed is named in his honour because it confesses the same truth which he defended throughout his life.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
John 1:1

May 4: Friedrich Wyneken, Pastor and Missionary

Friedrich Conrad Dietrich Wyneken (May 13, 1810 – May 4, 1876), was a missionary in the Americas and pastor who helped with the formation of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Wyneken was born in the Kingdom of Hanover and came to America in order to serve the many Lutherans who at this time had a very difficult time getting pastors. In addition to his time he served as a parish pastor in Friedheim and Fort Wayne, Indiana, he also served as a missionary to the First Nations people in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan. In response to the difficulties he saw among German Lutherans in getting pastors, he wrote “The Distress of the German Lutherans in North America” calling on Europeans to send pastors to North America. This book is that which inspired Wilhelm Loehe to begin his work of training and sending pastors to North America. He also founded Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne and was its first president. As the second president of the LCMS he helped to continue to shape its confessional character and helped to organize it, gathering German speaking Lutherans together from Canada to South America.

And how can they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news of peace, who preach the gospel of good things!
Romans 10:15

May 5: Frederick the Wise, Christian Ruler

Portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1525

Frederick the Wise (January 17, 1463 – May 5, 1525), was Elector of Saxony and is remembered as a wise and just Christian ruler. Frederick founded the University of Wittenberg, which would become a centre of the Reformation and Reformation teachers. He fought for the cause of justice regarding the various trials of Martin Luther, ensuring that he would not be treated by the Empire like Jan Hus, that is, promised a fair trial and safety but then executed. Because of this, he refused to let Luther go to Rome to face trial. Following the Diet of Worms in 1521 when Luther was formally declared an outlaw in the Empire and thus could be killed by anyone with impunity, Frederick had him kidnapped and hid in Wartburg Castle so that he would be protected from those who sought his life. On his deathbed Frederick received Holy Communion in both kinds, a mark of his confession of the Evangelical faith. He was succeeded by his brother, John the Steadfast, who continued to provide protection for the Reformers in Saxony and advanced the cause of the Reformation among other princes and rulers.

For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to evil. Would you like to have no fear of the one in authority? Do what is good, and you will receive praise from him.
Romans 13:3

May 7: C. F. W. Walther, Theologian

Carl Ferdinand Wilhelm Walther (October 25, 1811 – May 7, 1887) was a pastor and important theologian, not just in the founding of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, but for all Lutherans. Walther was one of the pastors who emigrated with the group of pastors and lay people to the United States under Bishop Martin Stephen in order to freely worship after fears of a Union Church (a forced merger of Lutherans and Reformed) began in Saxony. After the sexual misconduct of Martin Stephen resulted in his defrocking and exile, there were serious questions among the immigrants as to whether they were still a church without a bishop. Walther rose to prominence at this time, arguing from the Scriptures and the writings of Luther that a bishop was not of the necessity of the church, but instead it was the pastoral office and laypeople together who made up the church. In the founding of the LCMS, Walther supported a strong confessional position, and encouraged familiarity with the Augsburg Confession among the laity. He founded Der Lutheraner, a magazine which helped to bring many independent German Lutheran congregations into the LCMS. He also founded Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and was its first president. Important works of his include On the Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel, and Church and Ministry. He also served twice as president of the LCMS.

You see, if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, because an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
1 Corinthians 9:16

May 9: Job

Job (late 3rd or early 2nd millennium BC) was a blameless and upright man from the land of Uz (Job 1:1) (thought to be connected with Edom, on the west of the Jordan River) and the main person in the book that bears his name. Job was not an Israelite, but predated Jacob, and thus is an example of God’s mercy and love in always ensuring a remnant and that He is remembered. Job, like Melchizedek (another righteous non-Israelite), would have learned of the Lord from the descendants of Noah after the flood who kept the worship of the Lord alive. In the book of Job we see how in the midst of so many trials and temptations that Job remained faithful and steadfast to the Lord God. Because of this, he is cited and alluded to numerous times as an example of steadfastness in the New Testament (Jas. 5:11, 1 Cor. 10:13, 2 Cor. 12:7-10). In the midst of his suffering, Job also confessed the belief in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come, and in doing so, he also prophesied of the coming Messiah who is God and Man in one person (Job 19:23-27). Thus, Job is an example of faithfulness and patience in suffering and holding to the hope of the resurrection and eternal life in the new heavens and new earth.

As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and that at the end of time he will stand over the dust. Then, even after my skin has been destroyed, nevertheless, in my own flesh I will see God.
Job 19:25-26

May 11: Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs

Cyril (826 – 869) and Methodius (815 – 885) were two brothers who together through their mission work among the Slavic peoples brought the light of Christ to them. Cyril and Methodius were from Thessolonica and later moved to Constantinople for theological and philosophical study. Around 860, Cyril was first sent as a missionary to the Khazars. By 862, both Cyril and Methodius were sent as missionaries to the Slavic kingdom of Great Moravia. While there, they worked tirelessly to bring the faith to the Slavic peoples. Rather than working in Latin (the language of the West) or Greek (the language of the East and their native language), the two brothers evangelized in the local language. They even invented an alphabet in order to help in the spreading of the faith so that the Scriptures could be translated and passed on in Slavonic. In addition, they used the local language in the liturgy that they developed for the Churches. Combined with the translation of the Scripture this meant that the people would be able to worship and hear the Scripture in their own language. Cyril and Methodius are remembered for their missionary work and are an example for us today in bringing the Gospel to the people in their own language. We give thanks to God for the work among the Slavic peoples that He did through them.

Sing to the Lord a new song. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord. Praise his name. Proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day. Tell about his glory among the nations, about his marvelous deeds among all peoples
Psalm 96:1-3

May 21: Constantine, Christian Ruler and Helena, the Mother of Constantine

Mosaic of Constantine and Helena from St. Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Constantine (February 27, 272 – May 22, 337) was the first Christian Roman Emperor, and the one responsible for the legalization of Christianity so that it could no longer be persecuted by the government. While Constantine was raised as a pagan in the Roman imperial religion before the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 28, 312 the Lord showed him a vision of a staurogram (⳨) and said, “In this sign, conquer.” Constantine ordered that this be painted on all the army’s shields and when they won the battle, he credited it to the intervention of the God of the Christians. By 313, when the Edict of Milan legalized Christianity, Constantine himself was a Christian. It was under him that the First Council of Nicea was called in order to deal with the Arian heresy.

Helena (c. 246/248 – c. 330) was the mother of Constantine and an important figure for her work in Jerusalem and Palestine. Eusebius of Caesaria, the Christian historian from the time of Constantine, said that Helena converted to the true faith shortly after her son. On a pilgrimage to Jerusalem Helena searched for where the local Christians held that many of the events of Christ’s life took place. At her direction both the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (at the site of Jesus’ death and burial) and the Church of the Nativity (at the place of His birth) were built. According to tradition, she is said to have also discovered the true cross while they were building the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but this cannot be certain. Together, her and her son are examples of Christian rulers who work to promote peace so that the Gospel of Christ may have free course throughout the realm.

[Wisdom says,] By me kings reign, and rulers administer justice. By me officials govern, as well as nobles and all just judges. I certainly love those who love me, and those who eagerly look for me find me.
Proverbs 8:15-17

May 24: Esther

Esther (500s – mid 400s BC), was a Jewish exile and eventually queen wife of Xerxes I of Persia (Ahasuerus in Hebrew). While in exile, the Lord raised up Esther and used her influence in order to save His people from the plot of Haman after it was discovered by her adoptive father, Mordechai (Esther 2:19-7:10). In order for this to happen, she needed to approach and speak to the king, something which was forbidden and punishable by death if the king did not accept her (Esther 4:11). By God’s grace, Xerxes heard her, and she was able to tell him of the plot of Haman to kill the Jewish people, including her. At this, Xerxes ordered Haman and all the enemies of the Jewish people in Sus, the capital city, to be killed. In great irony Haman was hung on the very gallows he built to hang Mordechai and the other Jews. The Jewish Feast of Purim is held in honour of Esther and God’s deliverance through her. For us Christians she is an example of courage in the face of danger and speaking up for what is right.

If at this time you keep totally silent, relief and deliverance for the Jews will spring up from somewhere, but you and the house of your father will perish. Who knows whether you have become queen for a time like this!
Esther 4:14

May 25: Bede the Venerable, Theologian

Bede (c. 672 – May 26, 735) was an English monk in Northumbria and is known for his historical writings regarding the Church in England as well as his theology. Today Bede is most known for his work, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, a book that documents the history of the Gospel in England, and a good source of history for the time period. He is also known for helping to popularize the method of dating we use today, Anno Domini, which uses the time of Christ’s birth as the dividing line. However, in his own day and after Bede was known as a theologian. He wrote commentaries on multiple books of the Bible and was also known for his preaching in the monastery where he lived. Today his sermons and commentaries are still valuable resources exegeting the Scriptures and pointing to the centrality of Christ. At the end of his life Bede translated the Gospel of John into Old English demonstrating the importance to him of having the Gospel in the language of the people.

[Jesus] said to them, “Therefore every expert in the law who has been trained as a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his treasure both new things and old things.”
Matthew 13:52

May 31: The Visitation (Three Year Lectionary)

The Visitation of St. Mary to St. Elizabeth, is a feast which celebrates and commemorates the visit of the Virgin Mary, the Mother of our Lord, to her relative Elizabeth following the annunciation. This event is found in the Scriptures in Luke 1:39-56. In this event in the life of our Saviour we have many memorable scenes which declare what our Lord came to do. It is here where Elizabeth calls Mary, “The mother of my Lord,” confessing the divinity of the Son that Mary carried within her womb. Here too, the Holy Spirit causes St. John the Baptist, still in the womb of his mother Elizabeth, jumped with joy at hearing the sound of Mary’s voice. Thus, even in the womb, John the Baptist pointed to Christ. Finally, it is during the visitation where the Magnificat, the song of Mary, is recorded. The Magnificat is a wonderful hymn of praise which speaks to all that the Lord God will do through Mary’s Son, the Son of God, and as such has been remembered by the Church in having it as the canticle sung at Vespers. If a congregation is following the One Year Lectionary, this feast is celebrated in July.

Just as Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She called out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me?”
Luke 1:41-43

February Thoughts… Spiritual Ancestors

February 5, 2021MeditationsCommemorations, Feasts, Meditations, New Testament, Old Testament, Our Saviour Lutheran Church, SaintsJoshua Kurtenbach

When we look back at those who have gone before us, we are not only looking at heroes of the faith, but we are looking back at our spiritual ancestors. For we are all members of the Body of Christ. And while we are separated, we are still family, brothers and sisters in Christ. I find this can be helpful when looking back and learning about them. It is like looking back on a family tree or learning of an ancestor. It is also important to keep in mind that all these saints we remember, our brothers and sisters, share the same faith as us in our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He was the one who worked through them and gave them their gifts, just as He gives to us the gifts and graces we use daily in His service. With that said, let us continue to look at our spiritual ancestors.

All Scripture quotations are from the Evangelical Heritage Version (find more information here). All Old Testament dates are based on The Lutheran Study Bible from CPH.

February 2: Purification of Mary and Presentation of our Lord

Just as January begins with a feast that looks at Jesus’ life, so too does February. And just as that feast was tied to Christmas, so is this. For the Feast of the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord takes place forty days after our Lord’s birth in accordance with the Law (Leviticus 12). The account of this event is found in Luke 2:22-38 where it describes how they were going to the Temple both for Mary’s purification and to present Jesus to the Lord for the redemption of the first-born. This shows us yet again Mary and Joseph taking care to ensure that both they and Mary’s Son were walking in accordance with the Law. However, here we also meet Simeon and Anna. Simeon, waiting for the redemption of Israel, takes the child in his arms and sings what we now call the Nunc Dimittis which we often sing as our Post-Communion Canticle. In addition, Simeon gives a prophecy related to Jesus, pointing forward to His redeeming work on the cross (Luke 2:33-35). Anna likewise praises the Lord and spreads the word to all who will listen about Jesus (Luke 2:36-38). There is much here to thank the Lord for and to follow as His people including the example of raising a child in the faith as well as speaking to the hope we have in Him.

Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Listen carefully, this child is appointed for the falling and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
Luke 2:34-35

February 5: Jacob (Israel), Patriarch

A Greek icon of Jacob. The scroll says, “A star shall rise from Jacob, and a man shall rise up from Israel.” This is from the Greek translation of Numbers 24:17, a prophecy of Christ.

Jacob (c. 2006 – c. 1859 BC), is the last of the patriarchs in the line of Abraham. He is the younger of the two sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob’s life itself was full of conflict. After getting the birthright from his father Isaac by pretending to be Esau, he ran away to Haran to Rebekah’s family in order to avoid his brother’s anger and threats of death (Genesis 27). There, he had conflict with his father-in-law as he was deceived on his wedding night, as a result his wives also produced conflict as they competed for children (Genesis 29). Even his children brought conflict to his life as they were jealous of Joseph, his favourite son (Genesis 37:12-36). However, despite all of this, the Lord was with Jacob and promised that the promise He gave to Abraham had come to him (Genesis 28:10-22). Eventually, the Lord would also reconcile Jacob and his brother Esau. On the night before they met, the Lord appeared to Jacob as a man and wrestled with him until daybreak. At this time, Jacob asked for a blessing and received it along with a new name: Israel, because he had striven with God and man and had prevailed (Genesis 32:22-32). It was Jacob’s children who would become the tribes of Israel and their descendants would inherit the Promised Land. The Lord greatly blessed Jacob in his life, but the greatest blessing of all which He had given him was that through his line, the Messiah of the world would come, the one who stands between heaven and earth as truly God and truly man, reconciling us to God (Genesis 27:10-17; John 1:51). As we share Jacob’s faith, we are counted as true spiritual sons and daughters of Israel as we wait for the return of the Messiah, Jesus Christ our Lord.

I see him, but not now. I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob. A scepter will rise up out of Israel.
Numbers 24:17a

February 10: Silas, Fellow Worker of St. Paul

Silas (1st century AD – c. 65 – 100), who is also called Sylvanus, was a companion of St. Paul and missionary with him. He is first mentioned in Acts 15:22, where he is chosen as one of the men to accompany Paul and Barnabas to go to Antioch to bring them the news and decree from the Jerusalem Council that there was no requirement for Gentile converts to be circumcised, thus making them accountable to the whole Old Covenant. Silas is spoken of at this time as one of the leading men among the brothers in Jerusalem, speaking to his character and strong faith in Christ. After these events, Silas would accompany Paul on his second missionary journey after he and Barnabas disagreed about taking Mark with them. As a fellow missionary with Paul, Silas was present with him at various times including being jailed (and freed by an angel) in Philippi (Acts 16:25-37), preaching in Thessalonica, Barea, and Corinth (Acts 17:1, 10; 18:5). Because of his presence in these places, Silas is also named along with Paul and Timothy as sending the two epistles to the Thessalonians and is mentioned in 2 Corinthians. Because Silas is not spoken of again in Acts after being present in Corinth, it has traditionally been thought that he remained there as a teacher and preacher within the Church, similarly to Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete. Like Titus, Silas is thought to have been granted a peaceful death by the Lord, an uncommon thing for the early disciples and missionaries, and something for which we may give thanks to God.

I have written to you briefly (through Silas, whom I consider a faithful brother), to encourage you and to testify that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
1 Peter 5:12

February 13: Aquila, Priscilla, and Apollos

Aquila and Priscilla explaining to Apollos the way of God more accurately.

Today, the Church commemorates the husband and wife missionaries Aquila and Priscilla along with the missionary Apollos (all born and died within the 1st century AD). Apollos was a Jewish Christian and companion of Paul from Alexandria in Egypt who was an important figure whom God used in the planting of the Church in Ephesus and Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:6). In Acts 18:24-25, he is described as “an eloquent man and well versed in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. He spoke with burning zeal and taught the facts about Jesus accurately,” however, he only knew the baptism of John and not Trinitarian baptism. This is where Aquila and Priscilla become acquainted with Apollos. They were also Jewish Christians, but they were from Rome and currently in exile because Emperor Claudius expelled all the Jews from Rome between AD 49 and 54. While in exile in Corinth they met Paul and after spending time with him, they accompanied him to Ephesus (Acts 18:1-4). While in Ephesus they heard Apollos’ teaching. In Christian love, this lay missionary couple takes Apollos aside and explains more accurately to him the true doctrine (Acts 18:26). In goldy humility, this learned man accepts their correction. Because of this example of godly humility, gentle correction, and Christian love for one another, these great missionaries and companions of Paul are commemorated and remembered together.

Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are also doing. Brothers, we ask you to take note of those who work hard among you, who exercise leadership over you in the Lord, and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love, on account of their work. Live at peace with each other. We also encourage you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle. Encourage those who are discouraged, help those who are weak, and be patient with everyone. See to it that no one repays evil with evil, but instead, always strive to do good to each other and to everyone else.
1 Thessalonians 5:11-15

February 14: Valentine, Martyr

Valentine (c. 226 – c. 269), was a Christian pastor who was martyred in Rome under the persecution of Emperor Claudius II. Despite his name being well known from quite early on, there is relatively little known about this saint. Pope Gelasius I (r. 492 – 496) famously said regarding Valentine and other early Christian martyrs we only know by name that their names are rightly honoured by men, but their acts are only known by God. It is generally accepted that during Claudius’ persecution that Valentine ministered to and encouraged those Christians in and around Rome and that eventually he himself was martyred by beheading (an execution reserved for Roman citizens). There is something to be said for not knowing much of Valentine’s life and acts, for there are many saints that are not well known beyond their own families, there are many whose names are not even known by men, but whose names are known only to God. Valentine then becomes an example for all Christians of humble service which doesn’t seek to glorify self, but only to serve our neighbour in love because of the love which God first had for us and demonstrated by sending His Son to die for us to redeem and save us.

Be careful that you do not do your righteous works in front of people, so that they will notice. If you do, you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
Matthew 6:1, 19-20

February 15: Philemon and Onesimus

An illuminated initial from a Medieval manuscript from the first letter of the book of Philemon showing Onesimus delivering the letter to Philemon.

Philemon and Onesimus (both 1st century AD – c. 68), were members of the Church in Colossae. Philemon was a presumably wealthy man who owned both a house big enough for the Colossian Church to meet in as well as slaves, including Onesimus. At one point, Onesimus ran away and wound up in Rome where Paul was imprisoned. There they met and under the teaching of Paul Onesimus became a Christian. This is the circumstance surrounding Paul’s epistle to Philemon, asking that he would forgive Onesimus who is now his own brother in Christ and even carrying this letter to Philemon. He also encourages him to free Onesimus so that as a fellow Christian he would be able to help in either Philemon’s or Paul’s ministry. Paul does not compel Philemon because he wants this good work to be done willingly and voluntarily rather than forced. Philemon and Onesimus then stand out for us as an example of brotherly love, reconciliation, and forgiveness within the congregation.

I wanted to keep him with me, so that he might serve me in your place while I am in chains for the gospel. But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that your kindness would not be the result of compulsion, but of willingness. Perhaps this is why he was separated from you for a while: so that you would have him back forever, no longer as a slave, but as more than a slave, as a dear brother.
Philemon 13-16a

February 16: Philip Melanchthon (birth), Confessor

Phlip Melanchthon (February 16, 1497 – April 19, 1560), was a lay theologian and reformer during the 16th century Reformation. Melanchthon was a fellow professor at Wittenberg University and close friend of Martin Luther. Melanchthon was graced by the Lord with a gift for languages and a systematic thinking. He wrote his first academic work, a Greek Grammar, at the age of 21 and also wrote a Latin Grammar, was fluent in Biblical Hebrew (rare in those days), and wrote a rhetoric text that is still used today in places. However, the Lord used him the most in the theological controversies of the Reformation. Melanchthon is the author of both the Augsburg Confession and its Apology (that is, Defense) which are the primary confessions of the Book of Concord. His ability to think systematically allowed him to organize clearly the teachings of the Evangelical Church to present them before the Holy Roman Emperor at Augsburg. His knowledge of Greek and Latin, the Church Fathers, and Canon Law allowed him to present and defend the Lutheran position as being not only in accordance with the Scriptural truth, but also that which has always been taught and seen as true within the Church in opposition to Rome’s claims. While his reputation suffered as a result of his willingness to change the wording in one article of the Augsburg Confession later to allow John Calvin to agree to it, Melanchthon himself never gave up his own Biblical position. One of his theological texts, known as Theological Commonplaces, formed the basis and set the pattern for later theologians such as Martin Chemnitz and Johann Gerhard, both theologians who taught boldly the Scriptural truth.

Then I will speak of your testimonies before kings, and I will not be put to shame.
Psalm 119:46

February 18: Martin Luther, Doctor and Confessor

Portraits of Luther and Melanchthon by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1541.

Martin Luther (November 10, 1483 – February 18, 1546), was a reformer and doctor of the Church during the 16th century Reformation. Through Luther’s writings about the doctrine of indulgences and dispute with Johann Tetzel, the Lord brought about the reformation of His Church, bringing more into focus the truth of salvation by grace through faith and the proper place and use of the sacraments. Originally training to be a lawyer, after a frightening trip through a storm Luther vowed to leave his studies and become a monk. In the monastery Luther was known for the seriousness with which he took his vows and Augustinian rule and rose quickly among the ranks of the Augustinian Order. Eventually, on the advice of his father-confessor Johann von Staupitz, he was sent to Wittenberg to teach theology at the newly founded university. In the midst of his teaching, studying, and controversy with Tetzel, Luther was convinced of the Scriptural truth of justification by grace through faith. This Scriptural truth would eventually become the centre of Reformation. This was important because this teaching had become intertwined and obscured by much dross and other false teachings. Luther taught clearly and fiercely held to this Biblical truth, even as he was threatened with death and he saw the martyrdom of his fellow Augustinians who agreed with this Scriptural teaching. Because of this, he is called a doctor, or teacher, of the Church.

For we conclude that a person is justified by faith without the works of the law.
Romans 3:28

February 23: Polycarp, Pastor and Martyr

Polycarp of Smyrna (65 – 155) was the bishop of the church in Smyrna and a martyr for the faith in Christ Jesus. Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John and based on his speech recorded in the account of his martyrdom seems to have been a Christian from a very young age as he is said to have served Christ for 80 years. Only one of Polycarp’s works survives, a letter written to the Christians in Philippi. This letter is one which clearly teaches salvation in Christ by grace through faith and encourages the Christians in Philippi to lives of holiness while referring to the words of our Lord and those of Paul to them and the other churches. After his martyrdom, an account was circulated that documented his last days and presented his faithful confession of Christ before the governor and before the whole of the arena who had gathered to see him killed. This document served as a way to encourage fellow believers at a time of persecution, encouraging them to continue in the faith and to pray for those who persecuted them. From some of the earliest days, Polycarp has been an example of faithfulness in the midst of persecution, this gift is one which can only be given by God, and something which we thank Him for and likewise pray that He would grant this same gift to those facing persecution.

But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, offer the other too. If someone takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes away your things, do not demand them back.
Luke 6:27-30

February 24: St. Matthias, Apostle

St. Matthias (1st century AD – c. 80) was an apostle of the Lord, chosen after His ascension into heaven. After the death of the betrayer Judas Iscariot there was an empty office of apostle among the Twelve. After a time of prayer following the Lord’s ascension, Peter preached that the Holy Spirit had spoken through the Scriptures concerning Judas’ death and his replacement (Acts 1:13-20). And so began the search for his replacement. The one who would replace him would need to be one who had followed the Lord from the beginning and had been a witness of His resurrection. Two were put forward by the community of believers, Matthias and Joseph Barsabbas (also called Justus). After prayer, the Lord revealed through a lot that Matthias was to be chosen (Acts 1:21-26). After this event Matthias is not mentioned again in Acts. Some see this as a sign that it was wrong to replace Judas, and rather they should have waited until Jesus chose someone Himself, that is, Paul. However, the text of Acts is clear that Matthias was chosen by the Lord. In addition, many other of the Apostles are not mentioned in the rest of Acts. Rather than showing this as a “mistake” it instead shows his humble work as a preacher, teacher, and evangelist. Matthias worked quietly, without recognition, like most within the Body of Christ. Thus, he serves as an example of humbly serving in our own vocations without desire for reward or recognition on our part. There are multiple traditions surrounding his death, some say that he died peacefully, while others that he was martyred in the region of Colchis.

Therefore, beyond this, brothers, just as you received instruction from us about how you are to walk so as to please God (as indeed you are doing), we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that you do so even more.
1 Thessalonians 4:1