Whittall brings a perceptive analytical review of the current scholarly debate and a careful contextual assessment of Luther’s own utterances on the complex of ideas involved in the calling of the baptized as priests who bring the gospel to others. Whittall’s careful chronological tracing of the development of Luther’s views of this calling of the baptized and the church’s public ministry in several literary genres not only illuminates the historical witness of the reformer but also provides resources for encouraging all Christians to take seriously both the role of the shepherds of Christ’s people and believers’ responsibility to witness to Christ in daily life.

Robert Kolb, professor emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis

Roger Whittall’s fresh approach to Martin Luther and the common priesthood reorients us away from old debates and assumptions and directs us towards its import for Luther’s ecclesiology. With generous analysis, Whittall leads us into Luther’s long engagement with the common priesthood throughout his career in sermons, biblical commentaries, and treatises. This is a significant contribution that will spur further historical research but at the same time poses important questions for those who engage Luther’s legacy theologically.

Jonathan Strom, Emory University