Philip Comes to Wittenberg

About this book

Philip Schwarzerd was a remarkable boy. He entered the University of Heidelberg at twelve, earned his first degree at fourteen, and became a master of arts while still a teenager. He loved languages, ancient books, and-above all-the Holy Scriptures.When Philip was called to teach Greek at the young University of Wittenberg, he was only twenty-one. Some wondered whether this short, quiet young man could truly be the brilliant scholar they had been promised. Martin Luther soon knew the answer.Luther and Philip-now known as Philip Melanchthon-became friends and fellow workers. Together they studied Saint Paul and spoke with increasing clarity about the heart of the Gospel: sinners are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the Law. In 1521, at only twenty-four, Philip published the Commonplaces, a book that helped pastors teach people about Jesus.With richly painted historical illustrations, Philip Comes to Wittenberg introduces young readers to Melanchthon's extraordinary childhood, his friendship with Luther, and his service as a teacher of the Gospel. A concluding catechetical page helps families discuss justification, imputation, and Christ's righteousness for sinners.