Luther’s Works: The American Edition, published by Concordia and Fortress Press between 1955 and 1986, comprises fifty-five volumes. These are a selection representing only about a third of Luther’s works in the Latin and German of the standard Weimar Edition, not including the German Bible.
The fifty-three sermons contained in this volume show that Luther was one of the most eloquent preachers since the days of Christ. The Reformer warns his hearers against perversions of Scripture. He speaks boldly and bluntly against sins rampant in his day and sins that will afflict mankind until the end of time. He wields the sword of the Spirit without fear and with telling effectiveness. His mastery of language is evident on every page. These sermons are models in every respect. When reading them in the translation my Martin H. Bertram, one can share the admiration and the edification that must have been felt by the men, women, and children who sat in the pews of the church in Wittenberg and listened intently while the mighty Luther addressed them.