Luther's Works, Volume 19 (Lectures on the Minor Prophets II)

Among the minor prophets, Jonah and Habakkuk were obviously of special significance for Martin Luther. The special treatment accorded these two is matched only in the case of one other of the minor prophets— Zechariah (Vol.20). In addition to the usual Latin lectures, Luther added popular versions in the manner of a German commentary, carefully written out expressly for printed publication. It is clear why Luther gave these prophets the chance to speak to a wider audience: Jonah and Habakkuk have a message for all of humankind. Of Jonah, Luther says, "[Jonah] teaches us not to despair of the fruit of the Gospel, no matter how badly it appears to be devoid of fruit and prophet. … I am tempted to say that no apostle or prophet, not even Christ Himself, performed and accomplished with a single sermon the great things Jonah did." As for Habakkuk-- unfortunately confined to the dark since the time of the apostles—Luther reveals that he actually holds a central place in Paul's theology with the passage: "The righteous shall live by his faith." Luther here uncovers the jewels embedded in the traditions of these prophets, now contained in this volume for all to witness.