Luther on Galatians 1: Resurrection & Justification

"In this whole epistle Paul treats of the resurrection of Christ. By His resurrection Christ won the victory over law, sin, flesh, world, devil, death, hell, and every evil. And this His victory He donated unto us. These many tyrants and enemies of ours may accuse and frighten us, but they dare not condemn us, for Christ, whom God the Father has raised from the dead is our righteousness and our victory.

Do you notice how well suited to his purpose Paul writes? He does not say, 'By God who made heaven and earth, who is Lord of the angels,' but Paul has in mind the righteousness of Christ, and speaks to the point, saying, 'I am an apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead.'"

Luther's commentary on Galatians it seems should be read in his context, in mind of the particular battles he was facing. It should be read as one watching the particular swing of the sword upon a particular enemy's head. This isn't unfair, for Luther's commentary immediately begins by taking swipes against the Pope and the Roman Church. Justification by Faith Alone seems to be the key doctrine that Luther is using Galatians to defend. It makes its first appearance in the commentary just as quickly as the swipe against the Pope, even in the section discussing verse 1, where Paul begins defending his ministerial authority.

Luther is arguing for free justification in the face of Rome, and he can begin arguing it from the beginning of Galatians, because Luther's view of justification is rooted in Jesus' resurrection. The biblical view and meaning of justification as vindication, of God vindicating His Son as the victor over death in raising Him from the dead, is something Luther appeals to at the beginning of his commentary.