We should consider the histories of Christ three manner of ways; first, as a history of acts or legends; secondly, as a gift or a present; thirdly, as an example, which we should believe and follow.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 189

I have oftentimes noted, when women receive the doctrine of the gospel, they are far more fervent in faith, they hold to it more stiff and fast, than men do; as we see in the loving Magdalen, who was more hearty and bold than Peter.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 473

In the legend on the virgin Tecla, who, as they say, was baptized by St. Paul, ’tis said ‘she awakened in him carnal desire’. Ah! loving Paul; thou hadst another manner of thorn in they flesh than carnal. The friars, who live at their ease, and jollity, dream, according to their licentious cogitation, that St. Paul was plagued with the same tribulations as themselves.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 425

The Decalogue – that is, the ten commandments of God, are a looking glass and brief sum of all virtues and doctrines, both how we ought to behave towards God and also towards our neighbor; that is, towards all mankind.

There never was at any time written a more excellent, complete, or compendious book of virtues.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 268

A lawyer is wise according to human wisdom, a divine according to God’s wisdom.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 437

We tell our Lord God plainly, that if he will have his church, he must maintain and defend it; for we can neither uphold nor protect it, if we could, indeed, we should become the proudest asses under heaven. But God says: I say it, I do it: it is God only that speaks and does what he pleases; he does nothing according to the fancies of the ungodly, or which they hold for upright and good.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 259

Upright Christians pray without ceasing; though they pray not always with their mouths, yet their hearts pray continually, sleeping and waking; for the sigh of a true Christian is a prayer. As the Psalm saith:  ’Because of the deep sighing of the poor, I will up, saith the Lord,’ etc. In like manner a true Christian always carries the cross, though he feel it not always.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 246

God styles himself, in all the Holy Scriptures, a God of life, of peace, of comfort, and joy, for the sake of Christ. I hate myself, that I cannot believe it so constantly and surely as I should; but no human creature can rightly know how mercifully God is inclined toward those that steadfastly believe in Christ.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 136

Not all can bear tribulations alike; some are better able to bear a blow of the devil; as we three, Philip Melancthon, John Calvin, and myself.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 364

Our Lord God deals with countries and cities, as I do with an old hedge-stake, when it displeases me; I pluck it up and burn it, and stick another in its stead.

Table Talk: Luther’s Comments on Life, the Church and the Bible, p. 465