History

A Sick Man’s Healthy Accomplishments

A look at five representative years of Luther’s life

Health

Activity

1527

Sickly for eight months; dizzy spell during sermon in April. Threatening attacks of Anfechtungen (spiritual darkness, doubt, depression) in July, repeated in September and December. Plague epidemic in Wittenburg.

Preaches 60 sermons; lectures; writes 100 letters and 15 tracts; works on Old Testament; takes brief trips. Daughter Elizabeth born.

1528

Rather healthy

Preaches 190 sermons; lectures; writes 150 old letters and 20 tracts; works on Old Testament; travels to Torgau and Altenburg. Elizabeth dies.

1529

Sick for two months with colds

Preaches 120 sermons; lectures; writes 120 letters, 20 tracts, catechisms, and hymns; travels to Marburg for colloquy with Zwingli. Daughter Magdalena born.

1530

Sick for ten months with stomach disorders, colds, sore on thigh, ringing in ears. Dizzy spell in pulpit in December

Preaches 60 sermons; lectures; writes 170 letters and 30 tracts; works on Old Testament from April to October during Diet of Ausburg

1531

Sick for six months (suffers from exhaustion in March/April; sickly and weak later).

Preaches 180 sermons; lectures; writes 100 letters and 15 tracts; works on Old Testament; takes brief trips. Mother dies.

Copyright © 1993 by the author or Christianity Today/Christian History magazine.Click here for reprint information on Christian History.

Our Latest

Justices Debate Christian Therapist’s Challenge to ‘Conversion Therapy’ Ban

Colorado evangelical Kaley Chiles calls the law a violation of her free speech.

Wire Story

Tony Evans Will No Longer Pastor Dallas Megachurch After Restoration

Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship announced that its pastor of 48 years won’t return to leadership. The church expects son Jonathan Evans to succeed him.

You Don’t Have to Be Radical

Most Christians aren’t monks, missionaries, or martyrs. We’re unimpressive and unsatisfactory—yet saved by God’s scandalous grace.

From a Village of Bandits to a Village of the Gospel

Stuartpuram in India’s Andhra Pradesh was once known for its armed robbers. Then the gospel changed them.

Four Truths About God for Children Who Can’t Sleep

And for the grownups—that’s all of us—who never outgrow their need for his presence around the clock.

Preservation Grants Help Black Churches Hold On to Their History

Over a hundred congregations have received up to a half-million dollars to repair deteriorating buildings and restore their place in their communities.

News

Two Years After October 7, Christians See Fruit amid the Suffering

Churches in Israel and Egypt provide food, aid, and a listening ear to those scarred by war.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube