Philip Comes to Wittenberg: Philip Melanchthon and the Lutheran Reformation

In 1518, a slight, twenty-one-year-old scholar came to Wittenberg to teach Greek. Some doubted him – until Philip Melanchthon began to speak.

Gifted in languages and teaching, Philip helped Martin Luther study Scripture more carefully and speak more precisely about the Gospel. His 1519 theses gave the Lutheran Reformation its first clear statement of forensic justification: God declares sinners righteous for Christ’s sake, through faith, apart from works.

Richly illustrated in a classical historical style, Philip Comes to Wittenberg follows the young scholar from his remarkable childhood and university years to his friendship with Luther and the publication of his 1521 Commonplaces – a book that helped pastors teach people about Jesus.

Book 3 in Augustana500: Stories of the Lutheran Reformation. 32 full-color pages. Historical story. Catechetical guide for families. Ages 7-11. English. Paperback, 5.5 x 8.5 inches. ISBN 9798177713793. Published September 29, 2026.