Really, Martin?

"This is a short epistle, but a model of Christian doctrine, in which is comprehended in a masterful way all that is necessary for a Christian to know and to live."

(Martin Luther on the book of Titus)

Helpful Historical Context

“During Jesus’ time, Judaism was divided into many competing sects. Some, including many of the Pharisees , had become tradition bound and focused on on outward conformity to the Jewish laws, without the right heart attitude. Others, the Essenes, sought refuge in ascetic desert communities. Still others, the Sadducees, had emptied Judaism of the supernatural to the extent that it wasn’t much different from Greek philosophy. And still others, the Zealots, hoped for a national deliverer, a warrior-king like David or Judas Maccabeus, who would drive out the hated Romans and restore the nation of Israel to its ancient glory. When we realize this, it’s easy to seem why so many were disappointed by the humble man from Galilee.”

from “So What’s the Difference?”, by Fritz Ridenour, pg 70