Beyond having a really fun name to say, Johannes von Staupitz (say it with some Germanic force - VON STAUPITZ) he was Luther’s Father Confessor at the newly founded University of Wittenberg. Von Staupitz lived from 1470-1524. He was the Dean of Theology until he named a young Doctor of Theology, Martin Luther, his successor in 1512.
Luther wore out his Father Confessor with his constant confessions. Luther did not yet understand that it was not his own righteousness that delivered but the Lord’s righteousness that delivered and rescued him from sin.
Luther later wrote of Staupitz’s advice, “Look at the wound of Christ and at the blood He shed for you; from these your election will shine forth… He tells you: you are my sheep because you hear My voice; and no one shall pluck you out of my hand.”
Luther was noted as a great preacher throughout his life; however, he first feared the task of preaching. Related encouraged another preacher who also feared the pulpit with the words of Staupitz. He had advanced 15 arguments in favor of declining the call to preach. When those failed, Luther told Dr. Staupitz that he wouldn’t live for three months. Staupitz replied, “In God’s name! Our Lord God has many things to do; He is in need of wise people in heaven too.”
In 1518, when Luther was called to defend his writings, Dr. Staupitz freed him from his oath of obedience which enabled Luther to speak his find freely and challenge his questioners to show him on the basis of scripture where he was wrong
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