Johannes Brenz’s Summary of the Gospel for Sexagesima

Here is another brief translation of Johannes Brenz’s sermon outline for the Gospel of Sexagesima (Luke 8:4–18) as found in his Postilla (pg. LXIIII).

Summary of this Gospel

In this Gospel, we learn:

1. First, that the doctrine of the Gospel is not the cause of all misfortune and evil, but rather Satan and our sin.
2. Second, what Christ’s doctrine is, namely, concerning the Kingdom of God.
3. Third, that our unbelief and malice are a cause that we cannot understand the Gospel.
4. Fourth, the hearers of the Gospel are dealt with, namely, that there are four kinds.
   • The first are those who according to the Gospel remain knaves (Buben) as before; and here is taught how these ought to conduct themselves so that they do not perish.
   • The second are those who receive the Gospel with joy, but as soon an evil wind comes, they have no faith; how these may be preserved is also taught alongside.
   • The third are those who because of anxiety, sustenance, or the riches of this world cannot grasp the Gospel; how these should act so that they may come to eternal life is also indicated.
   • The fourth are those who hear the Gospel and keep it, who will be saved.
5. Fifth, it is also taught how there is no estate higher before God and of more worth than another.
6. Last, that the Gospel, where it is preached, does not depart without fruit.