The Certainty of Our Calling
By Martin Luther

      Every minister should make much of his calling and impress upon others the fact that he has been delegated by God to preach the Gospel. As the ambassador of a government is honored for his office and not for his private person, so the minister of Christ should exalt his office in order to gain authority among men. This is not vain glory, but needful glorying.

      Paul takes pride in his ministry, not to his own praise but to the praise of God. Writing to the Romans, he declares, 'Inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office,' i.e., I want to be received not as Paul of Tarsus, but as Paul the apostle and ambassador of Jesus Christ, in order that people might be more eager to hear. Paul exalts his ministry out of the desire to make known the name, the grace, and the mercy of God.