Synopsis
A treatise distinguishing the realm of worldly government from the realm of the gospel and defining the limits of each.
Core passage idea
Paraphrase · Public domainTemporal rulers are ordained by God to restrain evil with the sword, but their authority cannot reach the conscience or command true faith.
It marks a boundary the state may not cross, protecting inner faith from coercion while affirming civil obedience.
To avoid a bubble
Pair with John Locke, A Letter Concerning Toleration.
Reading note
Read it within Reformation debates over church and state, noting both its obedience and its limits on rulers.
Best paired with
John Locke, A Letter Concerning Toleration