Martin Luther was born in Germany, November 10, 1483. Martin's father, a farmer's son, moved his family to Eislenben in 1484, in an effort to improve their financial situation. Martin's father began mining copper and soon realized such success, that by 1491 the Luther's were one of the most respected families in Mansfeld.

In 1497, Luther went to Magdeburg and later to Eisenach where he lived with relatives. Martin was educated in the town's parish school in Eisenach. In 1501 Martin attended university in Erfurt in pursuit of his father dream that he would become a lawyer. Martin however decided on a different path, and in 1505 entered the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, taking is monk's vows in 1506.

Martin Luther was ordained as a priest in Erfurt in 1507 and began his Theological studies at the University of Erfurt. Luther received his doctorate in Theology in 1512 and took a position as Professor at the Wittenberg University. Much of Luther's time was spent giving lectures over the Psalms, letters to the Romans, Galatians and the Hebrews.

It was during this time that Luther struggled with his religious understanding. It is said that during Luther's studies of the letters to the Romans, he realized that people receive justice through the grace of God, not through good works: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." (Romans 1:17)