As yet, most excellent Spalatin, you have only asked me things that were in my power. But to direct you in the study of Holy Scriptures is beyond my ability. If, however, you absolutely wish to know my method, I will not conceal it from you.

It is very certain that we cannot attain to the understanding of Scripture either by study or by intellect. Your first duty is to begin by prayer. Entreat the Lord to grant you, of His great mercy, the true understanding of His Word. There is no other interpreter of the Word of God than the author of this Word, as He Himself has said: “They shall be taught by God.” Hope for nothing from your own labors, from your own understanding: trust solely in God and in the influence of His Spirit. Believe this on the word of a man who has experience.

Martin Luther, quoted in The Triumph of Truth by Jean Henri Merle D’Aubigne , p. 96