The 90th episode of Grace on Tap traces Frederick’s efforts to secure a fair hearing for Luther in the face of papal pressure, culminating in the dramatic events at Worms. Listeners for how Frederick’s chancellor, Bruck, tirelessly negotiated with imperial and papal representatives, how Glampion tried to limit Luther’s protection, and how Frederick worked behind the scenes to keep Luther on the agenda when others sought to silence him. His ability to balance loyalty to the empire with his growing support for reform made him one of the most pivotal figures of the early Reformation.



Finally, Mike and Evan follow the story beyond Worms, as Frederick arranged Luther’s “kidnapping” to Wartburg Castle, navigated disagreements with Luther over publications, and quietly began dismantling his relic business in response to the gospel. It’s a story of faith, strategy, and quiet courage. Don’t miss this deep dive into the life and leadership of Frederick the Wise, a prince whose prudence shaped the course of history.







Beer Break



Garage Beer



“Garage Beer” is a light lager co-owned and operated by NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce since mid-2024, who are using their celebrity status to grow the brand which was spun off from Braxton Brewing Co.. The beer is a crisp, 4% ABV light lager with two varieties, Classic and Lime, and has experienced significant growth, expanding to all 50 states. The Kelces are involved in the beer’s marketing and operations, highlighting the brand’s casual, community-driven image. 

Frederick the Wise shielded Martin Luther during the earliest and most uncertain years of the Reformation. Far more than a footnote in Luther’s story, Frederick emerges as a skilled statesman navigating the volatile mix of church corruption, shifting feudal structures, and the rising voices of peasants and humanists. This episode explores the events of 1520 to see how Frederick acts as a leader, balancing faith, politics, and survival in a rapidly changing Europe.







Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner trace how Frederick managed student riots in Wittenberg, negotiated with papal envoys, and framed Luther’s case so it couldn’t be dismissed as mere rebellion. By carefully demanding impartial judges and keeping trials close to German soil, Frederick gave Luther a chance to survive and speak the truth.



Beer Break



Warsteiner Oktoberfest Special Edition: Clean, malt-forward Oktoberfest featuring flavors of white bread, pretzel, and graham cracker, yet well attenuated and modestly bittered for a dry, refreshing finish.

1518-1519 was a critical turning point in the politics of the Reformation. Join Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner as they follow Frederick the Wise as he navigates the turbulent waters between Pope Leo, Emperor Maximilian, and the rising voice of Martin Luther. From the tense Reichstag in Augsburg back-channel negotiations that kept Luther out of Rome, Frederick’s political skill kept the Reformation able to stay focused on the theology of the Reformation.



The sudden death of Emperor Maximilian threw Europe into chaos, forcing the Elector of Saxony to mediate petty feuds, delicate alliances, and steer the direction of the imperial election. At one point, he came within one vote of becoming Emperor.



Frederick found himself under increasing pressure from both Rome and his own allies. Papal authority was being shook by the exposure of the fraudulent origins of the “Donation of Constantine.” This episode is great for those who love conversations about theology, diplomacy, human drama, and Reformation history.



The Portrait of Emperor Maximilian I is an oil painting by Albrecht Dürer, dating to 1519 and now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria. It portrays Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor.



Beer Break



Stout Constitution Cream Stout from Bottle Rocket Brewery in Seward, Nebraska.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue a discussion about Frederick the Wise’s ability to protect Martin Luther from the combined pressure of the pope and the emperor. This episode largely focuses on the events of 1518.



After Luther posted his 95 Theses, the Church wasted no time in seeking to silence him. Pope Leo X demanded that Luther be sent to Rome, where execution likely awaited him. But Frederick saw the danger, not only to Luther, but to the fragile balance of power in the Holy Roman Empire. What followed was a masterclass in political restraint and strategic genius.



We walk through the events of the 1518 Reichstag in Augsburg, where Frederick successfully blocked a sham “crusade” that would have aligned the emperor with the pope. He also managed to preserve his electoral influence by denying Emperor Maximilian’s request to pre-crown his grandson Charles, all while keeping Luther safe at home. You’ll hear how about the interrogation of Luther by Cardinal Cajetan unfolded. We will also discuss how a drunken brag changed the course of diplomacy.



Martin Luther in front of Thomas Cajetan, Ferdinand Pauwels (Public Domain)



Beer Break



Guinness 0 is similar to Guinness Drought but brewed to be non-alcoholic. It is unmistakably Guinness from the pour into the glass, to the rich dark malty color, and all the way to the hints of chocolate and coffee in the flavor.

Frederick the Wise: Reluctant Protector of the Reformation



In this episode, Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explores how Frederick the Wise’s relationship with Martin Luther evolved between 1516 and 1518. Though initially angered by Luther’s sermons against indulgences and relics, Frederick gradually reconsidered his stance—thanks in part to his advisor George Spalatin and Luther’s mentor Johannes Staupitz. As Luther’s public profile rose through preaching, teaching, and writing, Frederick began to take serious interest, despite the personal and political costs.



We highlight how Frederick quietly supported Luther even before the 95 Theses, consulting him through Spalatin and heeding his warnings about church corruption. After the Theses were posted, Frederick never tried to silence Luther—even though indulgences funded his prized relic collection. Instead, he shielded Luther from threats, balancing loyalty to the Church with growing sympathy for reform.



As pressure from Rome and the emperor increased, Frederick used legal and political savvy to protect Luther without defying the Church outright. He delayed action, sought local hearings, and leveraged widespread frustration with papal overreach. This episode shows Frederick not as a radical, but as a cautious and principled leader whose steady hand helped make the Reformation possible.







Beer Break



Shipyard Brewery from Portland Maine. The American Pale Ale was born out of a desire to develop a modern, American expression of Pale Ale. This beer is easy, full of flavor, and without attitude.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue the story of Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxon. From his birth in 1463 to his rise as a strategic ruler and devout leader, Frederick navigated political rivalries, financial struggles, and religious reform. Learn how he transformed Wittenberg into a center of learning and faith, laying the groundwork for a university, a grand residence, and a powerful religious presence. As tensions rise and Martin Luther enters the scene, Frederick’s influence will be tested like never before. Tune in to explore the life of the man who would become one of the Reformation’s most pivotal figures.



Beer Break



Komes Imperial Stout is a flavorful stout from Poland that uses Ukranians hops. This beer features smooth coffee and chocolate notes. This beer is fro Brewery Fortuna.

Evan Gaertner presented to the Lutheran Luncheon Club in Detroit on January 8, 2025. Mike was unavailable, which is probably why Evan messed up the name of the town that Martin Luther was born in and died in.



There was no beer break in this recording before a live audience.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley begin a new unit on Grace on Tap. This podcast will take some episodes to explore the people who were not theologians during the Reformation but still significantly contributed to it. This episode introduces Frederick the Wise. In 2015, Sam Wellmen wrote the ultimate English biography of this noble, Frederick the Wise: Seen and Unseen Lives of Martin Luther’s Protector.



Frederick III (January 17, 1463 – May 5, 1525). He became the Elector of Saxony after his father died in 1486. Frederick protected Martin Luther from retaliation from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V.



Albrecht Dürer painted a portrait of the younger Frederick the Wise, which is a contrast from the later images of him being an older and overweight noble.







Beer Break



We are thankful for Dave who provided our beer from Cadillac Straits Brewing Company. We are fans of their Oktoberfest Märzen.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a look at how Martin Luther guided spiritual care and concern for people through letters. This episode reviews a letter written by Luther in November 1527 to John Hess. The letter is about whether Christians are obligated to stay during a time of plague.







Beer Break



Soft Parade by Short’s Brewing Company This is a fruit ale with blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

In 1527, the plague arrived in Wittenberg and Breslau. Dr. Martin Luther wrote letters to give guidance to leaders during this time of pestilence. We previously discussed Luther’s letter to John Hess in Episode 55. This episode is more specifically looking at the character, context, and counsel of these letters. We start by looking at an August letter to George Spalatin. Please note that the sound quality is not as good as we would have liked, but we enjoyed the conversation with each other. We hope you enjoy this episode.







Beer Break



Athletic Brewing Co. Upside Dawn Golden. A Non-Alcoholic beer from one of America’s fastest-growing beer companies.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discuss Dr. Martin Luther’s letters that he wrote to provide consolation to those bereft by grief.



Through these letters, we find how Luther applied the Law and the Gospel to the caretaking of souls when the grief of sadness had become overwhelming.



The letters referenced in this podcast will be found in Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel, edited and translated by Theodore G. Tappert, D.D., Litt.D. which can be found in the Library of Christian Classics Volume XVIII.







Beer Break



Keweenaw Brewing Co – Widow Maker Black Ale. Thank you for the listeners who donated this beer for us to review.

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley review some letters of Martin Luther written to the sick and dying. Through these letters of pastoral care, we can witness what the caretaking of souls looked like in the 16th century. The sadnesses and griefs are not too far away from our own time. Thank you for a listener suggestion to consider this topic.







Beer Break



Great Turtle Brewing Company – No Cars Allowed Cream Ale.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner finish their discussion of the Gospel of the Third Sunday in Advent, Matthew 11:2-10.



This discussion is grounded in Dr. Martin Luther’s commentary on this text to equip preachers during the Reformation. This episode picks up on v. 7.



Luther’s Works, Volume 75



What do you look for in Jesus and how is this compared to what you need from Jesus?







Beer Break



All Day Chill Day IPA from Founders

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley continue their discussion of Martin Luther’s commentary on the gospel for the Third Sunday in Advent – Matthew 11:2-10 (One Year Historic Lectionary).



This commentary is found in Luther’s Works Volume 75, published by Concordia Publishing House.







Beer Break



Founder’s All Night IPA

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther’s sermon prep commentary on the Gospel reading for the Third Sunday in Advent.



Matthew 11:2-10.



Historically, biblical commentaries asked, “Did John know Jesus was Christ?” This question happens because John sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Christ or should we look for another?” Luther answered that this was not a good question. John knew Jesus, (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 2, and John 1). John asked for the sake of his disciples.



If you want to know what throne your leader is sitting on, seek the gospel. If your pastor is not preaching the gospel, you must flee and look for another.



Jesus preaches the good news. John’s disciples don’t need to look for another. Jesus is the Christ.







Beer Break



Eastern Market Brewing



Elephant Juice New England Style IPA

Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley finish their discussion of Martin Luther’s sermon commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5. The focus of their conversation is mostly on how Paul directs us not to judge one another by works but to encourage everyone to trust in the grace of Jesus Christ.



Beer Break



We feature in this episode Griffin Claw Brewing Company’s Marshmallow Drip. This is an Irish Stout made with your favorite Lucky Charm cereal. It is a tasty beer with well-layered flavors.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner continue a discussion of Dr. Martin Luther’s commentary on the epistle for the Third Sunday in Advent. 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 is the epistle reading for the One Year Lectionary.



Luther is especially focused on how good works can be encouraged and not lead to self-righteousness but drive people to continue in the promises of God.



Beer Break



Voodoo Ranger Fruit Force, a fruit punch imperial ipa. A good beer that is sneaky strong and brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company.

Martin Luther wrote a commentary intended for preachers called a Postil. He examined the Epistle and Gospel reading for each week in the one-year lectionary series. This episode of Grace on Tap features Evan Gaertner and Mike Yagley discussing Luther’s commentary on 1 Corinthians 4:1-5, the Epistle for the Third Sunday in Advent. They only get through the first verse, but Luther packs a lot of wisdom in that verse.







Beer Break



3 Floyds Brewing Company Zombie Dust Undead Pale Ale.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner discuss Martin Luther’s Gospel study for the Second Sunday in Advent. The Gospel lesson studied is Luke 21:25-33. How do we look ahead with hope and confidence to the Last Days? Luther invites us to look forward with grace to the last days.



Beer Break



Founders Solid Gold Premium Lager. Big-pack-beer from Founders.

Mike Yagley and Evan Gaertner explore Dr. Martin Luther’s Winter Postil – Second Sunday in Advent Gospel (Part 1)



“Grace on Tap,” is a podcast that delves into the heart of Reformation theology, particularly focusing on the teachings of Martin Luther. We hope to provide a fresh and engaging approach as we tackle complex theological concepts, making them accessible to seasoned theologians and those new to the subject. We do this all over a nice cold beer that we review.



Martin Luther’s Winter Postil is a collection of his commentaries on the assigned lectionary readings for the church. The episode centers around Luther’s teachings on the Gospel reading for the Second Sunday in Advent, a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth.



Luther’s Postil was a significant work during the Reformation. These textual commentaries were aimed at providing guidance and understanding to clergy and laity alike. Luther’s lucid explanations of biblical texts were instrumental in shaping Protestant theology and remain relevant today. Concordia Publishing House details the significance of Luther’s Postils: “Martin Luther’s collected sermons for the church year were originally published in two series: the Church Postil and the House Postil. These were among his most popular works. Aside from his catechisms, they did more to teach people about the Reformation than any other book. Volume 75 gives the sermons on the Epistle and Gospel readings from Advent through Christmastide in fresh, clear English. “



Beer Break



Fregeist Bierkulture “Schwarzbier” Black Lager from Stolberg, Germany. This dark beer brewed in the style of Thuringia has strong coffee and caramel notes. It is known to be smooth, not-too-roasty, and a very balanced type of black lager. Thank you Kirk for donating this beer for us to review.