Spread the Reign of God the Lord
Spread the reign of God the Lord
This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding that the kingdom of God advances through faithful proclamation of the Gospel and Christian witness in the world. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on the power of God's Word to transform hearts and establish His reign among all peoples.
History & Background
Originally written in German as 'Gottes Reich vermehret sich' by Jonathan Friedrich Bahnmaier, a Württemberg pastor, in 1813. Kate Wilkinson's 1911 English translation became the standard version used in Lutheran hymnals throughout the 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 720
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 379
- Lutheran Service Book — 830
- Lutheran Worship — 321
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 507
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Jonathan Friedrich Bahnmaier in 1813, this hymn crystallizes Lutheran confidence that the Gospel's power, not worldly force, establishes God's reign. A Reformation legacy sung across centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's transformative power: God's reign spreads through faithful witness and proclamation, not institutional might—a truth that both liberates us from self-reliance and compels our active participation in Christ's mission.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's cosmic reign extends from personal redemption to universal salvation, transforming all creation through His resurrection power
Themes
Gospel proclamation Mission and evangelism God's kingdom Divine call Christian witness