Paul Eber

Paul Eber was a German Lutheran theologian, educator, and hymn writer active during the early decades of the Protestant Reformation. Born in Kitzingen Germany, he studied at the University of Wittenberg where he became a colleague of Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchthon. Eber later served as a professor and church leader in Wittenberg, contributing to the theological development of Lutheranism after the death of Luther. In addition to his academic and pastoral work he wrote several hymn texts reflecting Reformation theology and biblical themes. One of his best known hymns is If God Himself Be for Me, which expresses confidence in divine protection and grace. Eber contributions illustrate the role of university theologians in shaping early Lutheran hymnody.