To publish his opinions on the matter of indulgences, Luther posted a set of ninety-five statements on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on October 31, 1517. Since the founding of the university, this door had been used to publish important documents. Luther's action was a normal academic procedure for inviting others to debate a topic.

The theses had the effect of a torch thrown among dry fuel.

Luther's theses were taken to the university printing press to be printed in both Latin and German. They made a great impression, as evidenced by the speed of their circulation. Within two weeks they were being read and discussed by people of all ranks and classes throughout most of Germany. Within four weeks they had spread far beyond Germany:

The theses had the effect of a torch thrown among dry fuel. The first to protest was Tetzel, who wrote counter-theses, which the students burnt. Other protests followed; but the great mass of pious German people saw in these theses what they had always believed. [16]

Nevertheless, Luther was disappointed, for no one came forth to debate the points. Even his friends were silent on this matter.

What were the theses? They did not constitute a polished treatise but simply ninety-five statements, ninety-five sledgehammer strokes against what Luther considered to be the greatest church abuse of the age.