Jaques Le Fevre, a learned scholar and Chair of the Sorbonne at the Faculty of Theology at the University of Paris, embarked on an academic journey that would ultimately change the course of his life and deepen his spiritual knowledge. His initial aim was to write a comprehensive book on the saints' lives, a subject of immense interest to the religious world at that time. Being a great theologian, Le Fevre tried to unveil the virtues, sacrifices, and divine acts of these great saints so that he could invoke more faith and devotion in his readers.

In trying to source material for writing, Le Fevre read extensively from sacred books, the Bible included. Reading it from front to back, he began to notice threads that touched him. His studies led him to a profound grasp of the doctrine of righteousness by faith a religious tenet founded on the realization that human persons are made right and justified in God's eyes not through their actions, rituals, or outward act of piety, but through faith in God's grace alone. This discovery was a turning point in Le Fevre's spiritual and theological understanding. The Bible taught him about faith and grace and opened his eyes to new realities that he had not yet emphasized in his teachings or studies. He began to understand that righteousness could not be obtained through human works or good deeds, but was a gift bestowed through faith in the promise of salvation made by God.

Le Fevre's new understanding was not a hidden revelation. He shared these concepts with his students and colleagues, challenging some of the prevailing religious teaching of the time. His writings contributed to broader theological discussions and set the stage for subsequent arguments regarding faith, salvation, and religious truth. While starting with the saints, Le Fevre's scholarship ultimately addressed the authority of Scripture to transform lives and the liberty of faith.