Smalcald Question

12] The Pope, however, prohibits this faith, saying that to be saved a person must obey him. This we are unwilling to do, even though on this account we must die in God s name. 13] This all proceeds from the fact that the Pope has wished to be called the supreme head of the Christian Church by divine right. Accordingly he had to make himself equal and superior to Christ, and had to cause himself to be proclaimed the head and then the lord of the Church, and finally of the whole world, and simply God on earth, until he has dared to issue commands even to the angels in heaven....

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Part II Article IV found here: Smalcald Articles - Book of Concord


During that period in history, if you read a lot of theology, you will find that there is a lot of use of polemic rhetoric, that is, language that tends to be exaggerated in order to make a point. I read this not as accusing the Pope of commanding angels, but as begging the question; how far will he go or how much more bold and defiant of scripture will he become?


Rhetoric and polemics have always played a part in theological discussion, and it is only recently within the context of Catholic Lutheran dialogue between both Lutheran traditions and the Catholic Church that the rhetoric is being worked through and we are beginning to see the bottom line theologically.


I hope this helps.