Galatians is shorter than some of Paul’s letters, and it was written relatively early in his ministry.
It sometimes has been overshadowed by Romans, since the latter is longer, and its arguments on some points are easier to understand. But we neglect Galatians at our peril, for it not only gives us important insights into the mind of the venerable apostle, but it also speaks powerfully to issues Christians face today.
The importance of Galatians
In Galatians, Paul interweaves elements of his personal narrative with substantial reflections on Christology, pneumatology, soteriology, ecclesiology and other topics of religious interest to present a coherent and provocative warning against false gospels.
Those who place their faith in Jesus become participants in a new family—one whose identity is constituted by the empowering presence of God’s Holy Spirit and whose life is framed by the new epoch inaugurated by Christ’s incarnation, death and resurrection.
That may seem like a bunch of highfalutin mumbo-jumbo, but for Paul, it has intensely practical implications for God’s people.
The cruciform life is a Spirit-governed life, and it unites people across otherwise impenetrable social boundaries in a community of love. Far from producing moral anarchy, this life of freedom bears the kind of fruit in individuals, families and congregations no law can produce or condemn.
Pauline disputes
Galatians is a hotbed of controversy. Even issues like when the letter was written and to whom it was sent can spark a spirited debate among specialists in the field.
Moreover, Pauline studies has undergone a seismic shift over the last several decades, and as with all momentous changes, not everyone is happy about it. Indeed, even those who think some change was necessary—as I do—are not always happy with the new readings of Paul that have been produced.
That is why it is important to read a variety of scholars when one is trying to tease out the meaning of this densely argued letter. But not everyone has the time or the expertise to dig in to multiple commentaries and monographs. So, what should you do?
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More advanced commentaries
Douglas Moo and N.T. Wright
For pastors and other more advanced practitioners, I recommend two specific works—the commentaries by Douglas Moo and N.T. Wright. These are two of the top scholars in the field, and they treat both their topic and their opponents with genuine respect.
They also come from different perspectives. Moo takes a more traditional approach to Galatians and to Pauline theology as a whole, while Wright is one of the foremost representatives of the so-called “New Perspective” on Paul. Their research is thorough, their writing is clear, and they both care deeply about the church.
Craig Keener
Another commentary to consider reading is Craig Keener’s new work. Keener strikes fear in the hearts of some; his John and Acts commentaries are massive. Still, Keener is a rigorous student of biblical backgrounds, and he brings that expertise to bear in every commentary he writes.
More importantly, Keener explicitly writes this work with the consensus on Pauline theology developed by Martin Luther in mind.
A more widely accessible resource
But what if you are not a pastor? What if you just want a simple, well-researched study that will help you understand Galatians and teach it to your family, your Sunday school class or your small group?
Gordon D. Fee’s volume in the Pentecostal Commentary series is just what you are looking for. It is a little bit older, but it is still worthy of your attention. Fee was a top-notch scholar and, like Moo, Wright and Keener, he cared deeply about the church. His writing is clear and persuasive, and he is especially good at teasing out the Spirit’s place in Pauline theology.
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As with all books of the Bible, and many other topics of theological or ministerial interest, there are many resources for the study of Galatians out there and many voices that want to influence your faith, life and ministry.
But these are some of the ones I have found meaningful, and I am confident they will provide you with the guidance you are looking for as you seek to live and minister faithfully in Jesus’ name.
Wade Berry is pastor of Second Baptist Church in Ranger and a resident fellow for B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. The views expressed in this resource article are those of the author.
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