The first major biblical commentary from the pen of N. T. WrightWhile full of theological import, Paul’s letter to the Galatians also captures and memorializes a significant moment in the early
The first major biblical commentary from the pen of N. T. Wright
While full of theological import, Paul’s letter to the Galatians also captures and memorializes a significant moment in the early history of Christianity. This commentary from N. T. Wright—the inaugural volume of the CCF series—offers a theological interpretation of Galatians that never loses sight of the political concerns of its historical context. With these two elements of the letter in dialogue with each other, readers can understand both what Paul originally meant and how his writing might be faithfully used to respond to present questions.
Each section of verse-by-verse commentary in this volume is followed by Wright’s reflections on what the text says about Christian formation today, making this an excellent resource for individual readers and those preparing to teach or preach on Galatians. The focus on formation is especially appropriate for this biblical letter, in which Paul wrote to his fellow early Christians, “My children—I seem to be in labor with you all over again, until the Messiah is fully formed in you!”
Frank J. Matera in Interpretation
“This is a strong commentary that has launched this series on a good trajectory, and I hope other volumes will succeed as well, for it is the kind of commentary that theological students and pastors will find helpful for their own formation and the formation of the church.”
Calvin Theological Journal
“You cannot dive into [Wright’s chapters to resolve some exegetical problem. You have to keep up with him and see how his long argument is unfolding. And when you do, you see Paul in a new light, and Galatians will never look quite the same.”
Religious Studies Review
“This work will take its place as a clear distillation of Wright’s main project for reinterpreting Paul and Judaism.”
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N. T. Wright, one of the most highly respected biblical scholars in the world today, is research professor emeritus of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of St. Andrews and senior research fellow at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He is the author of over eighty books, including Simply Christian, Surprised by Hope, Paul and the Faithfulness of God, and The New Testament in Its World.
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Table of Contents
Introduction to Galatians
The Situation in Galatia
Paul’s Answer
Commentaries and Christian Formation
Galatians 1:1–17
Translation
Introduction
Apostleship and the Gospel (1:1–5)
Another Gospel? (1:6–9)
The Story So Far (1:10–17)
Conclusion
Galatians 1:18–2:10
Translation
Introduction
First Jerusalem Visit: A Happy Relationship (1:18–24)
The Second Visit: Standing Firm (2:1–10)
Conclusion
Galatians 2:11–21
Translation
Introduction
Peter in Antioch (2:11–14)
The Great Transformation (2:15–21)
Conclusion
Galatians 3:1–14
Translation
Introduction
The Spirit and Faith (3:1–5)
Abraham and the Covenant (3:6–9)
The Curse of the Law (3:10–14)
Conclusion
Galatians 3:15–29
Translation
Introduction
The Unbreakable Covenant (3:15–18)
Why Then the Law? (3:19–22)
Under the Paidagōgos (3:23–25)
Abraham’s One Family (3:26–29)
Conclusion
Galatians 4:1–11
Translation
Introduction
The New Exodus (4:1–7)
Don’t Go Back to Slavery! (4:8–11)
Conclusion
Galatians 4:12–5:1
Translation
Introduction
True Friends and False Friends (4:12–20)
Two Women, Two Families, Two Covenants, Two Mountains (4:21–5:1)
Conclusion
Galatians 5:2–26
Translation
Introduction
The Warning and The Challenge (5:2–12)
Love and the Spirit (5:13–26)
Conclusion
Galatians 6:1–18
Translation
Introduction
Closing Exhortations (6:1–10)
Final Warnings and Example (6:11–18)
Conclusion
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