Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 41, Galatians (Hardcover)

by Richard N. Longenecker (Author) "Paul, an apostle-not from men nor through any man, but through Jesus Christ and [from] God the Father, who raised him from the dead-and all..." (more)
Key Phrases: nomistic lifestyle, postpositive yáp, judaizing threat, Jesus Christ, Gentile Christians, Christ Jesus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation. This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence. The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology. These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 442 pages
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 11, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0849902401
• ISBN-13: 978-0849902406
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #76,759 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent treatment of Galatians, but a slow read, September 4, 2004

By	Matthew Gunia (Justice, Illinois) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I have to commend Richard Longenecker on his thorough treatment of the book of Galatians for the Word Biblical Commentary series. With over 100 pages of introduction to the major schools of thought in the scholarly world (where exactly are the Galatian churches? What influence did Greek, Hebrew, etc., thought have on Paul's work, when was this written?), Longenecker makes clear where he stands on the major issues and why, but does so without being caustic. His work on the actual text is similarly thorough as he gives many cultural inisghts and effectively balances the "mirror technique" (from the introduction) with the idea that Paul is also laying out his own theology. I also appreciated Longenecker's treatment of variant readings as he cited which sources had variants and quickly explained his textual decisions

I do have two problems with this commentary, however. One is that Longenecker tends to be confusing as he tries to show how Paul's letter is similar to other genres of Greco-Roman letters. He uses Latin terms frequently, but only defines them in the introduction (among many other Latin words and theories that he rejects). Not only does this reader feel that Longenecker was trying to fit a round peg into a square hole as he treats Galatians in this way, but the frequent jargon does not aid in my understanding of the book. My second problem is more of a personal preference. Longenecker's book is an exceptionally slow read--giving a wealth of information, but not being very conversational in style. However, this is a personal preference of this reader and not an argument that Longenecker did a "poor job."

Quite the opposite is true. Longenecker has treated the book of Galatians quite fairly and thoroughly. The result is a scholarly, respectful, informative, fairly conservative. This book would benefit pastors, lay persons (especially those who have studied Greek), and other professionals looking to gain a fuller understanding of or appreciation for Galatians.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Thorough and Very Useful, May 9, 2000

By	Robert Andrews (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Richard Longenecker's volume on Galatians in the Word Biblical Commentary remains one of the strongest Evangelical treatments of this important epistle. Longenecker conforms to the WBC format, which results in a work more useful for scholars and preachers than laymen. Still, I have used the commentary in preparation for teaching Adult Sunday School as well as research. Longenecker is especially strong in presenting Galatians as an ethical as well as a theological work, and in this regard the commentary is an essential source for communicating the practical ethic of the early church to the contemporary one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This one kids, this one :), May 16, 2008

By	F. Hulks (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is definitely that one to get for so many reasons. Depth, insight etc his knowledge of Jewish sources is particularly impressive, he wrote Biblical exegesis in the Apostolic Age. Not for the casual reader, serious bible geeks only :) More detailed than Fung, less high-brow than Betz and I find Bruce a mixed bag though his NIGTC on Galatians actually impressed me.
Not to heavy, not to light, just right. So get this one, what are you waiting for?