Galatians: A Commentary
Overview
Leading New Testament scholar Craig Keener is widely respected for his thorough research, sound judgments, and knowledge of ancient sources. His four-volume magnum opus on Acts has received high praise from all quarters. This commentary on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians features Keener’s meticulous and comprehensive research and offers a wealth of fresh insights. It will benefit students, pastors, and church leaders alike.
Key Features
- Includes Keener’s translation of Galatians
- Contains an introduction detailing theological, historial, and exegetical considerations
- Provides verse-by-verse commentary
Top Highlights
“Because Gal. 2:1–10 probably refers to the event later depicted in Acts 15, this commentary adopts a date some time after the Jerusalem Council (ca. 48), but probably before the collection, so perhaps ca. 50–52.” (Page 13)
“Indeed, one expert in ancient rhetoric even contends that ‘the exhortation of chapters 5–6 … is the point of the letter.” (Page 481)
“Paul is thus not going up ‘in response to a revelation,’ as the NRSV and NIV translate, but rather in accordance with the specific revelation of the gospel to the gentiles that he had received.” (Page 111)
“In other words, they charge that he has at best a derivative, rather than foundational, apostolic authority.” (Page 50)
“I believe that it strains plausibility to suppose these are coincidentally two completely separate events, one recorded by Luke and the other by Paul.” (Page 11)
Praise for the Print Edition
Craig Keener’s commentary on Galatians is precisely what we would expect: it is clear, cogent, balanced, comprehensive, and insightful; it is fully engaged with other scholars, yet independent in its judgments; and it is full of illuminating references to ancient sources and cultural phenomena. No matter one’s take on Paul in general, or on this letter in particular, every reader will benefit immensely from Keener's careful interpretation (and lively translation) of Paul’s impassioned dispatch to the Galatians.
—Michael J. Gorman, Raymond E. Brown Professor of Biblical Studies and Theology, St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore
Craig Keener's commentary on Paul's Letter to the Galatians has an erudition and thoroughness that is simply unmatched. Keener combines his encyclopedic knowledge of the ancient world with his penchant for sharp exegetical insights and sensitivity to the theological texture of Scripture. Surely a must-have resource on one of the apostle Paul's most disputed letters. Classic Keener!
—Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
Craig Keener has put us in his debt again with his commentary on Galatians. He interacts regularly with primary sources in the Greco-Roman world and Second Temple Judaism, is deeply conversant with contemporary scholarship, and provides his own lucid commentary on one of Paul's most significant letters.
—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title: Galatians: A Commentary
- Author: Craig S. Keener
- Publisher: Baker
- Publication Date: 2019
- Pages: 896
- Resource Type: Commentary
- Topic: Galatians
Dr. Craig S. Keener (PhD, Duke University) is professor of New Testament at Asbury Theological Seminary, and is the author of 17 books, four of which have won book awards in Christianity Today. One, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, has sold more than half a million copies. He has authored scholarly commentaries on Matthew, John (two volumes), Acts (four volumes), and more briefly on Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Revelation. Dr. Keener is married to Dr. Médine Moussounga Keener, who spent 18 months as a refugee in her nation of Congo before their marriage.
