Galatians, Philippians, Colossians (A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition)
Overview
Who were the opponents to the gospel in Galatia with whom Paul was so angry? What was their reaction to Paul’s word of rebuke and correction? What is the relationship between the Mosaic Law and the Gospel? What is the message for believers today who, like the Galatians, have been called to salvation in “this present age of wickedness”? In studying Galatians, you will find a sincere attempt to answer these and other questions that were critical to the people then, and to us today.
Philippians offers a fresh understanding of the social situation and consequent pressures in Philippi in Paul’s day. Paul holds up the humble submission of Christ as the pattern to be followed. The commentary thus seeks both to explain the meaning of the text and to show its application to the Church’s life today.
The New Testament’s message is “Jesus Is Lord!” Colossians focuses on the all-sufficient Christ. The Lord Jesus deserves the place, not a place in the lives of Christians. The Colossian Christians were being diverted by alluring alternatives. Paul resisted this, as we must today in the face of extreme fundamentalisms and secular mysticisms. We must know the non-negotiable essence of the Christian gospel.
Top Highlights
“The real issue is less an insistence on mastering methods for dealing with evil powers in the world and much more actually becoming Christian in character and learning how to live the Christian life individually and corporately.” (Page 331)
“Accordingly, the central message of the letter to the Colossians is the all-sufficient Christ” (Page 243)
“The Greek words rendered ‘complaining’ and ‘arguing’ are the same as those used in the Greek Old Testament in the story of the murmuring of the Israelites in the wilderness wanderings, as is the language of the crooked and depraved generation (2:15; compare Deut. 32:5, 20).” (Page 198)
“Second, Paul urges the Philippians to allow the grace God has shown them to work out positively by what they do (2:4). He recognizes the need for each person to care for his or her own interests. He simply insists that they should also give attention to the interests of others.” (Page 183)
“Their entire beings had been captivated, set aflame by the things of Christ (2:21), the work of the gospel (2:22), and the work of Christ (2:30). Nothing could quench their conviction and commitment.” (Page 207)
- Title: Galatians, Philippians, Colossians: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Authors: Alex R. G. Deasley, Barry Callen, Earle Wilson
- Series: A Bible Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition
- Publisher: WPH
- Print Publication Date: 2007
- Logos Release Date: 2009
- Pages: 352
- Era: era:contemporary
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Bible. N.T. Philippians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Galatians › Commentaries; Bible. N.T. Colossians › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780898273076, 0898273072
- Resource ID: LLS:WESCOM69GA
- Resource Type: Bible Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-04T17:45:58Z
Earle Wilson has served as a pastor, a professor, and a college president. Since 1984, he has been a General Superintendent of The Wesleyan Church. He has earned B. S., Th. B., B. D., and Th. M. degrees and awarded a D. D.
Alex Deasley has received B. A., M. A., and Ph. D. degrees. He spent several years in the pastoral ministry and educational work in Scotland, England, Canada, and the United States. He is now engaged in a worldwide ministry of preaching, teaching, and writings.
Barry Callen has served as a professor at Anderson University since 1966. He is editor of Anderson University Press and, since 1992, editor of the Wesleyan Theological Journal. He has earned B. A., M. Div., M. Th., D. Rel., and Ed. D. degrees.