Personal Thoughts About Commentaries (13): Galatians

The Book of Galatians is unique in many ways because of its polemic nature, aimed as it is against Christians in churches who have listened to false teaching and abandoned (or are close to abandoning) Paul’s teaching. It has not been well-served with commentaries, although some historical works are of note. Remember, I have preachers in mind for these recommendations. Balance is important.

1. F. F. Bruce – The Epistle to the Galatians (NIGNTC): This Greek NT commentary by a Pauline specialist is the top pick as far as I am concerned. Elegantly written, accurate, and packed with usable information, this is really outstanding. Bruce can sometimes be too concise in his comments, but this one gets the balance just right.
2. Richard Longenecker – Galatians (WBC): This is in the WBC series and is excellent. Longenecker is a “neutral” sort of commentator, by which I mean he does not try to conform the text to a preconceived theology. This is ideally what one wants from a commentator. Great introduction and lots of things to chew on. This is quite technical, so some may want to avoid it.
3. Timothy George – Galatians (NAC): When I first picked this one up to study Galatians I admit that I wasn’t expecting much. It was in the pile I had on hand and I thought I’d give it a go. I discovered that I had in my hands a very thoughtful and astute work. I always turn to this book when seeking help on this epistle.
4. Douglas Moo – Galatians (BECNT): Moo is a great commentary writer. This is up to his usual high standards.
5. Craig S. Keener – Galatians: A Commentary: Keener is an excellent foil for the more Reformed writers in this list (Bruce, George, Moo, Schreiner, etc). Great endnotes and lots of cultural help. Keener gives you lots of help. but beware. This is a massive commentary.
6. Ben Witherington III – Grace in Galatia: The Reformed lists don’t give this book its due. Witherington is Wesleyan Arminian, which means he has a robust doctrine of sin and inability, but a different view of the NT’s way of addressing it. Packed with insight and superbly written. This could have been higher up the list.
7. Herman Ridderbos – The Epistle of Paul to the Churches of Galatia: This book deserves more praise than it has garnered. Ridderbos was a top-tier theological voice in the last century and his analysis is probing and sure-footed.
8. Thomas R. Schreiner – Galatians (ZECNT): Schreiner’s trademark reliability and accuracy. This could well be swapped out with Moo above.
9. John Stott – The Message of Galatians (BST): Stott at his best. Clear, well-outlined, logical, persuasive (apart from Gal. 6:16). The sort of commentary the preacher will want on hand as he hones his message before preaching it.
10. David A. DaSilva – The Letter to the Galatians (NICNT): A very solid and interesting commentary by a NT scholar who is well-grounded in Greco-Roman background and who writes clearly but deeply.

Other works are worth looking at, such as Phillip Graham Ryken’s contribution to the REC, but Stott is better in my opinion. Donald Guthrie (NCB) is good. J. B. Lightfoot is worth having of course. John Brown provides a section by section account which is helpful, but he was better elsewhere. James Fergusson’s work in his The Epistles of Paul is very solid. Don’t neglect Lenski or Hendriksen or Calvin. Fung is also worth a read. McWilliams ought to be bought if the price is right. Robert Gromacki’s Stand Fast in Liberty is brief but well done. Moises Silva’s introduction to Galatians is well done. I’m really looking forward to the works by Michael Burer and especially John M. G. Barclay on this letter.