Overview
In this volume, respected New Testament scholar Peter Oakes offers a translation and reading of Galatians as presenting a gospel of unity in diversity in Christ. He shows that Paul treats the Galatians' possible abandonment of his gospel as putting at stake their fidelity to Christ. As with other volumes in the Paideia series, this volume is conversant with contemporary scholarship, draws on ancient backgrounds, and attends to the theological nature of the text. Students, pastors, and other readers will appreciate the historical, literary, and theological insight offered in this practical commentary.
Endorsements
"This excellent commentary sets Paul's letter effectively within its historical context, finely illuminates the text while well illustrating and contributing to the range of discussion on the letter within contemporary scholarship, and stimulatingly concludes each section by posing issues that should provide fruitful agendas for discussion groups."
James D. G. Dunn, Emeritus Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University
"Peter Oakes has delivered the goods in his much-anticipated Galatians commentary. Despite the many difficult passages in Galatians, Oakes provides a judicious and magisterial treatment of the text. His study of Galatians is informed by archaeological, sociological, and historical data usually ignored by most scholars. He also does not shy away from mapping the theological implications of the text. Oakes's commentary is a great reminder that the Brits still do some of the best work in biblical exegesis."
Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College, Melbourne, Australia
"Drawing on his extensive knowledge of Paul's social world, Peter Oakes here offers a fresh reading of Galatians that is historically secure, exegetically precise, and theologically relevant. Oakes masterfully filters the best of current scholarship in an accessible form, adding many original insights of his own. Students and scholars alike will relish this engaging exposition of Paul's most radical letter."
John M. G. Barclay, Lightfoot Professor of Divinity, Durham University
"In Galatians Peter Oakes combines a deep grasp of the ancient social context, a close familiarity with the exegetical issues, and an insightful identification of contemporary theological questions that are impacted and provoked by this potent Pauline letter. He couples this with a succinct style and an elegant delivery to produce an ideal vade mecum on this text."
Philip Esler, Portland Chair in New Testament Studies, University of Gloucestershire
"In this eminently readable and erudite commentary, Peter Oakes guides the reader through the text and argument of Paul's Letter to the Galatians with careful exegesis and theological sensitivity. His considerable knowledge of ancient Greco-Roman culture and the latest scholarship is everywhere on display. He has produced a volume from which not only students and pastors but also professional scholars and teachers will benefit."
Martinus C. de Boer, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Author
Peter Oakes
Peter Oakes (DPhil, University of Oxford) is professor of New Testament at the University of Manchester, England. He is the author of Reading Romans in Pompeii: Paul's Letter at Ground Level and Philippians: From People to Letter, and has produced many publications on the interface between the New Testament and the Graeco-Roman world. He also serves as editor of Journal for the Study of the New Testament Booklist.