The study of Galatians has had a massive impact on Christianity throughout the ages, especially in the Reformation and modern eras. The language of "justification by faith" has generated vigorous discussion among Protestants and Catholics for more than 500 years. It would be easy to reengage this conversation again. But in this inaugural volume of the New Word Biblical Themes series, Nijay Gupta argues that Paul has much wider interests in view in Galatians. He argues that Paul's main theme in Galatians is family--who belongs within the household of God and how they are welcomed in. While addressing additional key topics and themes like justification, faith, and freedom, Gupta skillfully unifies them under the overarching rubric of inclusion in God's family through participation in the Sonship of Jesus Christ. In God's household, the Son is the model, love is the culture, the cross is the family crest, and Christian brothers and sisters enjoy equal access, privilege, and status in the community in Christ.

G. Walter Hansen's study on Galatians is part of the IVP New Testament Commentary Series, a series which combines pastoral concerns with attention to tough exegetical issues and emphasizes the significance of the biblical text for today's church.

"With updated bibliography"--Copyright page.

Volumes in New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament series offer short, accessible studies of the key themes of each book of the New Testament. Each volume offers an introduction to the book, a brief exposition of the text, a survey of its contents, and a deeper look at 3-5 key themes for understanding the book and for preaching and teaching.

Through the commentary and questions of this outstanding Bible study plan, New Testament scripture will take on a new clarity and relevance in your life. This volume will answer many of your questions and provide you with fresh insights.

In Galatians and Ephesians, Couch and Witmer help the reader discover both the heart of the apostle Paul and the heart of the New Testament gospel. In both epistles, the reader is enveloped in the truth that salvation is by Christ alone, through grace alone, by faith alone.

Paul's Letter to the Galatians has played a major role in the history of theology, especially in the Church's teaching on grace, faith, and justification. This commentary argues that Paul's doctrine of justification by faith is essentially social in nature and has important ecumenical implications for the Church today. In its original setting, Galatians established a foundation for the unity of Jewish and Gentile Christians: all are justified by the faith of Jesus Christ. In addition to illuminating the historical situation that led Paul to write his Letter to the Galatians, this commentary pays careful attention to the rhetorical structure of this letter and its theological message. The author provides a fresh translation of Galatians, critical notes on each verse of the text, and a careful commentary of the letter in light of Paul's theology. Theories abound on the question of Galatians, why it was written, what it says, and what the implications of that message are. Yet few scholars have devoted themselves at length to this letter. What sets this work apart is its extent and detail, and its academic rather than popular intent.