Galatians: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC)

“Matthew S. Harmon offers a detailed and rigorous analysis of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, mindful of exegetical detail as well as wider theological themes. An excellent treatment of the text that will benefit students and pastors alike.”

“Matthew Harmon strikes a fine balance between introductory issues, exegesis, and thematic discussion covering nine different topics ranging from God to justification and righteousness to Paul’s use of the Old Testament in Galatians. In other words, this is a feast, featuring up-to- date interaction with a foundational Pauline epistle viewed within the context of the best current scholarship. The volume richly fulfills the aims of a biblical theology commentary, in that the exegesis is faithful to the text (‘biblical’), while the exposition does justice to Paul’s towering awareness of God, Jesus, the Messiah, and the human plight (‘theological’). A great commentary for this cultural moment and far beyond!”

“Commentaries on Galatians are a dime a dozen, but few Galatians commentaries excel in clarity and robust biblical-theological insight. Galatians, too, is a difficult book to understand, but Harmon wisely guides his readers through the thicket of grammatical, theological, and historical issues. I’m eager for the church to put this excellent commentary to use. Pastors and scholars will not be disappointed.”

“Matthew Harmon’s Galatians offers rich fare for students, pastors, and scholars alike. Building on the flurry of recent scholarship on the letter, Harmon provides a sure path through the interpretive hotspots. Two features of this commentary especially stand out. Harmon builds on his own prior scholarly labors in identifying and analyzing Paul’s use of Scripture. That foundation serves the reader well when Harmon turns to the biblical and theological motifs in the letter. Harmon does not leave matters in the first century but shows how Paul continues to speak to us today.”

“Matt Harmon has written a fine commentary that helps pastors and students alike to understand Paul’s succinct formulations of central aspects of his theology. Readers who look for assistance on Greek formulations, on historical matters, on the structure of Paul’s argumentation, on exegetical details, and on theological emphases will find it all in this compact volume. As is always the case in a commentary, there are places where readers will beg to differ with some detail or conclusion, but Harmon’s always-fair discussion will force dissenters to reevaluate their position. The Bridge sections contain helpful material for personal and pastoral application.”

“Whereas most New Testament commentaries miss the theological wood for the exegetical trees, Harmon’s Galatians commentary keeps both firmly in view. A rich and rewarding exposition of Paul’s most passionate epistle, the book offers not only insightful treatments of faith, justification and the law, but also salvation history, humanity, Christology and the doctrine of God, all set within the context of Paul’s use of the Old Testament. A model of theological interpretation and biblical theology, and a gift to preachers.”

“Matthew S. Harmon has written a well-researched commentary that both judiciously weighs the interpretive options without overwhelming the reader with minutiae and sagaciously guides the reader in opening up the truth of the gospel that Paul conveys in this letter. What is most valuable is the extensive section on biblical and theological themes with its rich fund of theological insights. Having read through the analysis of the text, one can better appreciate how Galatians fits theologically in the larger canon and notably contributes to it. This commentary will amply reward preachers, teachers, and students of Galatians who purchase it and use it. ”

“Dr. Harmon’s important commentary will help readers understand Paul’s letter to the Galatians in light of the most recent research on the letter and recent debates about Paul and his theology. This commentary also reflects the insights that come when a scholar seeks to understand not only what Paul is saying, but also why Paul thinks and argues the way that he does. That is, Harmon pays close attention, as we all should, to the way that Paul’s interpretation of the Old Testament and that his own type of biblical theology grounds and informs the apostle’s thought and arguments. While providing strong arguments for his own interpretive decisions, Harmon does not neglect to mention alternative proposals where appropriate. This commentary will enrich the understanding of students, pastors, and scholars!”