Galatians

“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