The Theology of the Letter to the Galatians

‘Outstanding! Deeply informed by recent scholarship, Longenecker provides an unmatched corrective lens on Galatians (and Paul) by refusing to fixate on a single interpretive approach (apocalyptic, “within Judaism,” etc.) and, instead, by employing them all where appropriate. The result is clear, compelling, even captivating.’ Douglas Harink, Professor Emeritus of Theology, The King’s University, Edmonton‘This outstanding companion to Galatians achieves the rare combination of being both accessible to students and stimulating to scholars. Longenecker’s nuanced guide to Paul’s argument and his rich exploration of Paul’s theology brilliantly demonstrate the letter’s power to challenge and inspire, in the first century and today.’ Teresa Morgan, McDonald Agape Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity, Yale Divinity School/Dept of Classics‘Bruce Longenecker’s fine reading of Galatians has the signal and nearly unique merit of staying close to Paul’s message without a hint of the anti-Judaism that haunts so many (if not most) readings of Galatians. I applaud a genuine step forward.’ Daniel Boyarin, Hermann P. and Sophia Taubman Professor Emeritus of Talmudic Culture, University of California, Berkeley‘An outstanding scholar with solid expertise in ancient sources, Longenecker judiciously engages very current scholarship on Galatians and paves a path forward. He fairly summarizes various approaches while also providing a fresh and balanced reading of the letter’s theology, highlighting key issues that include Torah, identity, participation in Christ, the Spirit, and Pauline love-ethics.’ Craig S. Keener, F. M. and Ada Thompson Professor of Biblical Studies, Asbury Theological Seminary‘Bruce Longenecker has distilled his seasoned scholarship into an approachable, lively, yet careful treatment of the theology of Galatians. Reframing Paul’s theology with fresh, non-technical language, he succinctly introduces Paul, surveys the letter’s flow of argument, judiciously addresses key theological issues, and points to a wide range of scholarship and reception history.’ Annalisa Phillips Wilson, Affiliated Lecturer in New Testament, University of Cambridge‘Written in clear and accessible prose, Longenecker’s study of the theology of Galatians is noteworthy for its coherent organization, its impressive knowledge of ancient and modern sources, and its genuine theological insight that makes clear why Galatians spoke powerfully both to Paul’s first readers and to readers in every age.’ Luke Timothy Johnson, Robert W. Woodruff Professor Emeritus of New Testament and Christian Origins, Candler School of Theology, Emory University‘Bruce Longenecker’s wide-ranging study of Galatians draws together numerous competing interpretations in ways that instruct even as they will certainly provoke dissent from some quarters. His bold proposal about what Paul might write in the present warrants careful and sustained attention. A welcome contribution!’ Beverly Roberts Gaventa, Helen H. P. Manson Professor Emerita of New Testament, Princeton Theological Seminary

Bruce Longenecker is the Melton Chair of Religion at Baylor University. He is the author of In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World (2020), co-editor (with David Wilhite) of The Cambridge History of Ancient Christianity (2023), and editor of The Cambridge Companion to Paul (2020) and Greco-Roman Associations, Deities, and Early Christianity (2022).