Galatians
About
The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible advances the assumption that the Nicene creedal tradition, in all its diversity, provides the proper basis for the interpretation of the Bible as Christian scripture. The series volumes, written by leading theologians, encourage readers to explore how the vital roots of the ancient Christian tradition inform and shape faithfulness today.
In this addition to the series, respected theologian Kathryn Greene-McCreight offers a theological reading of Galatians. As with other volumes in the series, this commentary is designed to serve the church, providing a rich resource for preachers, teachers, students, and study groups. It demonstrates the continuing intellectual and practical viability of theological interpretation of the Bible.
The general editor for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible is R. R. Reno (editor, First Things). Series editors include Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017; Center of Theological Inquiry); Robert Louis Wilken (University of Virginia); Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto); Michael Root (Catholic University of America); and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas).
Volumes in the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
R. R. Reno (editor, First Things) on Genesis
Thomas Joseph White (Thomistic Institute at the Angelicum in Rome) on Exodus
Ephraim Radner (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Leviticus
David L. Stubbs (Western Theological Seminary) on Numbers
Telford Work (Westmont College) on Deuteronomy
Paul Hinlicky (Roanoke College) on Joshua
Laura A. Smit (Calvin University) and Stephen Fowl (Loyola University Maryland) on Judges & Ruth
Francesca Aran Murphy (University of Notre Dame) on 1 Samuel
Robert Barron (Bishop of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota) on 2 Samuel
Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Kings
Peter J. Leithart (Theopolis Institute for Bible, Liturgy, and Culture) on 1 & 2 Chronicles
Matthew Levering (Mundelein Seminary) on Ezra & Nehemiah
Samuel Wells (St. Martin-in-the-Fields Anglican Church, London) and George Sumner (Episcopal Diocese of Dallas) on Esther & Daniel
Ellen T. Charry (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Psalms 1-50
Jason Byassee (Vancouver School of Theology) on Psalms 101-150
Daniel J. Treier (Wheaton College Graduate School) on Proverbs & Ecclesiastes
Paul J. Griffiths on Song of Songs
Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017; Center of Theological Inquiry) on Ezekiel
Phillip Cary (Eastern University) on Jonah
Stanley Hauerwas (Duke Divinity School) on Matthew
David Lyle Jeffrey (Baylor University) on Luke
Jaroslav Pelikan (1923-2006; Yale University) on Acts
Kimlyn J. Bender (Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University) on 1 Corinthians
Kathryn Greene-McCreight (The Episcopal Church at Yale) on Galatians
Michael Allen (Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando) on Ephesians
George Hunsinger (Princeton Theological Seminary) on Philippians
Christopher R. Seitz (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Colossians
Douglas Farrow (McGill University) on 1 & 2 Thessalonians
Risto Saarinen (University of Helsinki) on the Pastoral Epistles with Philemon & Jude
Douglas Harink (The King's University College) on 1 & 2 Peter
Joseph L. Mangina (Wycliffe College, University of Toronto) on Revelation
Endorsements
"Kathryn Greene-McCreight offers a fresh reading of Galatians. Her engagement with a broad range of theological interpretation, both ancient and modern, is impressive. Here is a rich compendium of resources for the theological interpretation of Paul's provocative letter."
Susan Eastman, associate research professor of New Testament, Duke Divinity School
"Greene-McCreight adds a rich and important contribution to the Brazos series. The approach is linguistically careful, responsibly resourced by a range of Christian and Jewish scholarship, and steeped in the (especially patristic) tradition of the church. The result is pointed and provocative in fundamental ways. The volume reads Galatians not in the context of post-Reformation debates over justification but as a decidedly Pauline proclamation of Christ-centered promise that can speak especially into a present time of conflict and confusion over bodies and gender. Moving verse by verse, and occasionally expanding into small essays of detailed and luminescent analysis, the commentary scintillates with a liberative freshness."
Ephraim Radner, professor of historical theology, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto
"This commentary makes it clear that Galatians is a pastoral letter primarily about an issue of fact, one which had implications for belief: the enforcement of circumcision on Gentile Christians. Greene-McCreight's work is informed by recent biblical scholarship, not least by firsthand appreciation of J. Louis Martyn and his insights. The specificity of the issue Paul dealt with problematizes the drive to universalizability and inclusivity; his message of liberation might have to be received in a register different from what we are used to these days. Accordingly, the exegesis is detailed, and close reading prevails over grand theorizing. It is also nicely informed by the wisdom of the interpretation of the Christian tradition."
Mark W. Elliot, professor of biblical and historical theology, University of the Highlands and Islands; professorial fellow, Wycliffe College, Toronto
Praise for the Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible
"What a splendid idea! Many preachers have been longing for more commentaries that are not only exegetical but theological in the best sense: arising out of the conviction that God, through his Word, still speaks in our time. For those of us who take our copies of Martin Luther's Galatians and Karl Barth's Romans from the shelves on a regular basis, this series in that tradition promises renewed vigor for preaching, and therefore for the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic church in our time."
Fleming Rutledge, author of The Bible and The New York Times and The Seven Last Words from the Cross
"This series places the accent on 'theological' and reflects current interpretive ferment marked by growing resistance to the historical-critical project. It may be that scripture interpretation is too important to be left to the exegetes, and so a return to the theologians. We will wait with great anticipation for this new series, at least aware that the outcomes of interpretation are largely determined by the questions asked. It is never too late to ask better questions; with a focus on the theological tradition, this series holds the promise of asking interpretive questions that are deeply grounded in the primal claims of faith. The rich promise of the series is indicated by the stature and erudition of the commentators. Brazos has enormous promises to keep with this project, and we wait with eagerness for its appearing!"
Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
"The Brazos Theological Commentary on the Bible makes a most welcome contribution to the church, the academic world, and the general public at large. By enlisting a wide range of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox theologians who differ on much, but who agree on the truth of the Nicene Creed, the series also represents ecumenical activity of the very best kind. It is always a daunting challenge to expound the church's sacred book both simply and deeply, but this impressive line-up of authors is very well situated for the attempt."
Mark A. Noll, University of Notre Dame
"Preachers and teachers in particular, but thoughtful Christians more generally, have long lamented the slide of biblical scholarship into hyper-specialized critical studies of ancient texts in remote historical context. It is no wonder, therefore, that the Brazos Theological Commentary is being so warmly welcomed. The outstanding array of authors, beginning with Jaroslav Pelikan's splendid commentary on the Acts of the Apostles, is, at long last, reclaiming the Bible as the book of the living community of faith that is the church."
Richard John Neuhaus, author of American Babylon: Notes of a Christian Exile
"Contemporary application of the Bible to life is the preacher's business. But no worthy contemporary application is possible without a thorough understanding of the ancient text. The Brazos Theological Commentary exists to provide an accessible authority so that the preacher's application will be a ready bandage for all the hurts of life. We who serve the pulpit want a commentary we can understand, and those who hear us expect us to give them a usable word. The Brazos Commentary offers just the right level of light to make illuminating the word the joy it was meant to be."
Calvin Miller, author of A Hunger for the Holy and Loving God Up Close
"For pastors, wanting to get at the theological heart of a text, there is some good stuff. When I am preaching, I usually try to take a peek at the Brazos volume."
Nijay K. Gupta, Northern Seminary
The Author
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Kathryn Greene-McCreight
Kathryn Greene-McCreight (PhD, Yale University) is a priest affiliate at Christ Church New Haven, a spiritual director with Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, and the author of several books, including Darkness Is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to...
Continue reading about Kathryn Greene-McCreight