The Message of Galatians

I think that this commentary is very much like other Stott commentaries that I have used (Ephesians & Romans). He gives great phrases for teaching and preaching. For example in chapter 1:1 he goes into detail about what an apostle was from a Jewish perspective. Then he gives a mini excursus on NT apostleship...and teaches that there can be no more apostles in any sense. He does not offer convincing evidence for his position. The problem with all of this is that none of it comes from the Galatians text he is discussing. There isn't anything in Galatians 1:1 that would tell us in any way that apostles are not for today. That sort of conclusion is not exegetical and is debated hotly in various circles. So you must watch out for Stott to give one side of a debated issue without clueing you in on the other views. So why do I rate this a four star? Why do so many people like Stott's stuff? I think that it's really good to use Stott's material for innovative and catchy phrases that summarize the terminology well. He often has an innovative outline of whatever he is teaching on. Galatians is no exception to that rule. Another thing that is great about this commentary is that it follows his matching bible study guides. So a Bible Study Leader can use Stott to start discussions, and if he has read this book, he has more meat to add to the discussions. To round out Stott, I heartily recommend the following additions. Since FF Bruce has a commentary on Galatians, I recommend his. Also Fung's NICNT on Galatians is very careful to thoroughly explore the most reasonable options and show why one is superior over the others. Both of them are really good. One more point...Stott sometimes interacts with popular pressures from different camps. For example in Galatians 1:1-2 he interacts with the radical camp and then turns to interact with the catholic theologians. For the radicals he says that Paul's apostolic authority is divine and higher than the contemporary authority they claim is equal to Paul. For the catholics, he says that apostolic succession is not a biblical concept. In these interactions he is very convincing. He provides answers for people who may be hearing things from these two popular groups that are contrary to Paul's teaching in Galatians. So for his interactions, fresh phraseology and innovative outlines, I recommend Stott heartily. Just check his exegesis...he should not be the solo commentary for a study on Galatians. If you can only get one, I recommend Fung's or Bruce's. Having said that, I will keep using Stott whenever I study Galatians. He is excellent overall. I'm grateful to have this commentary in my office.

A readable, enjoyable, insightful commentary on Galatians for regular Bible students. Our small group used it along with the Lifechange (Navpress) study guide on Galatians with great success.