Epistle of Paul to the Churches of Galatia

I have about 30 to 35 commentaries on Galatians in my office this year as I am working through the book for a sermon series (I'm a pastor). I was pleasantly surprised at the basic verse by verse exegesis of this commentary and find myself looking at it more closely than the other commentaries I have. I find a lot of scholarship has been clearly packed into each sentence he writes with clear statements he communicates crucial concepts line after line. I found some of his observations help a preaching pastor to develop better sermons. For example, an easy one is the point that when Paul says 'Grace and Peace' he is using an impartation style. The implications of that are overlooked in other commentaries I examined. Almost every nuance is helpful...as he explores the order of the Pauline verse descriptions it helped me to identify mirror like patterns in Galatians 1. I also like the way he describes things better than most commentaries. Even in the NICNT series sometimes one has too look elsewhere for preachable phraseology. But I've found that a lot of Fung's stuff will preach almost as it is. He's very good. I think that he has earned a place among the top few commentaries on Galatians written in English. I heartily recommend you get this-even over his mentor (FF Bruce) on Galatians NIGTC...which is pretty good as well. I usually go to Stott for preaching phrases, but not in Galatians. I'm sticking with Fung for now. So whether you agree with the other reviewer or not about the South Galatians theory and it's implications, the basic verse by verse exegesis is exceptionally helpful and I'm very excited to have this commentary in my library. I recommend you buy this one.

As a lay Elder, I have found this volume to be indispensable in my studies while leading our body through a study of the book of Galatians. While it is a very scholarly work, at the same time it is not out of the reach of the non-seminary trained individual. This is a very dificult ballance to achieve, but Dr. Fung has succeeded in doing just that. This is a must have reference for all students of this book!

I found this book by Ronald Fung very useful for understanding the very important Biblical book of Galatians. It covers all major views and interpretations before mentioning the author's preference. Unlike other reviewers, I do not find it difficult to follow. One key focus of the book is the doctrine of justification by faith alone. I would recommend this book for anyone who wants to understand Galatians beyond the brief explanations given in one-volume commentaries of the Bible.