The Theology of the Letter to the Galatians

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).

'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

• Part I. Reading the Theology of Galatians: 1. An introduction to the study of Galatians; 2. An overview of the message of Galatians; 3. The discursive flow of Galatians; Part II. Probing the Theology of Galatians: 4. The problem in layered perspective; 5. The torah in layered perspective; 6. Participation in Christ as identity power-vortex; 7. Decentering identity values; 8. The slavery of Christ-giving love; 9. The hope of righteousness and the faithfulness of God; Part III. Positioning the Theology of Galatians: 10. Galatians and the New Testament; 11. The afterlife of Galatians; 12. What Paul might say; Appendix: Did Galatians Accomplish Paul's Purpose; Suggestions for further reading; Bibliography.