Lexham Press is the publisher of Galatians in the Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series. This volume is written by Matthew S. Harmon, professor of New Testament at Grace Theological Seminary.
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Galatians: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary (EBTC)
Harmon’s commentary is a true gift to the church. His scholarship is fantastic, his writing is clear, and his biblical theology is incredibly helpful. Let me dive in a little deeper.
First, the book begins with an introduction. In this section, Harmon covers the usual topics of authorship, recipients and date, and the circumstances surrounding the letter. He also provides the structure of the book as well as an outline.
Next, the exposition of the book. In this section, Harmon works verse by verse through the book of Galatians, dealing with the original language (Greek). No worries if you are not proficient in Greek; the commentary will still make sense to you. I found Harmon’s exegetical and theological comments to be very instructive and edifying. At times this commentary had a technical feel to it, while at other times it felt more pastoral. I think that Harmon provided an excellent balance in that regard. I love that the original languages were dealt with in the main text. There are also a ton of footnotes (which I love!), so if the reader desires to go even deeper, they can benefit from the reading of those fine notes. I loved the structure of this book. Each passage contains an English translation that is followed by a section called “Context.” This is then followed by a section called “Structure”, which is then followed by the verse by verse exposition. Sidenote: each verse is found in bold letters, so it’s very easy to find the verse you’re looking for (especially since the verse is also found at the top of the page and centered). The last section of each passage is called “Bridge”, and it acts as an application section. In these sections, Matthew Harmon the scholar becomes Matthew Harmon the pastor! The bridge sections are simply amazing.
The last part of the book contains articles on biblical and theological themes in the book of Galatians. This is just over 100 pages of biblical theology, and it is excellent! This is the part of the book that makes this commentary series unique. I would have recommended this commentary just due to its exegesis, but the biblical theology section is what really makes this book so worth purchasing and studying. Here is just a sampling of what Harmon covers in this section: The Abrahamic covenant, the Trinity, the Servant of the Lord, the Law (including the mosaic law in Galatians and the law of Christ), Justification, Humanity, and Paul’s use of the Old Testament in Galatians. Excellent topics!
I surely didn’t agree with all of Harmon’s interpretations, but his explanations were clear so that the reader will understand why he lands where he does. I gladly recommend this commentary to you. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Other Reviews of Commentaries in the EBTC Series:
Disclaimer: My thanks to Lexham Press for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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