John Brown is the author of the Galatians volume in the Geneva Series of Commentaries. This book and series is published by the Banner of Truth Trust.
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While attending the Banner of Truth Ministers Conference in 2019, Ian Hamilton mentioned this commentary by Brown as one that must be read by all Gospel ministers. Just like that, it was added to my wishlist. Anytime a man of God such as Ian Hamilton drops a book recommendation like that, we would do well to take heed! So with that being said, let’s check out Brown’s work on Galatians.
Galatians (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
Paul’s letter to the Galatian church is known as a beautiful exposition of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, particularly the heart of that gospel (i.e. justification by faith alone). Brown provides a great blessing to the church by exegeting this letter and teaching its meaning and points of application to the church.
When I read Brown’s commentary on chapter two of the epistle, I was blown away by his handling of the text. If one would look to the footnotes, much Greek would be found there. I appreciate that Brown’s more technical dealings of the text were relegated to the footnotes (please read them, they are well worth the read) because it makes the main body of text much easier to follow and understand.
I think that most lay persons will likely appreciate the Greek being placed in the footnotes. My main point here through is that Brown is masterful at articulating the richness and depth of this letter in very understanding ways. It’s as if the footnotes were provided for the scholar and experienced preacher while Brown kept the main body for all of the church. I appreciate this format, and I’m sure most people will also. Speaking of footnotes, when arriving at 2:16, there is a footnote that is two pages long on the term “justified” as it appears in verse 16 for the first time. It is excellent!
In addition to Brown’s excellent commentary on the text of Galatians, there is also a great appendix on Calvin’s exposition of Galatians 4:1-7. Following that, there is also an index on the following: principal matters, Hebrew words or phrases explained, Greek words or phrases explained, authors quoted or referred to, and passages of Scripture quoted or remarked on.
The only gripe that I could possibly muster up in regards to this book is the lack of translation in the footnotes. Sometimes Brown provides notes and quotes of other theologians and historians, but the quote is left in the original language. I would love to know what those quotes are saying! Beyond this, I have nothing but praise for this excellent gift to the church.
As with all of Banner of Truth’s books, I can’t recommend this highly enough! Tolle Lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
More Book Reviews in the Geneva Series of Commentaries
- Acts (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
- Colossians (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
- Hebrews (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
- Psalms (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
- Romans (Geneva Series of Commentaries)
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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