Galatians Debate

Students and scholars reading the secondary literature on Galatians must often negotiate specialized language and complex lines of argumentation. In addition to the theological jargon that traditionally characterizes discussion of Galatians, there is also a significant amount of rhetorical and sociohistorical terminology. This volume facilitates familiarity with the technical terminology and with issues central to the interpretation of Galatians and presents examples of the prevailing points of view as well as some recent challenges to them.ContributorsJohn M. G. BarclayRobert M. BerchmanHans Dieter BetzC. Joachim ClassenNils A. DahlJames D. G. DunnPhilip F. EslerPaula FredriksenRobert G. HallG. Walter HansenA. E. HarveyJames D. HesterRobert JewettPaul E. KoptakB. C. LateganTroy MartinJ. Louis MartynDieter MitternachtMark D. NanosJoop SmitJohan S. VosNikolaus Walter"The strong theology and the important autobiographical dates contained in Paul's Letter to the Galatians have made it a focal point in Pauline scholarship. This prompted editor Nanos to collect some key essays on some of the central issues in Galatians as a kind of handbook for students of Paul. The essays--all of them by noted scholars--are grouped under three headings: the rhetorical style and structure of the letter; the autobiographical materials in chapters 1-2 of the letter; and the situation or context that prompted the writing of the letter. The editor provides a thorough introduction that situates each essay in the present context of Pauline studies."--The Bible Today"The book is an excellent reference work and would make a good textbook for an advanced degree course on Galatians."--Religious Studies Review"Any reader who wants to become familiar with the current debate within the rhetorical features of the letter, the significance of Galatians 1 and 2, and the problems involved in identifying the situation Paul was addressing, could hardly do better than to study the essays included here."--Westminster Theological Journal"For the reader prepared to sift material from disparate angles and competing paradigms, this well-structured volume presents an efficient entrée to the critical study of Galatians."--Reformed Theological Review