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Galatians

Bruce, F. F., NIGTC. Eerdmans
This is a very good work. A pastor could pair it with Timothy George for good coverage of the book. Add an exposition and your set.




Burton, E. D., ICC, T and T Clark
It is highly technical and somewhat individualistic in its judgments. It is still valuable for those competent in Greek. (John's is a little dusty.) It is more for the scholar than the Pastor. It is quite dated when it comes to interaction with modern scholarly issues (1921 publishing date.)




Cole, R. A. TNTC, Eerdmans




Dunn, James. BNTC, Hendrickson
It is a well written work from the "New Perspective.




Fung, R. V. K., NICNT, Eerdmans
This is the standard evangelical work. John is pleased, but not excited




George, Timothy, NAC, B & H
It is written by a church historian. John has worked his way through it and found it helpful.




Hansen, Walter, INPNTC, Intervarsity
New Perspective




Hendricksen, William, NTC, Baker (bound with Ephesians)
This is John's sentimental pick. He first preached Galatians before he went to seminary. Hendricksen was his guide. (He also had the Ridderbos (old NICNT) and books by Wiersbe, Ironside's sermons, and Luther's Works.)




Guthrie, Donald, NCB, EerdmansIt is fine, but cannot compete with the fuller treatments.




Hays, Richard, NIB, Abingdon
John might buy if it was a freestanding volume.




Lightfoot, J. B. (Several Reprints)
John does not think a pastor needs it. Use it in the seminary library and see what you think.




Longnecker, Richard, WBC, Nelson
It is helpful, but John found it uninspiring. Some others folks like it much better. Alain notes that is good for introductory issues




Martyn, J. Louis, AB, Doubleday
This is important for scholarly work.




Mc Knight, Scott, NIVAC, Zondervan
If you are into the "New Perspective on Paul", it is more valuable. It is well written.




Stott, John W., BST, Intervarsity
Every Sunday School teacher and Pastor should buy it.




Witherington, Ben, Grace in Galatia, Eerdmans
It might make a good choice for a 3rd or 4th commentary. Arminian




John's Picks

1. Bruce
2. George
3. Fung
4. Stott, Hendricksen, Mc Knight, or Witherington

Alain's Picks for Students/Scholars

1. Bruce
2. Martin
3. Longnecker
4. Burton

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"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Gal 5:6b

Pastor John C. Blackburn

it is interesting that Bruce's work on Galatians still ranks #1 for both you & Alain yet was written way back in '82 -- is it that superior that no one has topped it since? -- i hope to go through it this summer, myself

i've noticed in quite a few areas that the newer commentaries have surpassed the older in your ratings so the fact Bruce remains #1 here is noteworthy

btw -- is Alain no longer adding to these commentary threads?

Hi Paco, Alain's other obligations have prevented him from participating.

We are waiting for several commentaries that will rival or supersede Bruce's work. I have read that Carson (PIllar), Moo (BECNT), and Schriener (ZEC) are scheduled to provide volumes on Galatians. These projections do not always come to pass, but I remain hopeful.

John

_________________
"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Gal 5:6b

Pastor John C. Blackburn

Schriener (ZEC) is due to be released 12/3/10 according to CBD -- haven't heard anything on the other 2 forthcoming books you mentioned -- this is such a pivotal Book (well, ALL of them are, right?) that i wonder why it hasn't received more attention -- we've added this to my Wishlist...