The Message of Galatians (The Bible Speaks Today Series)

John Stott is a first-rate scholar! His analysis of Galatians is as much for today as it was for the Galatian people two thousand years ago. Why do people want to have "Jesus and...." something else for salvation? The simplicity of the gospel still does not sit well with the depravity of man's heart and intellect. We always want to do something to "help" God. We want to do "our part." We want to add something that makes us "feel good," and treat it as part of the "salvation package" This is a personal insult to Jesus as relates to the "finished" work of the cross. No "act" we do or don't do counts one iota towards our salvation. The fact that the apostle Paul stood "face to face" with the apostle Peter and called him out in front of other Christians for his error shows who really understood the essence of how salvation is obtained-- "by faith and...and...and...nothing else!"

Unfortunately I am not very good at reading the Bible on my own. On the other hand, I find many devotionals too superficial and don't like the fact that they skip around. On the other hand, I want to take seriously the challenge to study the scriptures dilligently. I have recently started reading commentaries like this and the expositional commentaries by R.C. Sproul as daily devotionals. This has worked well for me because they cover entire books of the Bible, so that things are not taken out of context. They also do things like provide historical background and word studies that help in really understanding the text. I found this one very readable and challenging.

While Stott claims that the Bible Speaks Today series (of which this work on Galatians-Thessalonians is a part) is not a set of commentaries but something less ambitious, "studies," I keep the books that he writes in the series close by as I teach an adult Sunday School class. Stott is a model of clarity, has insight borne of many years of study and ministry, and gives you what you need quickly. He also gives you his sources, mainly through his footnotes, providing a bibliography for the amateur bible student, as I am. For example, in Galatians, Stott makes great use of Luther's commentary - a source that is available from Amazon for download on Kindle without charge.

I think that this commentary is very much like other Stott commentaries that I have used (Ephesians & Romans). He gives great phrases for teaching and preaching. For example in chapter 1:1 he goes into detail about what an apostle was from a Jewish perspective. Then he gives a mini excursus on NT apostleship...and teaches that there can be no more apostles in any sense. He does not offer convincing evidence for his position. The problem with all of this is that none of it comes from the Galatians text he is discussing. There isn't anything in Galatians 1:1 that would tell us in any way that apostles are not for today. That sort of conclusion is not exegetical and is debated hotly in various circles. So you must watch out for Stott to give one side of a debated issue without clueing you in on the other views. So why do I rate this a four star? Why do so many people like Stott's stuff? I think that it's really good to use Stott's material for innovative and catchy phrases that summarize the terminology well. He often has an innovative outline of whatever he is teaching on. Galatians is no exception to that rule. Another thing that is great about this commentary is that it follows his matching bible study guides. So a Bible Study Leader can use Stott to start discussions, and if he has read this book, he has more meat to add to the discussions. To round out Stott, I heartily recommend the following additions. Since FF Bruce has a commentary on Galatians, I recommend his. Also Fung's NICNT on Galatians is very careful to thoroughly explore the most reasonable options and show why one is superior over the others. Both of them are really good. One more point...Stott sometimes interacts with popular pressures from different camps. For example in Galatians 1:1-2 he interacts with the radical camp and then turns to interact with the catholic theologians. For the radicals he says that Paul's apostolic authority is divine and higher than the contemporary authority they claim is equal to Paul. For the catholics, he says that apostolic succession is not a biblical concept. In these interactions he is very convincing. He provides answers for people who may be hearing things from these two popular groups that are contrary to Paul's teaching in Galatians. So for his interactions, fresh phraseology and innovative outlines, I recommend Stott heartily. Just check his exegesis...he should not be the solo commentary for a study on Galatians. If you can only get one, I recommend Fung's or Bruce's. Having said that, I will keep using Stott whenever I study Galatians. He is excellent overall. I'm grateful to have this commentary in my office.

The book met my expectations with a full and comprehensive revelation of the work of Paul during this particular season of his evangelistic journey. The book really exposed the "watershed" moment of the Christian faith being an experience of faith or works. John Stott's writing revealed the narrow lane by which "grace" through the power of the "Holy Spirit" working through Paul, made the difference. The writing was well written in a systematic easy to follow order. John Stott elaborated on his talking points very well giving the reader a clear and full understanding at the books completion. I recommend the book with an "A" rating.

This is a great commentary for pastors, teachers and students alike. John Stott does a good job of covering both the message of this letter for the audience of that time (the Galatians) and its relevance for us today.

How does one rate a book that is not just read but actually spiritually ingested as food and drink? My very walk with Christ has been enriched, my eyes enlightened by John Stott's unfolding the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit opening my understanding. On a regular basis, as I read and study this book, I find myself saying, "I never saw that before." I thank God for blessing this generation with pastor/teachers like Stott.

I love anything written by John Stott.

Very happy with this book. As usual John Stott clearly demonstrates the importance and significance of the ltter for Christians today.

Stott is as excellent as ever in this book. Never disappoints. A highly recommended sure and simple guide.

I would recommend this book for private or group study. John Stott has an amazing understanding of God's word. Very readable and helpful.

Good commentary. Easy to read and follow