The Message of Galatians (The Bible Speaks Today Series) Paperback – August 13, 1984

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.

When I start a study on a particular book of the bible, after a general reading of the text, I go through the introductions to whatever commentaries I may be using. For me, this is important. I like to have a thorough feel for the who, what, when, where, and why of the text at hand. When I started Galatians, I was surprised to find that this volume has no introduction apart from the 6 page 'review' at the end of the book. For that reason, I can't recommend this book as your only commentary on Galatians.That being said, it's still classic John Stott. He has a unique, often catchy, way of bringing the text to life that is eminently useful for sermon and lesson preparation. If you've used and enjoyed his other work, you're likely to also enjoy this one. I would recommend using this as a supplement to a more thoroughly exegetical commentary with a proper introduction.

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.

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.

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 book on Galatians is typical John Stott - He is to the point - yet in devotional method - discussing the problem existing and Paul's answer to the problems - Easy reading and understanding - After reading this book you will understand the book of Galatians better when you read it again.

This is one of my favorite books of all time. I regularly teach a course on the book of Galatians and John Stott's commentary is invaluable to me. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to understand how much Jesus has already done what we all strive to do for ourselves in our own merit and performance. This writing helps me and reminds me that what Jesus did was and still is ENOUGH and I am free to live in the truth of His righteousness.

This kind of gospel was never preached by the Early Church Fathers. I prefer to read them. I've moved on from these kind of teachings as I didn't find them helpful or accurate.

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

Just as described thanks, excellent

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