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Rating: 
Summary: Thorough and Very Useful
Review: Richard Longenecker's volume on Galatians in the Word Biblical Commentary remains one of the strongest Evangelical treatments of this important epistle. Longenecker conforms to the WBC format, which results in a work more useful for scholars and preachers than laymen. Still, I have used the commentary in preparation for teaching Adult Sunday School as well as research. Longenecker is especially strong in presenting Galatians as an ethical as well as a theological work, and in this regard the commentary is an essential source for communicating the practical ethic of the early church to the contemporary one.
Rating: 
Summary: A bit difficult, but clearly one of the best on Galatians
Review: This is a fine accomplishment from an excellent evangelical scholar. The introduction is comprehensive and the exegesis is thorough and lucid. Longenecker produces a lot of work with the Greek text, but the exegesis flows nicely. The format of the WBC series can be difficult, but the rewards are worth the effort. Longenecker concludes each section with a summary of the exegesis. Longenecker has attempted to exegete the text without presupposing a particular perspective on Pauline theology. Therefore, we find him in agreement with some aspects of the "New Perspective" (Sanders, Dunn, et al), and in agreement with some aspects of more traditional views. His treatment of the North/South Galatian issue is very helpful. His conclusions in favor of the South Galatian theory are very convincing. Overall, I think that Richard Longenecker and F.F. Bruce (NIGTC) have provided the best work on Galatians, with Ben Witherington (Socio-Rhetorical Commentary) offering extra details on the sociological and cultural situation and Paul's use of rhetorical method, and Timothy George (NAC) providing the best defense of the traditional Reformation understanding. Ronald Fung (NICNT) is good for a solid and well reasoned explanation of Galatians. With these commentaries, we should have a very good understanding of this great epistle.
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