Galatians Debate - (Paperback)

About the Book

Familiarizes readers with the contemporary issues central to the interpretation of Galatians and presents examples of the prevailing points of view, along with recent challenges to these viewpoints.

Book Synopsis

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. The essays included explore the rhetorical and epistolary approaches to examining Galatians, comprise a comprehensive introduction to significant research in the field, and represent some of the best work available. Mark Nanos offers an introduction and glossary of terms to help students begin their study and a comprehensive volume bibliography and modern author and ancient sources indexes for those who are continuing on to further study.

Contributors
John M. G. Barclay
Robert M. Berchman
Hans Dieter Betz
C. Joachim Classen
Nils A. Dahl
James D. G. Dunn
Philip F. Esler
Paula Fredriksen
Robert G. Hall
G. Walter Hansen
A. E. Harvey
James D. Hester
Robert Jewett
Paul E. Koptak
B. C. Lategan
Troy Martin
J. Louis Martyn
Dieter Mitternacht
Mark D. Nanos
Joop Smit
Johan S. Vos
Nikolaus Walter

From the Back Cover

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.

Contributors
John M. G. Barclay
Robert M. Berchman
Hans Dieter Betz
C. Joachim Classen
Nils A. Dahl
James D. G. Dunn
Philip F. Esler
Paula Fredriksen
Robert G. Hall
G. Walter Hansen
A. E. Harvey
James D. Hester
Robert Jewett
Paul E. Koptak
B. C. Lategan
Troy Martin
J. Louis Martyn
Dieter Mitternacht
Mark D. Nanos
Joop Smit
Johan S. Vos
Nikolaus 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

About the Author

Mark D. Nanos (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is the author of The Mystery of Romans: The Jewish Context of Paul's Letter, which won the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish-Christian Relations. He also wrote The Irony of Galatians: Paul's Letter in First-Century Context and has contributed essays to various collected works.