Galatians, Volume 9 - (New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament) by Nijay K Gupta (Paperback)

About the Book

Volumes in New Word Biblical Themes: New Testament series offer short, accessible studies of the key themes of each book of the New Testament. Each volume offers an introduction to the book, a brief exposition of the text, a survey of its contents, and a deeper look at 3-5 key themes for understanding the book and for preaching and teaching.

Book Synopsis

The study of Galatians has had a massive impact on Christianity throughout the ages, especially in the Reformation and modern eras. The language of "justification by faith" has generated vigorous discussion among Protestants and Catholics for more than 500 years. It would be easy to reengage this conversation again. But in this inaugural volume of the New Word Biblical Themes series, Nijay Gupta argues that Paul has much wider interests in view in Galatians. He argues that Paul's main theme in Galatians is family--who belongs within the household of God and how they are welcomed in.

While addressing additional key topics and themes like justification, faith, and freedom, Gupta skillfully unifies them under the overarching rubric of inclusion in God's family through participation in the Sonship of Jesus Christ. In God's household, the Son is the model, love is the culture, the cross is the family crest, and Christian brothers and sisters enjoy equal access, privilege, and status in the community in Christ.

Review Quotes

'Gupta's volume welcomes us to what he dubs the 'theological buffet of Galatians' and invites readers to sit down at the table and take part in an ongoing conversation. In doing so, he provides an ample menu, so to speak, in both topics and further reading lists, that promises to nourish discussions in classrooms and beyond.'----Kara Lyons-Pardue, professor of New Testament, Point Loma Nazarene University

'Gupta's Galatians offers a comprehensive and accessible survey of the epistle's content and major theological themes. His compelling argument that the letter's leitmotif is the theme of kinship or family sheds new light on familiar theological discussions, including justification by faith and participation in Christ.'--
--Lynn Cohick, distinguished professor of New Testament, Houston Christian University

'Readers are treated here with a reliable guide to what makes Galatians tick--its literary structure, history of scholarship, and the heart of Paul's gospel as it pertains to themes such as family, faith, and freedom.'----Joshua Jipp, professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

'Well-written, clear, insightful, and theologically rich, Gupta's and lt;iand gt;Galatiansand lt;/iand gt; is a fine guide to the heart of Paul's gospel logic in this early Christian letter. This volume will be a valuable resource for preaching, teaching, and worship in the church.'----Darian Lockett, professor of New Testament, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University

'In this inaugural New Word Biblical Themes volume, Nijay Gupta sets a high standard for the rest of the series. His clarity, sound judgment, and ability to help readers wrestle with and through these texts reflect a reverence borne of Christian identity and a level of knowledge manifesting the best of the academic enterprise.'and lt;brand gt;----David B. Capes, director, Lanier Theological Library


'In Galatians, Nijay Gupta offers an informative and engaging guide for understanding the crucial theological themes in Paul's letter. Readers will appreciate his brief overview of the background and content of the letter and clear explanations of the major scholarly conversations concerning the letter's theology.'----Janette H. Ok, associate professor of biblical studies, Fuller Seminary


'Nijay Gupta explores the many themes in Galatians around the poles of family, faith, and freedom. The result is a helpful introduction to many tricky topics including justification by faith, the law, circumcision and covenant, the fruit of the Spirit, gospel and law, and more.'and lt;brand gt;----Michael F. Bird, lecturer in theology, Ridley College

'Gupta not only introduces readers to Galatians and to recent Pauline scholarship bearing upon its interpretation, but he also flags and reflects upon three leading epistolary themes, namely, family, faith, and freedom. If you are looking for a scholarly point of entry into this celebrated and complicated Pauline letter, then look no further.'----Todd D. Still, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean & William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures, Baylor University