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Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary
Galatians: Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary
Galatians reveals how Christ changes everything.
Matthew S. Harmon traces the argument of Paul's most polemic letter. In Galatians, Paul defends his authority and attacks his opponents' arguments―and in both cases, the decisive factor is the Gospel. History and Scripture must be interpreted in light of Christ's arrival. The new creation has broken in, leaving nothing unaltered. Harmon plumbs Galatians' theological depth, including its view of sin and exile, apocalyptic antitheses, the Trinity, Isaiah's servant figure, the law, righteousness, and faith(fulness).
The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon―all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.
Matthew S. Harmon traces the argument of Paul's most polemic letter. In Galatians, Paul defends his authority and attacks his opponents' arguments―and in both cases, the decisive factor is the Gospel. History and Scripture must be interpreted in light of Christ's arrival. The new creation has broken in, leaving nothing unaltered. Harmon plumbs Galatians' theological depth, including its view of sin and exile, apocalyptic antitheses, the Trinity, Isaiah's servant figure, the law, righteousness, and faith(fulness).
The Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series locates each biblical book within redemptive history and illuminates its unique theological contributions. All EBTC volumes feature informed exegetical treatment of the biblical book and thorough discussion of its most important theological themes in relation to the canon―all in a style that is useful and accessible to students of Scripture.
552 pages, Hardcover
Published December 1, 2021
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Matthew S. Harmon
19 books20 followersMatthew S. Harmon (PhD, Wheaton College) is professor of New Testament studies at Grace College and Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 24, 2022
Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a strong defense of the Gospel as well as Paul’s own authority. The latest in Lexham Press’ Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary series, Galatians by Matthew S. Harmon is an accurate and outstanding edition to help you understand what God is saying in Galatians.
Adoption and Sons
Harmon’s precision with the Greek is a forte. In Galatians 4:5, he specifically looks at the phrase “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” He points out that the verb translated “receive” is often used to refer to receiving something from God, sometimes even in eschatological contexts. The term “adoption as sons” is uniquely Pauline and often has a particular emphasis on the legal status of the one adopted as an heir.
Furthermore, Harmon knows how to connect the New Testament with the Old Testament. “Adoption” is present in at least two places: Genesis 16:2 and Exodus 2:10. “Adoption” is one of Israel’s blessings (Rom 9:4) and probably refers to God describing the Israelite’s as “my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22-23). This is a small sample of how Harmon’s grasp of the text and Biblical theology is exemplary.
Salvation and Faith
My favorite part of the EBTC series is the section on Biblical and Theological Themes. Harmon presses into salvation, God, and the phrase “the servant of the Lord.” Interestingly, he concludes that this phrase is synthesized to show that Jesus is the Servant of the Lord who dwells in Paul. Paul is the servant in Isaiah 49 and Jesus is the servant from Isaiah 53. The key is in Galatians 2:20, revealing a self-understanding and a fulfillment of Scripture -- to fulfill the Servant's commission to be a light to the nations. This reveal was extremely fascinating and satisfying.
Towards the end of the book, Harmon brings up the debate on the phrases regarding faith -- do they refer to “faith in Christ’ or “the faithfulness of Christ?” Harmon is persuaded that the objective genitive makes the best sense, and the phrase refers to the believers’ faith in Jesus Christ.
Believers and the Family of God
A table of Old Testament passages Paul uses in Galatians concludes the book. It is a fitting way for Harmon to showcase his strengths in observing the entire Bible -- noting the primacy of the Abrahamic covenant -- and an ultimate fulfillment of believers belonging to the family of God.
I received a media copy of Galatians (EBTC) and this is my honest review.
Adoption and Sons
Harmon’s precision with the Greek is a forte. In Galatians 4:5, he specifically looks at the phrase “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” He points out that the verb translated “receive” is often used to refer to receiving something from God, sometimes even in eschatological contexts. The term “adoption as sons” is uniquely Pauline and often has a particular emphasis on the legal status of the one adopted as an heir.
Furthermore, Harmon knows how to connect the New Testament with the Old Testament. “Adoption” is present in at least two places: Genesis 16:2 and Exodus 2:10. “Adoption” is one of Israel’s blessings (Rom 9:4) and probably refers to God describing the Israelite’s as “my firstborn son” (Exodus 4:22-23). This is a small sample of how Harmon’s grasp of the text and Biblical theology is exemplary.
Salvation and Faith
My favorite part of the EBTC series is the section on Biblical and Theological Themes. Harmon presses into salvation, God, and the phrase “the servant of the Lord.” Interestingly, he concludes that this phrase is synthesized to show that Jesus is the Servant of the Lord who dwells in Paul. Paul is the servant in Isaiah 49 and Jesus is the servant from Isaiah 53. The key is in Galatians 2:20, revealing a self-understanding and a fulfillment of Scripture -- to fulfill the Servant's commission to be a light to the nations. This reveal was extremely fascinating and satisfying.
Towards the end of the book, Harmon brings up the debate on the phrases regarding faith -- do they refer to “faith in Christ’ or “the faithfulness of Christ?” Harmon is persuaded that the objective genitive makes the best sense, and the phrase refers to the believers’ faith in Jesus Christ.
Believers and the Family of God
A table of Old Testament passages Paul uses in Galatians concludes the book. It is a fitting way for Harmon to showcase his strengths in observing the entire Bible -- noting the primacy of the Abrahamic covenant -- and an ultimate fulfillment of believers belonging to the family of God.
I received a media copy of Galatians (EBTC) and this is my honest review.
January 11, 2022
Paul's letter to the Galatians has captivated many Christians for centuries, including John Wesley, Luther, Calvin. But what makes this letter so engaging and challenging at the same time? The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Currently, we can find various commentaries and annotations on this letter, and recently among them, we have the commentary written by Dr. Matthew S. Harmon, which is part of the "Evangelical Biblical Theology Commentary" series. A series that offers to the reader a deep and enriching exploration of biblical theology and clear and accessible exegetical expositions. But not only this, but it also offers a series of key themes of the book / letter and how they relate to all of Scripture. Therefore, the reader will not have an isolated idea of the writing but a more complete idea, seeing how it is related to everything.
Returning to Dr. Harmon's commentary on Galatians, we find the introductory issues of the letter, which are dealt with precisely. Regarding the exposition of the texts, we find a triad: context, in which we are offered a general idea of the passage to be treated; structure, how the passage is formed, exegetical or syntactic matters; bridge, how we apply the principles found in that passage.
Finally, we find the biblical and theological themes, starting from the history of salvation, first a big topic: the Abrahamic covenant, which is a very relevant and central issue in the letter to the Galatians, to the apocalyptic antithesis, a theme that we frequently encounter. in Galatians. Likewise, other topics are developed such as God, the law, humanity, Paul’s use of the Old Testament in Galatians, etc.
I particularly enjoy the distinctiveness of this series, that is, the relationship of the key themes of the letter to the canon. Usually, when we read a commentary, its focus is precisely the book or letter it addresses, and we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the canon. Therefore, the EBTC series is of great benefit to pastors and teachers.
Returning to Dr. Harmon's commentary on Galatians, we find the introductory issues of the letter, which are dealt with precisely. Regarding the exposition of the texts, we find a triad: context, in which we are offered a general idea of the passage to be treated; structure, how the passage is formed, exegetical or syntactic matters; bridge, how we apply the principles found in that passage.
Finally, we find the biblical and theological themes, starting from the history of salvation, first a big topic: the Abrahamic covenant, which is a very relevant and central issue in the letter to the Galatians, to the apocalyptic antithesis, a theme that we frequently encounter. in Galatians. Likewise, other topics are developed such as God, the law, humanity, Paul’s use of the Old Testament in Galatians, etc.
I particularly enjoy the distinctiveness of this series, that is, the relationship of the key themes of the letter to the canon. Usually, when we read a commentary, its focus is precisely the book or letter it addresses, and we are somewhat isolated from the rest of the canon. Therefore, the EBTC series is of great benefit to pastors and teachers.
September 6, 2024
See my fuller review at SpoiledMilks (July 18, 2024)
Matthew Harmon offers a great commentary on Galatians within an evangelical Reformed lens. He is careful to bring in the OT to show us how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to his people in the OT, particularly how God would bless the whole world through Abraham and his seed. Harmon brings in the story of Scripture (biblical theology) so that you can understand Galatians, the previous role of the law, and the role of faith in Christ’s work now. He is consistent and clear in his exegesis, showing how Scripture helps interpret Scripture. This is written at a semi-technical level. While it is not devotional, it is not full of technical jargon and comes with bridges of application. The applications Harmon gives are not specific (this is the NIVAC or SGBC commentary), but they help guide us into how we should think as God’s justified people who have his long-promised Holy Spirit.
This is a worthy commentary for any teacher or pastor.
Matthew Harmon offers a great commentary on Galatians within an evangelical Reformed lens. He is careful to bring in the OT to show us how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises to his people in the OT, particularly how God would bless the whole world through Abraham and his seed. Harmon brings in the story of Scripture (biblical theology) so that you can understand Galatians, the previous role of the law, and the role of faith in Christ’s work now. He is consistent and clear in his exegesis, showing how Scripture helps interpret Scripture. This is written at a semi-technical level. While it is not devotional, it is not full of technical jargon and comes with bridges of application. The applications Harmon gives are not specific (this is the NIVAC or SGBC commentary), but they help guide us into how we should think as God’s justified people who have his long-promised Holy Spirit.
This is a worthy commentary for any teacher or pastor.
August 11, 2022
Brilliant commentary. The biblical/theological theme work that comprises the last 100 pages is excellent but could have been more integrated. So a great tool but imo an imperfect format. Harmon has done a great job.
August 20, 2024
Excellent commentary on Galatians!
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this commentary is set apart by its attention to biblical theology, but with chps. 3-4 you’ll want to have Harmon on your shelf.
If you’re preaching/studying through Galatians, and you’re able, I’d recommend: Moo, Harmon, and Schreiner.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, this commentary is set apart by its attention to biblical theology, but with chps. 3-4 you’ll want to have Harmon on your shelf.
If you’re preaching/studying through Galatians, and you’re able, I’d recommend: Moo, Harmon, and Schreiner.
January 30, 2025
This is a fantastic commentary on Galatians, a full scholarly explanation of the text along with theological themes, with application for the contemporary church in nearly every verse.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews