Dunn, J. D. G. The Epistle to the Galatians. BNTC. Hendrickson, 1993 (375 pp.). D is best known for his contributions to the "New Perspective on Paul" discussion. Here, he offers a commentary that proceeds with the conviction that Galatians holds 'insights into the development of Paul's theology and its contextual character that cannot be found anywhere else' (vii). ID's contribution here is concerned, among other things, with unpacking this theological development. In his efforts, D has managed to keep his commentary uncluttered (no small feat in commentary writing). This may frustrate those in search of a more detailed treatment of textual issues and other technicalia (though he does work with his own translation of the text). While the commentary itself is not particularly remarkable (as is often the case with commentaries written for a more general audience), it does come from a significant figure with a proven track record for solid scholarship.

Hays, R. “The Letter to the Galatians.” NIB, 11. Abingdon, 2000 (916 pp.; 181-348).  A well-written treatise from a preeminent NT scholar known for his work on Paul. H disccusses helpul issues relative to this highly charged book: Paul’s reasons for writing the letter, historical ambiguities related to the “missionaries” he criticizes, and prominent theological themes in the book. Perhaps most importantly, H helps us to understand how to read Galatians as Scripture, i.e., as instruction, and formational to the life of the Church in whatever age it finds itself. Increasing the value of H’s commentary is his capacity for bringing the theology of Galatians to bear on issues in front of the church, e.g., the problem of cultural imperialism (the tendency--sadly even among Christians--to evaluate others by the criteria of one’s own culture), what it means to boast in the cross, and the significance of ‘new creation’ in Paul’s theology. One of today's most proficient commentators in uniting textual interpretation with theological reflection ("theological exegesis").

Longenecker, R. N. Galatians. WBC. Word, 1990 (323 pp.).  Similar to Dunn's treatment (above), though more technical, as per the style of the Word series. Of interest in this commentary is L's initial discussion of the impact Galatians has had on thinkers from the early church fathers to the reformers and up through the modern critical period. The rest of the rather lengthy introductory discussion is spent on questions of authorship, and the Hellenistic and Jewish background to the letter. The commentary is fairly standard, though L includes several excurses to round out the presentation: Antioch on the Orontes (river), Abraham’s faith and faithfulness in Jewish writing and Paul, and the Hagar-Sarah story in Jewish Writings and in Paul. These last two stand to be helpful in putting the particularity of Paul’s interpretation of Abraham, Sarah and Hagar in Galatians into relief against the backdrop of alternative interpretations, but the work still labors under historicist assumptions (e.g., Paul must be understood on the terms of Hellenistic and Antiochian literary conventions).

Matera, F. J. Galatians. SPS. Liturgical Press, 1992 (252 pp.).  SPS stands for Sacra Pagina Series, a Catholic commentary series devoted to 'the study of the "sacred page" (sacra pagina) as the "very soul of sacred thelogy" and to providing access to Sacred Scripture for all the Christian faithful' (vii). M offers a fresh translation and, moving beyond more popular treatments from other Catholic scholars, a detailed engagement with the letter. Readers may find his understanding of "works of the law" and "faith in/of Jesus Christ" provocative as he moves toward fresh interpretations of these two central joists in Paul's theology. Less convoluted than Longenecker (above), and for that reason, perhaps easier to consult. A very important work worth having on the desk.

Martyn, J. L. Galatians. AB. Doubleday, 1997 (614 pp,).  This is a lengthy and detailed treatment of the letter. From the start, M frames the activity of reading Galatians as the observance of a play or drama, an increasingly popular way of approaching biblical interpretation. This can have the effect of separating the reader (as audience) from the scriptural characters (as actors), leaving the impression that the modern reader is an autonomous consumer of entertainment rather than a co-laborer in the same kingdom life as those Paul sought to instruct in the various churches under his charge. However, if one can treat M's approach as a heuristic device, the commentary can in fact turn out to pay healthy dividends. Strong on exegetical detail, but weak on theological reflection in service to the church. Helpfully supplemented by Hays and Matera.