Galatians: The Charter of Christian Liberty

by Merrill C. Tenney

Publisher:

Eerdmans

, 1989

Overview

A commentary on a particular book of the Bible ordinarily employs one of several possible methods of study. In this absorbing study of the Epistle to the Galatians, Merrill C. Tenney provides the reader with a concise and comprehensive analysis of Galatians by devoting a chapter to each of ten different methods of Bible study: synthetic, critical, biographical, historical, theological, rhetorical, topical, analytical, comparative, and devotional. Their inclusion in one volume provides a stimulating, rich source of material for the study of Galatians, as well as a basis for the study of other books of the Bible. For some time the author has had the conviction that there is room in the field of biblical exegesis for a work which should encourage the lover of the Bible to pursue its study for himself. There are so many treasures in the Word of God that no one commentary or treatise can contain all of them; and since one book can deal with only a few at the most, the best procedure is to show how the treasures can be unlocked, and let the reader use the key for himself.

Many extensive commentaries and critical essays have been written on Galatians, and this book does not pretend to supersede them. It is an attempt to present ten different approaches to the meaning of the biblical text, and to illustrate each so that the reader can imitate the procedure and thus have the joy of making original discoveries in the divine revelation. The sum total of these illustrations will provide a representative treatment of Galatians. This book was written to promote a more thorough understanding of the Galatians Epistle as a whole, both in its original context and its modern application. Those who are well-founded in Scripture will enjoy the various methods of investigation used to gain a fuller knowledge of the literary work the Apostle Paul has given us. Those less developed in their understanding of God’s Word should gain a much better knowledge of the history and circumstances surrounding the text.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Christian liberty is the central theme of the letter” (Page 26)

“Galatians is the charter of freedom from externalism in worship and from frustration in personal spiritual life” (Page 19)

“The first reading of the book should be careful but rapid; and the main quest should be for the central theme” (Page 26)

“This book is a series of pictures of what spiritual life should be, not just a formulary of precepts” (Page 18)

“The synthetic method ignores detail, and treats only of the interpretation of a document as a whole” (Page 26)

Praise for the Print Edition

Both the lay reader as well as the theological student will find much of profit in a serious perusal of this book for the understanding of this important Epistle as well as for developing good habits of critical study of the Scriptures.

—Bruce M. Metzger, Princeton Seminary Bulletin

In this highly esteemed volume, Tenney brings together ten different tools of Bible discovery and devotes an entire chapter to each, applying it to the Epistle to the Galatians and examining the unique aspects brought forth. An excellent training guide enabling all students of biblical knowledge to gain fresh perspectives by varying their approaches.

—Online Reviewer

Product Details

• Title: Galatians: The Charter of Christian Liberty
• Author: Merrill C. Tenney
• Publisher: Eerdmans
• Publication Date: 1978
• Pages: 216

About Merrill C. Tenney

Merrill Chapin Tenney (1904–1985) served on the original translation team for the New American Standard Bible. Tenney earned degrees from Gordon College of Theology and Missions, Boston University, and Harvard University. After serving as a pastor in Massachusetts, Tenney began teaching the New Testament and Greek at Wheaton College and served as dean of the graduate school and professor of Bible and theology for several years.

Tenney was also the general editor of the Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary, and in 1951, he became the second president of the Evangelical Theological Society, an academic society of scholars, teachers, and pastors.

Among Tenney’s many books are John: The Gospel of Belief, Illustrated Manner and Customs of the Bible, New International Bible Dictionary, Galatians: The Charter of Christian Liberty, and New Testament Times.