Interpreting Galatians

Deacon · Apr 22, 2010

Interpreting Galatians: Explorations in Exegetical Method.
by Moisés Silva, (2001).

The distinguished author provides an exceptional commentary on Galatians but it’s the introduction to the book that distinguishes this commentary from the others. In the 26 page introduction Silva delves into the history of how Galatians has been interpreted from the earliest times until now. The introduction provides broad principles on how to properly interpret scripture and how to apply the results in our culture; the commentary that follows demonstrates the results of his methodology.

…[W]e can very easily become slaves of [an interpretive] tradition if we ignore it or deny that we are affected by it. The most effective way to be freed from such bondage is to understand the tradition and to evaluate it fairly, accepting the good and rejecting the bad. Indeed, we must learn to regard the interpretive history of the church the way we regard our pastors and others who have taught us about Christ, namely, as gifts from God. Today, we can stand on the shoulders of many faithful servants of the Word. Their work, of course, has to be used cautiously—after all, they were imperfect sinners. But we do not need to redo all of that work. Much of it, having proven its worth through the centuries, provides a reliable framework for our interpretation. And all of it, even what we cannot accept, will teach us something very important about the way Scripture has molded God’s people through the ages. (18)
Click to expand...

Rob

Useful Searches

Interpreting Galatians

Deacon Well-Known Member Site Supporter

Deacon Well-Known Member
Site Supporter