The Epistle to the Galatians

Mid-levelGeneral readers, Pastors-in-trainingStrong recommendation
Last updated: December 20, 2025
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Evaluation

Overall Score: 8.3/10

A careful and balanced evangelical exposition of Galatians that rewards close reading.

Publication Date(s): 1988
Pages: 344
ISBN: 9780802825271
Faithfulness to the Text: 8.5/10
We find careful attention to argument, language, and historical context throughout the exposition.
Christ Centredness: 8.5/10
We see the gospel of Christ at the heart of Paul’s defence of justification and freedom.
Depth of Insight: 8/10
We gain solid exegetical insight, though without extensive theological expansion.
Clarity of Writing: 8.5/10
We find the writing clear, measured, and well organised.
Pastoral Usefulness: 8/10
We find it helpful for preaching and teaching, particularly when paired with more overtly theological works.
Readability: 8/10
We find it accessible for steady reading and regular consultation.

Summary

At a Glance

Length
344 pages
Type
Exegetical (Technical)
Theo. Perspective
Broadly Evangelical
Overall score
8.3 / 10
Strength
Clear handling of Paul’s argument and historical situation.
Limitation
Less expansive in theological synthesis than some alternatives.

We find The Letter To The Galatians by Ronald Y. K. Fung to be a careful, disciplined, and text centred exposition of one of Paul’s most theologically urgent letters. Fung approaches Galatians with close attention to argument flow, historical situation, and the pastoral crisis that prompted the letter. The commentary reads Galatians as a unified defence of the gospel of grace against distortion, rather than a series of isolated polemical bursts.

We appreciate the way Fung traces Paul’s reasoning with clarity and restraint. Questions of law, justification, faith, and Christian freedom are handled with seriousness, while the letter’s emotional intensity and pastoral urgency are kept firmly in view. The exposition resists caricature and aims instead to let Paul’s own logic and language set the terms.

Why Should I Own This Commentary?

We should own this commentary because it offers a reliable and balanced guide through one of the New Testament’s most contested texts. Fung works carefully with the Greek text and engages interpretive debates without turning the commentary into a battleground. This makes it a steady resource for those who want clarity rather than controversy.

We also value the way this volume serves proclamation. While academically serious, it consistently helps readers see how Galatians functions as pastoral correction aimed at preserving the freedom of the gospel. The relationship between doctrine and Christian living is handled with care.

At times the tone is restrained rather than forceful, and readers looking for extended theological synthesis may want to supplement it elsewhere. Even so, its strength lies in its disciplined focus on what the text itself is saying.

Closing Recommendation

We recommend this volume as a dependable and thoughtful commentary on Galatians. It may not dominate the field, but it remains a solid and trustworthy guide for pastors and students who want careful exegesis without excess.

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Classification

  • Level: Mid-level
  • Best For: General readers, Pastors-in-training
  • Priority: Strong recommendation

Reviewed by

An Expositor