Galatians Commentary

Paul’s epistle to the Galatians is often used to argue that the Apostle had come to a new realization about his former belief in Judaism. Most mainstream Christian scholars, pastors, and teachers argue that Paul believed the covenant given to Moses was done away with and that Christ had brought the Church into a new age that was governed no longer by law but by grace.

Tim Hegg challenges this view in his commentary on the book of Galatians. Tim approaches this text with a fresh understanding that Paul did not give up his heritage but instead saw Yeshua as the fulfillment of what he had longed for. In this framework, Tim sees Galatians not as a work against the laws of God but as a letter that affirms all covenant members, whether Jew or Gentile, are welcomed into the family of God.

Tim looks at the historical backdrop of the first-century by exploring various debates that were taking place. For instance, Tim spends time looking at table fellowship in the first-century and why the Jews did not think it was lawful to eat with Gentiles. This paints the backdrop of Paul’s criticism of Peter and helps the reader better understand the context in which Paul is writing. Tim also looks at phrases that Paul uses like “works of the law.” Many may not realize that this phrase was not something Paul came up with, but was used by Jewish sectarian groups in the surrounding culture. Tim’s look at this phrase along with other key terms helps us better grasp the criticisms and exhortations Paul gives within his letter.

This commentary is an invaluable resource for anyone who is attempting to better understand the Epistle to the Galatians and read this work through the lens that Paul originally intended, through the lens of the Torah itself. When this approach is taken, Paul’s work takes on a whole new meaning.

Tim goes through this book verse by verse attempting to see Paul first and foremost as a Jewish theologian of the first-century, instead of a convert to a much later system of Christianity. With such an approach Tim is able to place the book back in its original context. No longer is Paul seen as someone who abandoned his heritage or his theological understanding of the law, but rather, he is seen as a Jewish theologian of the first-century that found the true Messiah that he had been waiting for and now wanted Jews and Gentiles to come to this same faith. Paul did not start a new religion, but rather, he taught Yeshua through the lens and understanding of the Torah and the prophets.

This book is 284 pages, softcover.