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Praise for Galatians: A Participatory Study Guide

Combining the knowledge of a proven scholar, the pastoral sensitively of a parish minister, and the creativity of a seasoned writer, Bruce Epperly roots his study of Paul’s letter to the Galatians in its historical and literary context while bringing it right to the time of today’s readers. His ability to bring these two worlds together by making us Galatians for our own time opens afresh for us this revolutionary and liberating epistle, which argues that the gospel of God’s revelation in Jesus is open to all. Indeed, as Epperly points out, “Paul’s open-spirited and – dare I say – radical and progressive message enabled the Christian movement to become global in scope.” While maintaining his focus on Galatians, Epperly also works in passages from some of Paul’s other letters, showing readers Paul’s concern for maintaining unity and diversity across Christianity in the first century as the gospel spread to diverse communities. Those same concerns appeal to Christians in the 21st century; perhaps even more so. Epperly passionately uses Paul’s words to remind Christians today that we are free in Christ, but that such “freedom finds its fullest expression in loving relationships that take into consideration the needs of others.” I highly recommend Galatians: A Participatory Guide to anyone, but especially to Christian communities who are seeking not only to read Galatians together, but who desire to be transformed by its liberating power.

C. Drew Smith, Ph.D.

Author of Reframing a Relevant Faith,

Director of the Center for International Programs

Henderson State University, AR

Bruce Epperly’s work is one of a pastoral genius. He doesn’t sacrifice the academic, but finds a way to make what the academy has been doing for the past 50 years actually usable. Rather than a dry rehashing of either Reformation-era theology or a classroom lecture, Epperly treats Galatians as if it was a spiritual discipline, allowing us the chance to read it, pray it, and live it.

Joel Watts, Unsettled Christianity.com

and author of From Fear to Faith, Charleston, WV

Bruce Epperly’s work on Galatians is a welcome breath of fresh air for local congregations who want to engage the Scriptures with both head and heart. Weaving together multiple forms of critical biblical study in an accessible narrative, Epperly provides a thought-provoking and spirit-enlivening window into this Pauline letter, offering insight into the biblical world at the same time as inviting relevant conversation about how this letter speaks to communities in this age.

As a pastor in a large urban church whose congregants run the gamut from life-long Christians to those new to any spiritual journey, this study guide uniquely provides material that can feed and stimulate participants from a wide range of backgrounds, experience and knowledge. For those who are looking for individual or small group study material that not only encourages but insists on questioning and wrestling with the biblical text in the midst of people’s own contexts, this study will not disappoint.

Epperly’s work offers not only intellectual engagement with the text but also provides tools for multiple forms of prayerful encounter. Drawing on ancient and new traditions, he encourages students of Scripture to allow the Spirit to speak to them as they listen for what the text says to their own lives. Rarely do biblical study guides provide quality critical analysis along with multiple models of spiritual discernment. Providing both offers individuals and group leaders a creative space in which to shape their study of Galatians.

This guide is one that will allow those who have been turned off by biblical studies that ignore both current critical thinking on scripture and the world around them to engage the texts again with renewed hope for finding a word of truth for their lives.

Rev. Sandra K. Olewine, Pastor

First United Methodist Church, Pasadena, CA