Reformed Expository Commentary: Galatians

Philip Graham Ryken interprets Galatians in line with Reformation teaching on this epistle, especially with respect to the doctrine of justification by faith alone. "Properly understood, the gracious gospel of Galatians liberates us from legalism," Ryken writes. "But since we are legalists by nature, the book challenges many of our preconceptions about what it means to have a right relationship with God." Ryken primarily employs the ESV.

About the Author :
Philip Graham Ryken is president of Wheaton College. He is Bible teacher for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, speaking nationally on the radio program Every Last Word. Dr. Ryken was educated at Wheaton College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and the University of Oxford, where he received his doctorate in historical theology. He and his wife, Lisa, have five children.

Review :
As a combined exegetical and homiletical commentary, the Reformed Expository Commentary in general, and this Galatians commentary of Dr. Phil Ryken in particular, is a sermon preparation tool of exceptional value. The authors of the Westminster Confession of Faith advised pastors to speak both to "the necessities and capacities" of our people. This commentary series that so well understands God's Word and God's people greatly aides in that dual task of faithful preachers.--Bryan Chapell, President, Covenant Theological Seminary In an age when scholars write commentaries the size of encyclopedias so that exposition is often drowned in an ocean of background technical details, Dr. Ryken's Galatians--the first volume in this series--appears as a welcome sign of springtime and the firstfruits of the harvest to come.--Sinclair Ferguson, Chancellor's Professor, Reformed Theological Seminary; Teaching Fellow, Ligonier Ministries It is uniquely appropriate that this commentary series commences with an exposition of a Pauline letter at the center of recent discussions. Because Ryken rightly understands that Galatians is about justification, and that the problem vexing the Galatians was no mere exclusivism but legalism, his exposition will help many a preacher set forth the gospel of grace.--Ligon Duncan, Chancellor and CEO, Reformed Theological Seminary Marvelously exhibits the model of the pastor-scholar. Laypeople will discover a wealth of sound teaching. Even pastors who want to stay abreast of more academic trends in biblical scholarship will appreciate Ryken's godly common sense and theological wisdom. I warmly recommend this work to pastors and to those who hear them preach.--Michael Horton Phil Ryken is a living refutation of the argument that great expository preaching just can't be found today. He brings to his pulpit a rare combination of biblical insight, theological substance, and pastoral application. In Galatians, Ryken takes us right into the mind of the apostle Paul and into the heart of this great letter. A richly rewarding and faithful commentary.--R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary