Let's Study Galatians

Let's Study Galatians
Derek Thomas
Banner of Truth Trust 2004

The Let's Study series from Banner of Truth aims to provide a basic exposition/commentary suitable for individuals or groups studying a book of the Bible. It is less detailed than the Bible Speaks Today series from IVP or the Welwyn Commentaries from Evangelical Press, but is broadly aimed at the same readership. It may have more of an application emphasis than the other series, which makes it ideal as a guide for busy house group leaders or Bible study leaders.

The exposition of Galatians is by Derek Thomas and is a useful guide to this important letter of the apostle Paul. Thomas takes the Old Perspective on Paul (as one might expect from a book published by Banner) but does interact with the New Perspective at a basic level. Having read Galatians again with his book as my guide, I failed to see any significant problem with an Old Perspective reading of Paul's letter.

The chapters are short and the Bible passages are printed at the beginning of each chapter in the ESV. This made it ideal to read during the commute to work each day.

The book also benefits from questions at the back designed for group study. The six chapters of Galatians are helpfully divided into 13 studies. Although the book claims that there is enough material for 26 studies, I would question taking the letter at that pace for most groups. Even if someone is studying Galatians as an individual the questions listed at the back would be ideal to ponder to really get to grips with the book. Having now read through the book, I'm going to go back and read Galatians again with the questions in mind.

Definitely recommended, though I would probably go with John Stott's book in the BST series before choosing this book, and I think that comes with a study guide for groups too.