Jude
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 58, No. 1 – Fall 2015
Managing Editor: W. Madison Grace II
By Douglas J. Moo. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013. 496 pages. Hardcover, $44.99.
Moo’s commentary on Galatians in the Baker Exegetical Commentary series [BECNT] provides a wide range of information starting from the usual introductory issues: identifying the Galatians, dating, destination, etc. Noticeable right away is the thought put into the variety of scholarly views on these issues. In light of the “works of the law” and “Christ faith,” the New Perspective is briefly taken into consideration but does not dominate the conversation. Moo gives a nod to the discussion of works and faith by minimally conceding that the distinction “while not the focus in the letter, does underlie the argument of Galatians” (31).
Moo also looks at the objective and subjective genitive reading of πίστις Χριστοῦ. The answer is not a simple matter of falling on either side of belief or faithfulness. To show the inclusion of both readings, Moo provides examples not only in Galatians and Romans but also other Pauline passages including those outside of Paul in the New Testament and Old Testament. While in agreement that participation (subjective genitive) is an important aspect of πίστις, Moo comments “it is reductionistic to insist that this category must undergird all of Paul’s language and theology” (42).
Moo is tempered in his conclusions throughout the commentary since the aim of this commentary is not necessarily to set down a dogmatic interpretation of the text. Moo allows room for his readers to think through the issues through a spectrum of scholarship. Where certain readings demand clarity Moo cuts through the fog by examining the text’s syntax and its history of interpretation to reason his position on the text. The beauty of this commentary is the readability from all levels of Greek competency; the commentary engages with the text in English and Greek, along with transliterations of the Greek in the case a reader is not familiar with the original language.
One noticeable aspect of Moo’s interpretation is his desire to ground Paul’s language of righteousness in relation to Judaism. He presents his understanding of Judaism only from Old Testament texts related to righteousness, however, it is unclear if this form of Judaism existed in the Second Temple Period. Although he may oversimplify the picture of Judaism, Moo’s discussions are confined to the boundaries of salvation history, rather than other sources of Second Temple Jewish thought. For Moo, the argument of Galatians articulates the means for extending God’s blessing to the Gentiles. It then becomes clear that the Jewish identity is critical for understanding Paul in his confrontation with Peter and the implications of faith in Jesus Christ (see 156ff.). Furthermore, the concept of the law in Paul’s writing is emphasized throughout Moo’s comments on righteousness, justification, and vindication. The gospel, as Paul stresses, brings to light not only the good news but also the reign of the Messiah in truth and new life
Overall, this Galatians commentary is a worthy edition to include in any collection, including the high-quality volumes in the BECNT series. The work in its own right is a substantial contribution to New Testament studies. Moo sorts through the varying viewpoints in the ongoing debates and weighs arguments carefully. Because the commentary is an exegetical commentary it can be a bit more technically advanced than what the average pastor is seeking for regular sermon preparation. Sometimes the technical nature of this work may eclipse the theological points that a congregation normally desires. Nonetheless, Moo’s command of the text and history offers much to contemplate when considering Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
