From Law to Logos
Reading St. Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians
Foreword by Todd D. Still
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
St. Paul's epistle to the Galatians offers a fascinating window into the life of the Christian church in its earliest days. We see in this letter a pastor guiding his people through questions of salvation, theology, and ethics. The more we read, the more we realize that many of the same questions facing the Galatian Christians continue to face us today: Are we still under the Old Testament Law? What happened to the Law when Jesus came? Who are the people of God?
From Law to Logos: Reading St. Paul's Epistle to the Galatians is a primer for reading Galatians for all it is worth. The focus of this book is preparing lay Christians to understand Galatians by reading it as a letter, in its entirety, over and over again. At the end of each chapter, the reader is better prepared to read and study Galatians in its literary, historical, and theological context.
Jon R. Jordan is a theology teacher and Dean of Students at Coram Deo Academy. He lives with his family in Dallas, Texas. You can contact him at jonjordan.com.
"In our time of so many who are educated, interested, and Biblically illiterate, the gift of catechist may prove the most important, and Jon Jordan has it. He explains how to read an epistle, what Galatians' connections to the Old Testament are, how the argument goes, and only then what it says to our lives. I commend this book as in introduction to Paul's letter, and to the heart of our faith, highly."
--George Sumner, Episcopal bishop of Dallas
"As a pastor I am constantly on the lookout for biblical commentary that is both accessible and theologically sound. This slim volume on Galatians is just that. With deft skill, Jordan cuts right to the heart of St. Paul's message without sacrificing one ounce of integrity. If you're looking for a commentary that will illumine, entertain, and steer miles clear of the tedium that bogs down much biblical scholarship--look no further."
--Ryan Casey Waller, Author of Broken
"Jordan's From Law to Logos is a gift to read. It offers an intelligent and contemplative re-reading of Galatians beneficial for theologian and novice alike. The reader will discover through Jordan's study of the text the gift of Christian identity as life spent in grateful self-gift in a cosmos infused with the faithfulness of Christ."
--Timothy P. O'Malley, PhD, University of Notre Dame