Rethinking Galatians

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Oakes and Boakye offer a fresh perspective on Galatians, interpreting the text as a vision for its hearers' lives. They explore how Paul addresses the challenges faced in Galatia, presenting a vision of the Galatians' identity in relation to the living Christ. This approach redefines the concept of unity in diversity, particularly highlighted in Gal 3:28. The authors structure their analysis over six chapters. Oakes begins by focusing on the Galatian audience and Paul's vision for their existence. He then examines the Christology of Galatians to support the idea of pistis as an active relationship with the living Christ. Boakye contributes three chapters that delve into the letter's scriptural references and concepts of salvation and law. He identifies a significant dynamic in Galatians as a transition from death to life, illustrated metaphorically by Ezekiel and made real through Paul's encounter with the resurrected Christ, emphasizing trust as the path to life. Life becomes essential in evaluating law. Boakye also connects Galatians with Romans 4, linking the promise of Isaac's birth to Jesus' resurrection. Oakes concludes by highlighting the letter's thematic focus on unity in diversity, initially between Jews and Gentiles, but applicable to any socially significant groups.