Book nook: Galatians: The Beating Heart of the Gospel

Galatians: The Beating Heart of the Gospel by Roy W. Hefti offers readers a fresh, engaging commentary on the apostle Paul’s epistle to the Galatians. Based on the Evangelical Heritage Version of the Bible, this book invites readers to immerse themselves in Paul’s powerful defense of the gospel to the early church’s Christians, exploring both its historical context and enduring significance in an approachable narrative.

The book is structured in a way that allows readers to work through the entire epistle in 13 sessions. Each passage in Galatians is presented in full, woven seamlessly into Hefti’s narrative, which reads conversationally—as if a pastor were explaining it directly to the reader. This pastoral tone is enhanced by relatable illustrations and analogies, making Paul’s message vivid and applicable. Following each passage section, Hefti includes relevant and compelling quotes from Martin Luther’s commentaries on Galatians, adding further depth to the study.

Unlike traditional commentaries, Hefti’s approach integrates Scripture and commentary as one, guiding the reader seamlessly through the entire epistle. This book may not be a traditional devotional with reflection prompts or prayers, but it provides a thorough and personal exploration of Galatians that adds insight beyond simply reading the letter. It guides you to answer the question, “What is the main teaching of the Bible?” Hefti shows how Paul lovingly answers this question through his heartfelt gospel acclamations to the Galatian Christians.

The book is well suited for individuals seeking a deeper, more nuanced understanding of Galatians and could also be a valuable resource for personal study, sermon preparation, or supplementing other Bible study materials. It’s a worthy addition to any Christian’s bookshelf, especially for those looking to see Paul’s words applied in their personal studies.

Alycia Cameron

A look at books published by Northwestern Publishing House. For more information, visit nph.net or call 800-662-6022.

Author: Alycia Cameron
Volume 112, Number 01
Issue: January 2025