Sermons by Jonathan Edwards on the Epistle to the Galatians
Ebook
Overview
This volume contains previously unpublished sermons by Jonathan Edwards on St Paul's Epistle to the Galatians. Edwards preached these sermons during his Northampton pastorate, and repreached some of them between 1728 and 1751. The importance of the Epistle to the Galatians has been recognized throughout the Christian practice of preaching. As such, these sermons have significance for its place in the Protestant tradition since the Reformation, but they also highlight Edwards's thought on the nature of faith and works, flesh and spirit, and Christ and the Holy Spirit. To assist the reader, preceding the sermons are two introductions that describe Edwards's preaching style and method, and provide an historical context for the sermons themselves.
“Martin Luther was touched by the message of free grace in
Galatians and wrote his extensive commentary on this book. This
volume reveals how Jonathan Edwards was struck by this book in the
Bible, his interaction with the reformer, the original
interpretation in the struggle with Arminianism, deep Trinitarian
theology, sparkling spirituality, and powerful practicality. The
introductions about the context of the sermons are very clarifying.
Warmly recommended.”
—Willem van Vlastuin, Chair of Theology and Spirituality of
Reformed Protestantism, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
“Many thanks to our friends at Yale for producing yet another fine
volume of Edwards's sermons. This is a treasure trove of
eighteenth-century biblical exegesis that will be used by parish
pastors, Bible teachers, and historians for many years to come.
Wilson Kimnach's introduction alone is worth the price of the book.
But please don't stop there, for Edwards's sermons on Galatians
proved central to his thinking, and should be central to our
thinking about his thought and its significance.”
—Douglas A. Sweeney, Beeson Divinity School
“Often in history, the Epistle to the Galatians has functioned as a
mirror to expose the state of the church. No less in Edwards's
sermons on Galatians. We discover the context of Edwards's ministry
aspirations and learn of his views of Luther, the Reformed
tradition, Biblical theology, and perceived Arminian threats.
Edwards's passionate appeals and exasperated responses to cooling
revivalist fervor lie close to the surface, not unlike Paul's own
responses to the Galatian believers. Whether for the church or the
individual, herein lies profitable reading."
—Rhys Bezzant, Senior Lecturer, Ridley College
Kenneth P. Minkema is the executive editor and director of the
Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University, and research scholar at
Yale Divinity School.
Adriaan C. Neele is director of the doctoral program and professor
of historical theology at Puritan Reformed Theological
Seminary.
Allen M. Stanton is a PhD candidate (historical theology) at
Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary.
Wilson H. Kimnach is presidential professor in the humanities
(emeritus) at Bridgeport University, and general sermon editor of
The Works of Jonathan Edwards.