About The Spirit, Ethics, and Eternal Life
A Conversation with Jarvis Williams
Every Voice: What led you to write this book? What problem or issue(s) are you seeking to address?
JW: I wrote my book on the Spirit in Galatians because I think, with other scholars, that the Spirit is neglected in discussions about Paul’s soteriology in Galatians. I wanted to demonstrate that one of Paul’s chief concerns in the letter is to argue that the Galatians have everything they need in Christ to live a life pleasing to God because they have the Spirit.
EV: What is the thesis of your book?
JW: My thesis is twofold: First, Paul’s gospel is vertical, horizontal, and cosmic in Galatians. Second, because of God’s vertical, horizontal, and cosmic saving action in Christ, Paul argues Christians must, can, and will walk in step with the Spirit in order to inherit the kingdom of God.
EV: Who’s your target audience?
JW: My target audience is scholars and biblical and theological students working in the field of Pauline theology.
EV: Did you have any “aha” moments while writing the book?
JW: As I worked on the book, I was reminded that Paul is deeply concerned that those in Galatia who are tempted to go the way of works of law may not have the Spirit and will therefore not participate in life in the age to come.
EV: What was the most challenging aspect of writing the book?
JW: There is a massive amount of scholarship on the Spirit in Pauline theology. It was impossible to read everything.
EV: What kind of seminary/church classes should assign your book?
JW: Any of the following:
1. A Greek exegesis class on Galatians
2. NT Theology
3. Pauline theology
4. A class on the Holy Spirit
5. Intro to NT
About the Author
Jarvis Williams (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Professor of New Testament Interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.