I set out for Sheffield in late summer of 1990 to do an exegetical study of Galatians, especially 2.15–21. It became apparent, however, that much ground-clearing work was required before exegesis could begin. In the end, and because of the skilful prodding and questioning of my supervisor, Dr Loveday Alexander, these preliminary matters became the thesis, and the exegesis still lies just beyond the horizon. I thank Dr Alexander for broadening my perspective and introducing me to a world about which I knew little.

There are others without whom this work would have been impossible. Friends at Tyndale House who have encouraged and provoked me include Gerald Peterman, Andrew Warren (who constantly pointed out my abuse of the English language, and occasionally assisted with German too), Peter Bolt and Bruce and Lyn Winter. The church family at Lansdowne Chapel, Sheffield, made our two years there wonderful. Thanks also for warm friendship at Wauwatosa and Norwood. Stanley Porter, Philip Satterthwaite and Janet Fairweather of the Classics Faculty at Cambridge have interacted with the content of the book, been fine friends and fountains of information. Thanks go to Jack Fish and David MacLeod for drawing me to Pauline studies, and to Scot McKnight, Doug Moo and D. A. Carson for endeavouring to elevate me to the next level.