This eighth volume of First Urban Churches explores the literary, archaeological, documentary, numismatic, and iconographic evidence from ancient Galatia and Lycaonia. Essays focus on the northern cities of Ancyra and Pessinous and the southern cities of Pisidian Antioch and Iconium. An introduction to the province of Galatia and contributions focused on various aspects of ancient benefaction, locals mistaking Paul and Barnabas for Zeus and Hermes, Paul’s maternal metaphor for his ministry, and more shed light on the rise of early Christianity in this region. D. Clint Burnett, Alan H. Cadwallader, Susan M. (Elli) Elliott, James R. Harrison, Peter Oakes, Wesley Redgen, Michael P. Theophilos, David Wyman, and Arjan Zuiderhoek present cutting-edge research that opens new interpretive possibilities for the Letter to the Galatians.

James R. Harrison is Distinguished Professor, FAHA, at the Australian University College of Divinity. He is the author of four monographs on the thought of the apostle Paul and the editor of many books, including SBL Press’s The First Urban Churches volumes (2015–) with L. L. Welborn and New Documents Illustrating Early Christianity (2024–) with Bradley J. Bitner and other volume editors.

L. L. Welborn is Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Fordham University. He is the author of An End to Enmity: Paul and the “Wrongdoer” of Second Corinthians (2011) and That There May Be Equality: Paul’s Appeal for Partnership in the Collection (2023). He is the editor of three book series, including SBL Press’s The First Urban Churches volumes (2015–) with James R. Harrison.