FocusThe blessing through Christ
Connection to the wholePaul appeals to the readers' reception of the Spirit and to Abraham, connecting the promised blessing with Christ's redeeming work.
interpretation Galatians 3:2
KJVThis only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Read it in context
The Spirit and Abraham's faith
Start reading at Galatians 3:1 (Galatians 3:1 to Galatians 3:14).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul appeals to the readers' reception of the Spirit and to Abraham, connecting the promised blessing with Christ's redeeming work.
- 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
- 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
- 3:3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
- 3:4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
- 3:5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
- 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
- 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
- 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
- 3:9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
- 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
- 3:11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
- 3:12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
- 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
- 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 3:1–4:31): Paul challenges the Galatian believers about law and faith, using Abraham's family and Israel's law as scriptural examples. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The Spirit and Abraham's faith. Read Galatians 3:1 through Galatians 3:14 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul appeals to the readers' reception of the Spirit and to Abraham, connecting the promised blessing with Christ's redeeming work. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The Spirit and Abraham's faith (Galatians 3:1 to Galatians 3:14). Start reading at Galatians 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cited: Galatians 3:1, Galatians 3:14, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself, and notes writing in his own hand.
Galatians 1:1Galatians 6:11
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
What is debatedThe destination, north or south Galatia, is debated, which affects the date.
Related passages
- Received Gal 3:5,14 Acts 2:38 Acts 8:15 Acts 10:44-47 Acts 11:15-18 Acts 15:8 Acts 19:2-6 1 Cor 12:7-13
- by the hearing Rom 1:17 Rom 10:16-17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 3
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
The promise and the law
Galatians 3:15–22FocusThe law's place in the argument
Connection to the wholePaul distinguishes the earlier promise from the law that came later and explains the law's role without treating it as contrary to God's promises.
interpretation Children and heirs in Christ
Galatians 3:23–29FocusFaith and baptismal belonging
Connection to the wholePaul describes the change in status through faith and baptism into Christ, identifying those who belong to Christ as Abraham's seed and heirs according to promise.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
The gospel and Paul's commission
Galatians 1:1–2:21FocusAuthority, fellowship, and justification
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
interpretation FocusAbraham, sonship, and freedom
Connection to the wholePaul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ.
interpretation Freedom lived through the Spirit
Galatians 5:1–6:18FocusLove, holiness, and mutual responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.