Galatians 3
Galatians 3 is a chapter in which Paul explains to the believers in Galatia the essence of the law and faith, using Abraham as an example to emphasize what the core of faith is. The chapter is roughly divided into the following flow:
- Early part: Rebuke and questions - Paul asks why they received the Holy Spirit, whether it was because of works of the law or because of faith, reminding them of the foundation of their faith.
- Middle part: The example of Abraham - He mentions Abraham, who was declared righteous by faith, and explains that those who are people of faith are also blessed in the same way.
- Later part: The role of the law and the promise of the gospel - By clarifying why the law was given and the difference between the promise and the law, the focus ultimately turns to a place of grace where everyone becomes one in Christ.
1verseFoolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly portrayed among you as crucified?
2verseI just want to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
3verseAre you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?
4verseDid you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?
5verseHe therefore who supplies the Spirit to you and does miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?
6verseEven so, Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.”
7verseKnow therefore that those who are of faith are children of Abraham.
8verseThe Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you all the nations will be blessed.”
9verseSo then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
10verseFor as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who doesn’t continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.”
11verseNow that no man is justified by the law before God is evident, for, “The righteous will live by faith.”
12verseThe law is not of faith, but, “The man who does them will live by them.”
13verseChrist redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”
14versethat the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15verseBrothers, speaking of human terms, though it is only a man’s covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void or adds to it.
16verseNow the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring. He doesn’t say, “To descendants”, as of many, but as of one, “To your offspring”, which is Christ.
17verseNow I say this: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.
18verseFor if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.
19verseThen why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
20verseNow a mediator is not between one, but God is one.
21verseIs the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.
22verseBut the Scripture imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23verseBut before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24verseSo that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25verseBut now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26verseFor you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.
27verseFor as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28verseThere is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
29verseIf you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise.
Key Message and Overall Meaning
In this chapter, Paul clearly distinguishes between works of the law and faith. By emphasizing that Abraham received God’s promise by faith before the law and was made righteous, Paul stresses that what God desires is not external observance, but “faith.” He also explains that the law has the role of revealing human sin and leading people to Christ. In conclusion, Paul proclaims that in Jesus Christ, both Gentiles and Jews, men and women, slaves and free people all become one—becoming Abraham’s descendants, that is, heirs of the promise.
Points for Reflection
- What standard am I using to live my faith? I reflect on whether I am bound by deeds and rules.
- Like the example of Abraham, the ancestor of faith, I reflect on whether I have an attitude of trusting God’s promise purely.
- I think about how the meaning of the gospel—breaking down every barrier and becoming one in Christ—comes into focus for my own perspective.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- When I translate faith into action in my life, I check whether I am not merely following the law, but living by trusting in God’s promise.
- To build a community without discrimination in Christ, I look for small practices that I can do around me.
- I make a concrete plan for how to apply Paul’s message to the life of today.
