Galatians 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?

This {G5124} only {G3440} would {G2309} I learn {G3129} of {G575} you {G5216}, Received ye {G2983} the Spirit {G4151} by {G1537} the works {G2041} of the law {G3551}, or {G2228} by {G1537} the hearing {G189} of faith {G4102}?

I want to know from you just this one thing: did you receive the Spirit by legalistic observance of Torah commands or by trusting in what you heard and being faithful to it?

I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?

This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Commentary on Galatians 3:2 (KJV)

In Galatians 3:2, the Apostle Paul poses a sharp, rhetorical question to the churches in Galatia, challenging their sudden deviation from the foundational truth of the gospel. This verse encapsulates the core of Paul's argument against the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be truly righteous before God.

Context

Paul’s letter to the Galatians is a passionate defense of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The Galatian believers, after initially receiving the gospel of grace with joy, were being swayed by false teachers who taught that faith in Christ was insufficient for salvation and that obedience to the Law (like circumcision) was also necessary. Paul expresses his astonishment at their quick departure from the true gospel, calling them "foolish Galatians" in the preceding verse (Galatians 3:1). This verse serves as a direct appeal to their own spiritual experience, forcing them to recall how they first came to know God and receive the Holy Spirit.

Key Themes

  • The Source of the Holy Spirit: Paul directly asks how they received the Holy Spirit. Was it through meticulously observing the "works of the law" (Mosaic commandments and rituals), or was it "by the hearing of faith"—that is, by believing the message of the gospel? The implied answer, clear to any believer, is that the Spirit is received through faith, not through human effort or legalistic adherence.
  • Justification by Faith vs. Works: This verse highlights the fundamental contrast between two paths to righteousness: attempting to earn God's favor through obedience to the Law versus receiving it as a free gift through trusting in Christ. Paul consistently argues that righteousness is imputed by faith, not achieved by works.
  • The True Gospel: The verse underscores the simplicity and power of the gospel: salvation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are God's gracious provisions, accessed solely through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. It is not dependent on human performance or adherence to a legal code.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Works of the law" (Greek: ergōn nomou): This phrase refers to the deeds or observances required by the Mosaic Law. Paul uses it to denote any human effort or achievement aimed at establishing one's own righteousness before God, often contrasted with God's grace.
  • "Hearing of faith" (Greek: akoē pisteōs): This phrase emphasizes the act of hearing and responding to the message of faith, specifically the good news about Jesus Christ. It implies a receptive and trusting heart that believes the preached word, rather than a performance-based approach. The reception of the Spirit is tied directly to this act of hearing and believing.

Practical Application

Galatians 3:2 holds enduring relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder against legalism and self-righteousness. We are prone to fall into the trap of believing that our good deeds, religious rituals, or moral efforts contribute to our standing with God or to the reception of His Spirit. Paul's question redirects us to the core principle of salvation by grace through faith alone.

This verse encourages us to continually rely on God's grace, acknowledging that our spiritual life, including the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, is a gift received through faith in Christ, not earned by our performance. It calls us to live in the freedom of the Spirit, rather than under the burden of trying to earn what God has already freely given.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 10:16

    But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

  • Romans 10:17

    So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

  • Galatians 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.

  • Acts 15:8

    And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as [he did] unto us;

  • Galatians 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?

  • Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  • Ephesians 1:14

    Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

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