Galatians 3
BSB1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. 2 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? 3 Are you so foolish? After starting in the Spirit, are you now finishing in the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so much for nothing, if it really was for nothing? 5 Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe? 6 So also, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." 7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you." 9 So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. 10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." 11 Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith." 12 The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them." 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree." 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing promised to Abraham would come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15 Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law that came 430 years later does not revoke the covenant previously established by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on a promise; but God freely granted it to Abraham through a promise. 19 Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions, until the arrival of the seed to whom the promise referred. It was administered through angels by a mediator. 20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law. 22 But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ the promise might be given to those who believe. 23 Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed. 24 So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. 26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Study Notes — Galatians 3
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Galatians 3
- Themes from Galatians 3
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Galatians 3
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
In Galatians 3, Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are so quickly turning away from the gospel of faith to a different gospel that combines faith with works of the law. He reminds them that they received the Spirit by faith, not by works, and that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works. Paul also explains that the law was given to lead people to Christ, and that now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. He concludes by emphasizing that all who are in Christ are sons of God, and that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. Key verses include Galatians 3:1-3, where Paul questions the Galatians' foolishness, and Galatians 3:24, where he explains the purpose of the law.
Context for the Chapter
Galatians 3 is part of Paul's letter to the Galatian churches, which were being influenced by false teachers who emphasized the importance of works and circumcision for salvation. Paul writes to correct this error and to emphasize the importance of faith in Christ for salvation. This chapter fits into the larger biblical narrative by emphasizing the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, highlighting that faith has always been the means of justification, from Abraham to the present day.
Heart Application
The practical application of this chapter is to emphasize the importance of faith in Christ for salvation. Believers should trust in Christ alone for justification and not rely on works or external rituals. This chapter also encourages believers to live in the unity and freedom that come through faith in Christ, recognizing that all believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their background or status.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Galatians 3 teaches that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works or external rituals. The law was given to lead people to Christ, but it is not a means of justification. Through faith in Christ, we are justified and become sons of God, and all believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their background or status. As seen in Galatians 3:26-27, we are all sons of God through faith in Christ.
Voices from the Church
“Faith is the gift of God, and it is the means by which we are justified. Works are the fruit of faith, but they are not the means of justification.”
— John Calvin
“The law was given to lead people to Christ, and now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. We are justified by faith alone, and this is the central message of the gospel.”
— Martin Luther
Outline for Preaching
- The Foolishness of the Galatians (Galatians 3:1-5) — Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are turning away from the gospel of faith to a different gospel that combines faith with works of the law.
- The Example of Abraham (Galatians 3:6-9) — Paul cites Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by faith, not by works, demonstrating that faith has always been the means of justification.
- The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25) — Paul explains that the law was given to lead people to Christ, and that now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law.
- The Unity of Believers (Galatians 3:26-29) — Paul concludes by emphasizing the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background or status.
- The Sonship of Believers (Galatians 3:26-29) — Through faith in Christ, believers become sons of God and are heirs of the promise made to Abraham.
Core Doctrines
- Justification by Faith
- This chapter teaches that justification comes through faith in Christ, not through works of the law. As seen in Galatians 3:24, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
- The Purpose of the Law
- The law was given to lead people to Christ, and now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. This is explained in Galatians 3:19-25, where Paul discusses the purpose of the law.
- The Unity of Believers
- All believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their background or status. This is seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul writes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
- The Sonship of Believers
- Through faith in Christ, believers become sons of God and are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. As seen in Galatians 3:26-27, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Lessons from Galatians 3
- The Importance of Faith — Faith is the means by which we are justified, and it is the gift of God. As seen in Galatians 3:2, the Galatians received the Spirit by faith, not by works.
- The Role of the Law — The law was given to lead people to Christ, but it is not a means of justification. This is explained in Galatians 3:24, where Paul writes that the law was our guardian until Christ came.
- The Unity of Believers — All believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their background or status. This is seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul writes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
- The Sonship of Believers — Through faith in Christ, believers become sons of God and are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. As seen in Galatians 3:26-27, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
- The Freedom of Believers — Believers are free from the law and are under the grace of God. This is seen in Galatians 3:25, where Paul writes that now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
Themes from Galatians 3
- Faith vs. Works — The chapter emphasizes the contrast between faith and works as a means of justification, highlighting that faith is the means by which we are justified.
- The Purpose of the Law — The law was given to lead people to Christ, and now that faith has come, we are no longer under the law. This is explained in Galatians 3:19-25.
- The Unity of Believers — All believers are equal in Christ, regardless of their background or status. This is seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul writes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.
- The Sonship of Believers — Through faith in Christ, believers become sons of God and are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. As seen in Galatians 3:26-27, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
- The Freedom of Believers — Believers are free from the law and are under the grace of God. This is seen in Galatians 3:25, where Paul writes that now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
Questions for Meditation
- What is the central message of Galatians 3, and how does it relate to your understanding of salvation?
- How does the example of Abraham in Galatians 3:6-9 demonstrate the importance of faith in justification?
- What is the purpose of the law, according to Galatians 3:19-25, and how does it relate to faith in Christ?
- How does Galatians 3:26-29 emphasize the unity of all believers in Christ, and what implications does this have for your relationships with other believers?
- What does it mean to be a son of God through faith in Christ, according to Galatians 3:26-27, and how does this affect your understanding of your identity in Christ?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Foolishness of the Galatians (Galatians 3:1-5)
| Galatians 3:1 | Paul expresses his astonishment that the Galatians are turning away from the gospel of faith to a different gospel that combines faith with works of the law. |
| Galatians 3:2 | He reminds them that they received the Spirit by faith, not by works. |
| Galatians 3:3 | He asks them if they are trying to complete their salvation by works, having begun it by faith. |
| Galatians 3:4 | He asks them if they have suffered so many things in vain, if indeed it was in vain. |
| Galatians 3:5 | He asks them if the one who supplies the Spirit to them and works miracles among them does so by works of the law or by hearing with faith. |
2. The Example of Abraham (Galatians 3:6-9)
| Galatians 3:6 | Paul cites Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by faith, not by works. |
| Galatians 3:7 | He explains that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. |
| Galatians 3:8 | He writes that the Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith. |
| Galatians 3:9 | He concludes that those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. |
3. The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14)
| Galatians 3:10 | Paul explains that those who rely on works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." |
| Galatians 3:11 | He writes that no one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." |
| Galatians 3:12 | He explains that the law is not of faith, but rather "The one who does them shall live by them." |
| Galatians 3:13 | He writes that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree." |
| Galatians 3:14 | He concludes that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith. |
4. The Promise to Abraham (Galatians 3:15-18)
| Galatians 3:15 | Paul explains that even though a human covenant is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. |
| Galatians 3:16 | He writes that the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring, and that the Scripture does not say "and to offsprings," referring to many, but rather to one, "and to your offspring," who is Christ. |
| Galatians 3:17 | He explains that the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. |
| Galatians 3:18 | He concludes that if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise, but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. |
5. The Role of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25)
| Galatians 3:19 | Paul explains that the law was given because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made. |
| Galatians 3:20 | He writes that the law was put in place through angels by an intermediary. |
| Galatians 3:21 | He asks if the law is contrary to the promises of God, for if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. |
| Galatians 3:22 | He explains that the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. |
| Galatians 3:23 | He writes that before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. |
| Galatians 3:24 | He explains that the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. |
| Galatians 3:25 | He concludes that now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. |
6. The Unity of Believers (Galatians 3:26-29)
| Galatians 3:26 | Paul writes that for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. |
| Galatians 3:27 | He explains that as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. |
| Galatians 3:28 | He concludes that there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
| Galatians 3:29 | He writes that if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the central message of Galatians 3?
The central message of Galatians 3 is that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through works of the law. As seen in Galatians 3:24, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith.
What is the role of the law in relation to faith?
The law was given to lead people to Christ, but it is not a means of justification. This is explained in Galatians 3:19-25, where Paul discusses the purpose of the law.
What does it mean to be a son of God through faith in Christ?
Through faith in Christ, believers become sons of God and are heirs of the promise made to Abraham. As seen in Galatians 3:26-27, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galatians 3:6 → Genesis 15:6 | Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, demonstrating that faith has always been the means of justification. |
| 2 | Galatians 3:8 → Genesis 12:3 | The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, demonstrating that salvation is for all people. |
| 3 | Galatians 3:10 → Deuteronomy 27:26 | Those who rely on works of the law are under a curse, for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." |
| 4 | Galatians 3:11 → Habakkuk 2:4 | No one is justified before God by the law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." |
| 5 | Galatians 3:13 → Deuteronomy 21:23 | Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree." |
| 6 | Galatians 3:16 → Genesis 12:7 | The promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring, and that the Scripture does not say "and to offsprings," referring to many, but rather to one, "and to your offspring," who is Christ. |
| 7 | Galatians 3:22 → Psalm 32:1-2 | The Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. |
| 8 | Galatians 3:24 → John 1:17 | The law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. |
| 9 | Galatians 3:26 → John 1:12 | For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. |
| 10 | Galatians 3:28 → Colossians 3:11 | There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. |
Sermons on Galatians 3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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(Hebrews) 1-Overview-1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the book of Revelation and its portrayal of the end times. He expresses sorrow over the degradation and perversion in society, emp |
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(People God Uses) 04 Knowing the Word of God by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of running the race of serving the Lord Jesus Christ with all-out effort. He refers to the book of Acts, highlighting the powe |
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Be Rich: I Know a Secret by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mystery in the teachings of the apostle Paul. The mystery refers to the fact that when a person is saved, whether they |
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(Exodus) Exodus 1 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Exodus and its connection to the previous events in the book of Genesis. The sermon begins by referencing a passage from Genesis |
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A Message for Christians Who Have Bad Days by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of inheritance and how believers can come out of difficult times. He refers to Galatians 4:1, which states that as long as an he |
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(So Great a Salvation) Conviction and Repentance by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals when they become aware of them. He prays for God's guidance in reaching out |
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Beatitudes/clothed in Christ 1 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power and authority of true prophets of God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, including Paul, delivered strong and sometimes |
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Knowing the Inner Man Body Soul and Spirit by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the content of the gospel is Jesus Christ Himself. He explains that Jesus is the one who gave Himself for our redemption and the one wh |
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Christian Freedom: Grow Up and Be Free by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon on Galatians 4:1-18, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity in experiencing freedom in Christ. He distinguishes between age and maturity, statin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Galatians 3
In Galatians 3, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ for salvation, highlighting that the law was given to lead people to Christ, but it is not a means of justification. He cites Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by faith, not by works, demonstrating that faith has always been the means of justification. Paul also explains that the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. This chapter is crucial in understanding the relationship between faith, works, and salvation, and it emphasizes the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background or status. As Matthew Henry writes, "The law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, and now that Christ is come, we are no longer under the law, but under the grace of God." Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Importance of Faith
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ for salvation, highlighting that faith is the means by which we are justified. This is seen in Galatians 3:6-9, where Paul explains that Abraham was justified by faith.
The Role of the Law
The law is presented as a guardian that leads people to Christ, but it is not a means of justification. This is explained in Galatians 3:24, where Paul writes that the law was our guardian until Christ came.
The Unity of Believers
The chapter concludes by emphasizing the unity of all believers in Christ, regardless of their background or status. This is seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul writes that there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile, slave and free, male and female, for all are one in Christ Jesus.