Galatians 3:2

Translations

Modern

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?

Traditional

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

Literal

I want only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit out of works of the law or out of hearing of faith?

Latin

Hoc solum a vobis volo discere: ex operibus legis Spiritum accepistis, an ex auditu fidei?

Original

Greek

English

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?

Notes

Galatians 3:2

The Galatians, like all Christians, received the Spirit by faith in Christ, not by obeying the law of Moses (see Acts 2:38 –39; Romans 8:9 –11; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:11 –14; compare Acts 10:44 –48; 11:15 –18). God accepted the Galatians because they believed the good news about Jesus (compare Romans 10:14 –17). This made their return to the law unreasonable (Galatians 3:3 –4).

Galatians 3:1–5:12

Paul now defends the truth of his message that a right relationship with God comes by faith in Christ alone. He argues against the idea that non-Jewish people must follow the law to be accepted by God.

Galatians 3:1–9

Paul compares the Galatians' spiritual experience (see 3:1 –5) with Abraham's (3:6 –9). He shows that both were made right with God through faith, not by following the law (Ephesians 2:8 –9).

Theme notes and profiles

Moses Paul (Saul) Biblical Law Holiness by Relationship Spirit Empowerment The Holy Spirit’s Work The Law and the Spirit The Limitations of Law

Related verses

Romans 10:16–17
But not all of them welcomed the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?”
Galatians 3:14
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.
Acts 15:8
And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as He did to us.
Galatians 3:5
Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?
Ephesians 1:13–14
And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Acts 8:15
On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 2:4
…and was affirmed by God through signs, wonders, various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
Acts 19:2–6
…and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you became believers?” “No,” they answered, “we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
Acts 2:38
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 10:44–47
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard his message.
Acts 11:15–18
As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He had fallen upon us at the beginning.
Romans 1:17
For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Galatians 3:2

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