Galatians 3:2
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law - This may refer to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, which were very common in the apostolic Church. Did ye receive these extraordinary gifts in consequence of your circumcision, and observing the Mosaic precepts? or was it by the hearing of the Gospel, prescribing faith in Christ crucified? It may also refer to the spirit of adoption, and consequently to their sonship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Was it by the works of the law that ye received the Spirit (manifested by outward miracles, Gal 3:5; Mar 16:17; Heb 2:4; and by spiritual graces, Gal 3:14; Gal 4:5-6; Eph 1:13), or by the hearing of faith?" The "only" implies, "I desire, omitting other arguments, to rest the question on this alone"; I who was your teacher, desire now to "learn" this one thing from you. The epithet "Holy" is not prefixed to "Spirit" because that epithet is a joyous one, whereas this Epistle is stern and reproving [BENGEL]. hearing of faith--Faith consists not in working, but in receiving (Rom 10:16-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
This one thing would I learn of you,.... Though there were many things he could have put to them, yet he would only ask this one question, which, if rightly attended to, and honestly answered, must expose their folly, and put an end to the controversy upon this head: received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? This question supposes they had received the Spirit; that is, the Spirit of God, as a spirit of wisdom and knowledge in the revelation of Christ; as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification; as a spirit of faith and adoption; and as the earnest, seal, and pledge of their future glory. Now the apostle asks, whether they received this Spirit "by the works of the law"; meaning, either whether they could imagine, that they by their obedience to the law had merited and procured the Spirit of God; or whether they thought that the Spirit came to them, and into their hearts, through the doctrine or preaching of the law: the former could not be true, for if they could not obtain righteousness and life by the works of the law, then not the Spirit; besides, works done without the Spirit of God, are not properly good works: not the latter, for though by the law is the knowledge of sin, yet this leaves nothing but a sense of wrath and damnation in the conscience; it is the killing letter, and a ministration of condemnation and death, and not of the Spirit, and of life; this belongs to the Gospel, "or the hearing of faith"; for by "faith", is meant the Gospel, and particularly the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ's righteousness; and by "the hearing" of it, the preaching of it, the report of it, Isa 53:1 which, in the Hebrew text, is "our hearing", that by which the Gospel is heard and understood. Now in this way the Spirit of God is received; while the Gospel is preaching he falls on them that hear it, conveys himself into their hearts, and begets them again by the word of truth: and in this way the Galatians came by the Spirit, and which is another aggravation of their folly, that they should enjoy so great an advantage by the Gospel, and yet be so easily removed from it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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; Rom 8:9-11; 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:11-14; cp. Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). God accepted the Galatians because of their faith in the message . . . about Christ (cp. Rom 10:14-17), which made their turning to the law absurd (Gal 3:3-4).
Galatians 3:2
Faith and Belief
1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.2I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Path to Power and Usefulness
By A.W. Tozer6.7K37:22Path To PowerLUK 11:9ROM 12:1GAL 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of presenting ourselves to God in order to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit. He uses the analogy of a bread line, where if we don't present our cup or basket, we won't receive milk or bread. Similarly, if we don't present our personality to God, we won't receive the fullness of the Spirit. The preacher refers to Romans 12:1-2, which urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice to God. He also mentions Luke 11:9-13, where Jesus teaches about the Father's willingness to give good gifts to those who ask. The preacher encourages the congregation to seek a greater measure of the Holy Spirit and acknowledges his own need for growth in this area.
Faith vs. Works
By Stephen Kaung2.3K1:13:30FaithGAL 1:23GAL 2:16GAL 2:20GAL 3:2GAL 3:5GAL 3:10GAL 5:6In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the letter to the Galatians and the basics of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the gospel is based on grace, not law, and that good works do not earn eternal life. The preacher also highlights the importance of personal surrender to Christ and how it should inspire a conduct aligned with that surrender. He uses the example of a servant who works all day and then serves his master before eating to illustrate the concept of surrender and the absence of merit in salvation.
The Blood, the Call, the Promise
By David Smith1.9K1:33:48GospelEZR 8:5NEH 8:8MAT 6:33ACT 2:4ROM 3:28GAL 3:2EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the word of God. He criticizes the idea that listening to a message in a language one cannot understand is holy, calling it a deception and bondage. The preacher prays for those who are resistant to the gospel, asking for God's mercy to reveal His glory and shake them to life. He concludes by urging listeners to see the beauty of Christ, to approach God as their Father, and to understand the righteousness and fear of God. The preacher references the story of Ezra reading from the book of the law and the response of the people, as well as passages from Psalms and the importance of accepting Jesus as Lord.
(Galatians) Ch1:1-Ch2:21
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:22:58ACT 9:3ACT 9:20ACT 22:14GAL 1:15GAL 2:1GAL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of changing our way of thinking to align with God's perspective. He specifically addresses the Galatian Christians who were straying from the true gospel. The speaker highlights two key truths in Galatians 1:19 - dying to the law and living to God. He explains that these two aspects must be understood together for a complete understanding of the gospel. The sermon also mentions the snare of legalism and references Peter's experience. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the gospel and the need to align our lives with God's will.
Growing in the Grace of God #07 - the Holy Spirit Covenant Part 1
By Bob Hoekstra1.6K53:45MAT 6:33JHN 6:53JHN 6:63ROM 8:9GAL 3:2GAL 6:18EPH 2:8In this sermon transcript, Pastor Chuck emphasizes the importance of focusing on the grace of God through Jesus rather than the law of Moses. He states that the Galatians' greatest need was to understand and walk in the power of the Spirit instead of relying on their own efforts. Pastor Chuck shares a personal story about ministering to a wayward husband and being deeply affected by the man's loss and brokenness. He also highlights the need for humility and recognition of our own shortcomings, as no one is exempt from the list of sins mentioned in the Bible. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace and the need to rely on His Spirit rather than our own efforts.
The Liberating Law of the Spirit of Life
By John Piper1.2K26:51ROM 8:1ROM 14:23GAL 3:2In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of biblical truth that are essential for leading a life according to Jesus' teachings. The first topic addressed is the essence of sin, emphasizing that anything not done in faith is considered sin. The second topic is the final judgment, exploring who will be judged and the consequences of either wrath and fury or eternal life. The third topic is the foundation of the gospel, highlighting that God justifies the ungodly through the death of Christ for our sins. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of a lifetime of faith, stating that we are justified by a life of belief in the promises of God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the liberating power of the Holy Spirit, which frees us from the law of sin and death and leads to sanctification and eternal life.
The Holy Ghost Is Received by Faith!
By David Wilkerson0The Holy SpiritFaithGEN 24:50LUK 11:13GAL 3:2GAL 5:16GAL 5:25JAS 1:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit through faith, urging believers to actively seek this divine gift. He highlights that the Holy Spirit empowers Christians to confront evil and live righteously, illustrating this with the biblical analogy of Eliezer, Abraham's servant, who sought a bride for Isaac. Wilkerson encourages believers to understand the Holy Spirit's mission to seal, sanctify, and prepare them for a relationship with Christ. He calls for a passionate pursuit of the Holy Spirit, asserting that true faith leads to receiving God's promises. Ultimately, he reassures that just as Rebekah was chosen for Isaac, believers are chosen to be the bride of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
Invitations of the Gospel
By Gilbert Beebe0MAT 11:28JHN 5:25ACT 2:39ROM 8:29GAL 3:2Gilbert Beebe addresses the debate among brethren regarding whether the invitations of the gospel are for sinners or only for the children of God. He argues that there are no invitations in the law or gospel, as God's commands are authoritative and not optional requests. Beebe emphasizes that those who are called by grace are the chosen people of God, predestined for salvation in Christ, and that the invitations in the Bible are expressions of divine authority, not mere requests. He urges believers to align their interpretations with the plain declarations of Scripture and the Spirit of the Lord.
"Having Begun in the Spirit "
By Andrew Murray0Holy SpiritSpiritual EmpowermentGAL 3:2Andrew Murray emphasizes the necessity of living in the power of the Holy Spirit, warning against the tendency of believers to rely on their own efforts after beginning their spiritual journey in the Spirit. He highlights the feebleness and failures within the Church, attributing them to a reliance on human strength rather than divine empowerment. Murray calls for a return to acknowledging the Holy Spirit as the source of strength and guidance, urging believers to yield themselves to the Spirit for true spiritual growth. He stresses that without the Holy Spirit, Christians cannot live a life that is pleasing to God, and he encourages a deep confession of reliance on the flesh. Ultimately, he offers hope that through surrender to the Holy Spirit, believers can experience restoration and empowerment in their spiritual lives.
Four Planes of the Spiritual Life
By Watchman Nee0Spiritual WarfareSpiritual GrowthLUK 10:19ROM 6:4GAL 3:2EPH 6:12PHP 3:10Watchman Nee discusses the four planes of the spiritual life, emphasizing the progression from the evangelistic plane of salvation to the revival plane of the Holy Spirit, then to the path of the cross, and finally to the plane of spiritual warfare. Each stage represents a deeper understanding and experience of faith, requiring believers to actively engage in their spiritual growth and resist the powers of darkness. Nee highlights the importance of maturity in faith, as believers must learn to discern and combat spiritual adversaries while helping others at their respective stages. He warns against passivity in surrendering to God, urging believers to take an active stance in their spiritual battles. Ultimately, the journey through these planes equips believers to minister effectively to others in their spiritual needs.
The Gift of Tongues (Part 3)
By Chuck Smith0The Gift of TonguesFaith and Love2SA 7:1MAT 8:8MAT 9:20ROM 8:261CO 13:1GAL 3:21JN 5:14Chuck Smith discusses the gift of tongues, emphasizing that it involves speaking in a language that the speaker does not understand, which can be a challenge to the intellect. He encourages believers to remain open to receiving this gift, as it serves as a covenant between them and God, allowing for deeper worship and expression of praise. Smith highlights the importance of faith in receiving God's gifts, noting that intellectual barriers often hinder acceptance. He also stresses that the true measure of spiritual maturity is love, not the possession of spiritual gifts like tongues. Ultimately, he calls for unity and love among believers, regardless of their experiences with the gift of tongues.
Blessed Through Faith Galatians 3
By John Nelson Darby0Faith vs. LawRedemption through ChristGAL 3:2John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between the law and the promise in his sermon on Galatians 3, explaining that while the Galatians were Christians, they mistakenly mixed the law with the gospel. He highlights that true peace comes from faith in Christ's completed work rather than from adherence to the law or ordinances. Darby asserts that believers are not under the law but are blessed through faith, as exemplified by Abraham, and that the law serves to reveal sin rather than provide salvation. He concludes that redemption is accomplished through Christ, who bore the curse of the law, allowing believers to receive the Spirit and the blessings of faith. The sermon calls for a complete reliance on Christ for righteousness and peace, rather than self-effort or legalism.
Faith
By A.W. Pink0The Nature of FaithGenuine vs. Nominal ChristianityPSA 37:37MAT 23:28JHN 20:312CO 5:7GAL 2:20GAL 3:2COL 3:12HEB 11:13JAS 1:61JN 5:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the essential role of faith in the life of a Christian, asserting that all religious activities are meaningless without it. He explains that true faith is a supernatural gift from God that goes beyond mere intellectual agreement with Scripture; it actively engages the heart and soul in worship, prayer, and daily living. Pink warns against the dangers of being a nominal Christian, who may outwardly appear devout but lacks the genuine faith that transforms and sustains. He highlights that faith is crucial not only for glorifying God but also for the believer's spiritual growth and assurance in life and death. Ultimately, Pink calls for a deeper reliance on God to strengthen our faith, recognizing it as a vital principle that purifies and empowers the believer.
Receiving the Holy Ghost
By Aaron Hills0LUK 11:13JHN 20:22ACT 5:32ACT 10:47ACT 19:2GAL 3:2Aaron Hills preaches about the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit in the present dispensation, highlighting the duty and test of yielding to the Spirit as Leader, Guide, Sanctifier, and Keeper. He emphasizes that the Spirit is a Person with personal attributes and that His work in a Christian's life is a gift that cannot be earned but must be received. Hills explains that seeking the Spirit should be for His own sake, not just for the gifts He gives, and that receiving Him requires obedience and faith, not just seeking manifestations or emotions.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law - This may refer to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, which were very common in the apostolic Church. Did ye receive these extraordinary gifts in consequence of your circumcision, and observing the Mosaic precepts? or was it by the hearing of the Gospel, prescribing faith in Christ crucified? It may also refer to the spirit of adoption, and consequently to their sonship.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"Was it by the works of the law that ye received the Spirit (manifested by outward miracles, Gal 3:5; Mar 16:17; Heb 2:4; and by spiritual graces, Gal 3:14; Gal 4:5-6; Eph 1:13), or by the hearing of faith?" The "only" implies, "I desire, omitting other arguments, to rest the question on this alone"; I who was your teacher, desire now to "learn" this one thing from you. The epithet "Holy" is not prefixed to "Spirit" because that epithet is a joyous one, whereas this Epistle is stern and reproving [BENGEL]. hearing of faith--Faith consists not in working, but in receiving (Rom 10:16-17).
John Gill Bible Commentary
This one thing would I learn of you,.... Though there were many things he could have put to them, yet he would only ask this one question, which, if rightly attended to, and honestly answered, must expose their folly, and put an end to the controversy upon this head: received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? This question supposes they had received the Spirit; that is, the Spirit of God, as a spirit of wisdom and knowledge in the revelation of Christ; as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification; as a spirit of faith and adoption; and as the earnest, seal, and pledge of their future glory. Now the apostle asks, whether they received this Spirit "by the works of the law"; meaning, either whether they could imagine, that they by their obedience to the law had merited and procured the Spirit of God; or whether they thought that the Spirit came to them, and into their hearts, through the doctrine or preaching of the law: the former could not be true, for if they could not obtain righteousness and life by the works of the law, then not the Spirit; besides, works done without the Spirit of God, are not properly good works: not the latter, for though by the law is the knowledge of sin, yet this leaves nothing but a sense of wrath and damnation in the conscience; it is the killing letter, and a ministration of condemnation and death, and not of the Spirit, and of life; this belongs to the Gospel, "or the hearing of faith"; for by "faith", is meant the Gospel, and particularly the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ's righteousness; and by "the hearing" of it, the preaching of it, the report of it, Isa 53:1 which, in the Hebrew text, is "our hearing", that by which the Gospel is heard and understood. Now in this way the Spirit of God is received; while the Gospel is preaching he falls on them that hear it, conveys himself into their hearts, and begets them again by the word of truth: and in this way the Galatians came by the Spirit, and which is another aggravation of their folly, that they should enjoy so great an advantage by the Gospel, and yet be so easily removed from it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
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; Rom 8:9-11; 2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:11-14; cp. Acts 10:44-48; 11:15-18). God accepted the Galatians because of their faith in the message . . . about Christ (cp. Rom 10:14-17), which made their turning to the law absurd (Gal 3:3-4).