In this section of the epistle Paul argues for the great doctrine of justification by faith.

How could people who have begun their life in Christ by faith, abandon the faith principle to turn to law?

Galatians 3:1 "foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, ..."

"anoetos" - unintelligent, by implication sensual - fool-(ish), unwise. Derivative of "noeo" to exercise the mind. Strong's

"Foolish" is the Greek word 'anostos. Paul is not saying they lack intelligence, he is challenging their powers of perception. They have missed the very essence of the gospel. They are seeing in a distorted way and have lost the divine viewpoint. The Lord used this word of the Emmaus disciples pointing to a lack of perception that brought slowness to believe (Luke 24:25 ). The word 'anostos' is translated "unwise" in Romans 1:14. Paul is fulfilling his debt towards the unwise Galatians in bringing to their spirit minds the truth. Desire for riches can be a snare affecting powers of perception that brings vulnerability to harmful lusts (1 Timothy 6:9 ).

Before salvation each of us was affected in our ability to rightly perceive, and opposed to the divine viewpoint (Titus 3:3 ). We need to develop the organ by which divine things are comprehended - our Spirit mind - otherwise we will be open to deception and error. "bewitched" - the Greek word is 'baskaino'.

Ellicott has a helpful comment: "The Greek word for this is probably connected in origin with the Latin word from which is derived our own 'fascinate'. and the idea prominent in both is that which is embodied in the popular superstition of the "evil eye." The metaphor here is strikingly in harmony with that which follows. The cross of Christ has been "evidently set forth" (i,e posted publicly in large and bold characters) before the Galatians, but some evil fascination (that of their Judaizing teachers) has drawn away their eyes from looking on it, and held them fixed upon another object (legal observances) as baneful as the cross was salutary".

Having eyes looking unto Jesus (Hebrews 12:2 ) and holding fast the word of life (Philippians 2:16 ) will keep us from yielding to ensnaring delusions.

Galatians 3:1 "... before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?"

Christ having died for them was the means of their salvation - and remained the only way. There could be no compatibility between Christ's cross and Jewish legalism. Receiving the Holy Spirit is by the hearing of faith and is not possible on the principle of law.

Galatians 3:2 "... Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"

It is sad that there are still those who think they have to do something or other to receive a personal, mighty, Spirit baptism. Where the efficacious, shed blood of Jesus is applied by believing, the Spirit comes and the reception of this personal Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4 ) is through the hearing of faith. The Holy Spirit ministers the hearing of faith and comes in fullness and gifts in response to co-operating faith.

Though the Spirit was given under the law, He was never given on a principle of law. Old Testament saints believed and therefore received, just as they believed the promises and were saved (Galatians 3:3 ). Rituals and ceremonies could not birth life in those dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1 ), neither can they give victorious living. We are born of the Spirit (John 3:5-6 ), and it is by walking in the Spirit we overcome the flesh (Galatians 5:16 ). They were persecuted for their faith in Christ. Paul hopes better things of them than that their suffering for the gospel was for nothing (Galatians 3:4 ).

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?"

Receiving the Spirit revealed itself in charismatic manifestation of the Spirit and His coming in power (Acts 1:8 ). The Spirit normally was present in New Testament churches in gifts and authority (1 Corinthians 12-14 ). The supply and manifestations could not and cannot be earned by works of the law. They are in operation by the hearing of faith. The personal experience of the Galatians witnessed to grace not law.

Galatians 3:6 "Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."

This transaction in Abraham's personal experience happened hundreds of years before the law was given at Sinai (Genesis 15:6 ). The doctrine of justification by faith goes back to Abraham. It was not, as the Judaists thought, a novelty of Paul's teaching.

Galatians 3:7 "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham."

This applies to those of natural descent and those who are not. Abraham had the gospel to the nations preached to him.

Galatians 3:8 "And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed.""

The Scriptures give proof, assurance and comfort of salvation through the Lamb of God, and is for whoever believes (John 3:16 ).

Galatians 3:9 "So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."

Blessed with righteousness, and selfless faith, blessed with sacrificial faith and courageous faith, and with Abraham's faithfulness, all the characteristics of his faith will be seen in his spiritual sons. The personal experience of Abraham testifies to justification by faith, and witnesses against works of the flesh.

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. In which way can you protect yourself from becoming bewitched by error? (Galatians 3:1 )
2. How did you first receive the Spirit and His power and gifts? (Galatians 3:2,5 )
3. Is it possible to walk a victorious life without the Spirit?
4. Have you suffered persecution for your faith in Christ? Can you answer Paul's questions in Galatians 3:4?
5. Why is it important to know that the doctrine of justification by faith goes back to Abraham? (Galatians 3:6 ).
6. Who are Abraham's true sons whether of natural descent, or those who are not? (Galatians 3:7 ).
7. What promise given to Abraham indicates that the gospel is for all the nations? (Galatians 3:8-9 ).