Galatians 3:2 – works of law ór hearing of faith

This only I want to learn from you: Did you get the spirit by works of law or by the hearing of faith

Before Paul himself will teach his readers from Scripture, he wants to learn one thing from them. Based on their own history. Something the truth of which they could not possibly deny from experience.

The Galatians once received God’s Spirit. I.e. they received the new life (spirit is life!) which is in the risen Christ. The question Paul now poses to them is, did they receive that Spirit “by works of law, or by hearing of faith”? It is a rhetorical question because the answer is assumed to be known. “Works of law” played no part in the Good News that the apostle had made known to them. Nothing of “works of law” was required of them or even presented. Neither circumcision, nor Sabbath, high times, kosher food or you name it.

The Galatians had received the Spirit by hearing of faith. “The faith of Christ” who (as was foretold) died by being crucified. This one act of faith is decisive for all mankind. What can be added by works to that? Nothing, because “it is finished!” Whoever hears and believes this is sealed with God’s Spirit (Eph.1:13).

Delen: