In Galatians Chapter 3 (AMPC), Paul continues his defense of the doctrine of justification by faith and argues against the idea of justification by the works of the law. Paul begins by questioning the Galatians about their experience of receiving the Spirit. He reminds them that they received the Spirit not by works of the law, but by hearing with faith. Galatians 3:2, AMPC: "Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the [Holy] Spirit as the result of obeying the Law and doing its works, or was it by hearing [the message of the Gospel] and believing [it]? [Was it from observing a law of rituals or from a message of faith?]". He then discusses the example of Abraham, who believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness. This shows that it is those who have faith who are the true sons of Abraham. Galatians 3:6-7, AMPC: "Thus Abraham believed in and adhered to and trusted in and relied on God, and it was reckoned and placed to his account and credited as righteousness (as conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action). Know and understand that it is [really] the people [who live] by faith who are [the true] sons of Abraham"). Paul continues to argue that the law does not nullify the promise made to Abraham. The law was added because of transgressions until the offspring (Jesus Christ) should come to whom the promise was made.

He indicates that before faith came, the law kept the people imprisoned and guarded, but after faith came, they are no longer under a guardian. Galatians 3:23-25, AMPC: "Now before the faith came, we were perpetually guarded under the Law, kept in custody in preparation for the faith that was destined to be revealed (unveiled, disclosed), So that the Law served [to us Jews] as our trainer [our guardian, our guide to Christ, to lead us] until Christ [came], that we might be justified (declared righteous, put in right standing with God) by and through faith. But now that the faith has come, we are no longer under a trainer (the guardian of our childhood)"). Lastly, Paul concludes the chapter by stating that in Christ Jesus, all are sons of God through faith. There is no Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one in Christ Jesus. And if they belong to Christ, then they are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:26-29, AMPC: "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God through faith. For as many [of you] as were baptized into Christ [into a spiritual union and communion with Christ, the Anointed One, the Messiah] have put on (clothed yourselves with) Christ. There is [now no distinction] neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is not male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ [are in Him Who is Abraham’s Seed], then you are Abraham’s offspring and [spiritual] heirs according to promise").

An Overview of Galatians Chapter Three

Click below to read a full page summary of each Chapter.

Click below to read a full page summary of each Chapter.