Galatians 3 Meaning

Explanation of Galatians 3

Galatians 3 continues Paul’s argument that justification comes by faith in Christ, not by works of the Law. Paul addresses the Galatians directly, rebuking them for being deceived into thinking that obedience to the Law could perfect what began by the Spirit. He then explains how Abraham’s example demonstrates that righteousness has always been by faith and contrasts the Law with God’s promise of salvation through Christ.

The Foolishness of Relying on the Law (Galatians 3:1-5)

Paul begins with a strong rebuke:

“O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified.”

(Galatians 3:1)

He reminds them that they received the Spirit not by works of the Law but by hearing with faith. Paul challenges them to consider whether they are now trying to achieve spiritual maturity through human effort rather than continuing in the grace of the Gospel.

Their own experience testifies that the Spirit’s work among them came by faith, not by keeping the Law. Paul appeals to their personal experience to highlight the absurdity of turning back to legalism.

Abraham: Justification by Faith (Galatians 3:6-9)

Paul turns to Abraham as the prime example of justification by faith. He quotes Genesis 15:6:

“Abraham ‘believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’”

(Galatians 3:6)

This shows that righteousness has always been granted through faith, not works. Those who share Abraham’s faith are his true children and heirs of the promise. Paul emphasizes that the blessing of salvation was always intended to extend to the Gentiles through faith, fulfilling God’s promise to bless all nations through Abraham.

The Curse of the Law (Galatians 3:10-14)

Paul explains that relying on the Law for righteousness leads to a curse rather than a blessing. He quotes Deuteronomy 27:26:

“Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

(Galatians 3:10)

Since no one can perfectly keep the Law, all who seek to be justified by it are under a curse. However, Christ has redeemed believers from this curse by becoming a curse for them, fulfilling Deuteronomy 21:23:

“Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree.”

(Galatians 3:13)

Through Christ’s redemptive work, the blessing promised to Abraham comes to the Gentiles, and believers receive the promised Spirit through faith.

The Promise to Abraham vs. The Law (Galatians 3:15-18)

Paul further argues that the covenant of promise made with Abraham came before the giving of the Law and is not nullified by it. The promise was given to Abraham and his “offspring,” which Paul identifies as Christ.

The Law, given 430 years later, did not annul God’s earlier covenant of grace. Salvation has always been based on God’s promise, not human effort.

The Purpose of the Law (Galatians 3:19-25)

Paul anticipates the question: If the Law cannot justify, what was its purpose? He explains that the Law was added because of transgressions—serving as a means to reveal sin and point people to Christ.

The Law acted as a guardian (or schoolmaster), keeping God’s people under restraint until the coming of Christ. Now that Christ has come, believers are no longer under the Law’s tutelage but are justified by faith.

Sons of God Through Faith (Galatians 3:26-29)

Paul concludes the chapter by emphasizing that all who have faith in Christ are sons of God. In Christ, distinctions such as Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female do not affect one’s standing before God.

“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”

(Galatians 3:27)

Those who belong to Christ are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to the promise. This affirms that salvation and inclusion in God’s family come through faith, not ethnicity, social status, or gender.

Key Themes in Galatians 3

The sufficiency of faith in Christ is central. Paul argues that justification has always been through faith, using Abraham as an example. The Law, rather than providing righteousness, reveals sin and leads people to Christ. Believers are no longer under the Law but have received full adoption through faith in Christ.

Another key theme is the unity of believers in Christ. There is no distinction in salvation—whether Jew or Gentile, all are one in Christ and heirs of the same promise.

Application for Today

Galatians 3 encourages believers to rely fully on Christ and not on their own works for salvation. It reminds us that the Christian life begins and continues by faith, not by self-effort. The chapter also calls us to embrace our identity as children of God, united with all believers in Christ, and to rest in the assurance of God’s promises fulfilled in Him.