The Context

In Galatians 1-2, Paul defends both his apostleship and the gospel message under attack in Galatia. In the final verses of Chapter 2, detailing his confrontation with Peter, Paul clarifies the foundation of the gospel: we are made right with God not by our works, but solely by faith in Jesus. Now, in Chapter 3, Paul continues to expand on the doctrine of justification by faith alone, shifting the focus to the Galatians’ experience with the Holy Spirit.

Why So Foolish?

In Galatians 3:1, Paul expresses his shock: “Oh foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” The word “bewitched,” though rare in the New Testament, reflects the idea of being deceived or under a spell. Paul is astonished that the Galatians, who had seen the truth of the bloody cross and God’s grace through Christ’s savin ...