The Pulpit Commentary - Galatians 3:2-5
The apostle's first argument in this controversy. I. APPLICATION OF THE TEST OF EXPERIENCE . "Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by the hearing of faith?" He begins by a practical test, which can be easily settled by experience and history. He refers to the time of awakening grace and first love. They had "received the Spirit." 1 . He concedes that they were Christians , though they were neither faithful, nor stable, nor sound. "The Holy Spirit is the... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Galatians 3:2
This only would I learn of you ( τοῦτο μόνον θέλω μαθεῖν ἀφ ὑμῶν ); this only would I learn from you. I need ask for nothing more to show that the Law is nothing to you, than that you should tell me this. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the Law? ( ἐξ ἔργων νόμου τὸ πνεῦμα ἐλάβετε ;); was it in consequence of works of the Law that ye received the Spirit ? I came amongst you as an apostle, preaching the gospel, and upon your baptism laying my hands upon you;... read more