Gal 3:2-6 | RWP | e4.org | This only ( τουτο μονον ). Paul strikes at the heart of the problem. He will show their error by the point that the gifts of the Spirit came by the hearing of faith, not by works of the law.

‏ Galatians 3:2-6

This only ( τουτο μονον ). Paul strikes at the heart of the problem. He will show their error by the point that the gifts of the Spirit came by the hearing of faith, not by works of the law.

Are ye now perfected in the flesh? ( νυν σαρκ επιτελεισθε? ). Rather middle voice as in 1Pe 5:9, finishing of yourselves. There is a double contrast, between εναρξαμενο (having begun) and επιτελεισθε (finishing) as in 2Co 8:6; Php 1:6, and also between "Spirit" ( πνευματ ) and flesh ( σαρκ ). There is keen irony in this thrust.

Did ye suffer? ( επαθετε? ). Second aorist active indicative of πασχω, to experience good or ill. But alone, as here, it often means to suffer ill ( τοσαυτα, so many things). In North Galatia we have no record of persecutions, but we do have records for South Galatia (Ac 14:2, 5, 19, 22).

If it be indeed in vain ( ε γε κα εικη ). On εικη see 1Co 15:2; Ga 4:11. Paul clings to hope about them with alternative fears.

Supplieth ( επιχορηγων ). It is God. See on 2Co 9:10 for this present active participle. Cf. Php 1:19; 2Pe 1:5.

Worketh miracles ( ενεργων δυναμεις ). On the word ενεργεω see 1Th 2:13; 1Co 12:6. It is a great word for God's activities (Php 2:13). "In you" (Lightfoot) is preferable to "among you" for εν υμιν (1Co 13:10; Mt 14:2). The principal verb for "doeth he it" ( ποιε ) is not expressed. Paul repeats the contrast in verse 2 about "works of the law" and "the hearing of faith."

It was reckoned unto him for righteousness ( ελογισθη εις δικαιοσυνην ). First aorist passive indicative of λογιζομα. See on 1Co 13:5 for this old word. He quotes Ge 15:6 and uses it at length in Ro 4:3ff. to prove that the faith of Abraham was reckoned "for" ( εις, good Koine idiom though more common in LXX because of the Hebrew) righteousness before he was circumcised. James (Jas 2:23) quotes the same passage as proof of Abraham's obedience to God in offering up Isaac (beginning to offer him). Paul and James are discussing different episodes in the life of Abraham. Both are correct.