Albert Barnes Commentary


Albert Barnes Commentary
"that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." — Galatians 3:14 (ASV)
That the blessing of Abraham. This refers to the blessing Abraham enjoyed, namely, that of being justified by faith.
Might come on the Gentiles.
This means it might come on the Gentiles as well as on the Jews. Abraham was blessed in this manner before he was circumcised (Romans 4:11), and the same blessing could also be imparted to others who were not circumcised. This argument is illustrated in the comments on Romans 4:10.
Through Jesus Christ. Since he has been made a curse for all, and since he had no exclusive reference to the Jews or to any other class of men, all may come and equally partake of the benefits of his salvation.
That we might receive the promise of the Spirit. This refers to all of us who are Christian converts. The promise of the Spirit, or the promised Spirit, here represents all the blessings connected with the Christian religion.
It evidently includes the miraculous agency of the Holy Spirit, and all his influences in renewing the heart, sanctifying the soul, and comforting the people of God. These influences were obtained because of the sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus in the place of sinners, and these influences are the sum of all the blessings promised by the prophets.