Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 3:1-5

"O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified? This only would I learn from you. Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected in the flesh? Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain. He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" — Galatians 3:1-5 (ASV)

Several things made the folly of the Galatian Christians worse. They had experienced the preaching of the doctrine of the cross and the administration of the Lord's Supper among them. In both of these, Christ crucified and the nature of His sufferings had been fully and clearly set forth. Had they become partakers of the Holy Spirit by the ministry of the law, or on account of any works they had done in obedience to it?

Was it not by their hearing and embracing the doctrine of faith in Christ alone for justification? Which of these had God acknowledged with tokens of His favor and acceptance? It was not by the first, but by the last. And those must be very unwise who allow themselves to be turned away from the ministry and doctrine that have been blessed for their spiritual advantage.

Alas, that men should turn from the all-important doctrine of Christ crucified to listen to useless distinctions, mere moral preaching, or wild fancies! The god of this world, by various men and means, has blinded men's eyes, so that they would not learn to trust in a crucified Savior. We may boldly demand where the fruits of the Holy Spirit are most evidently brought forth—whether among those who preach justification by the works of the law, or those who preach the doctrine of faith?

Assuredly among the latter.