Galatians 3:1
Memory Verse
O unthinking Galatians, who has bewitched you to not be persuaded by the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly displayed, having been crucified? (Galatians 3:1).
If righteousness could come through law, Christ’s death has no purpose. Therefore, it is unthinking to be persuaded to follow the law to obtain or hold salvation. This shows a shift from trusting Christ to relying on the law, a shift that Paul challenges.
Although many English translations use the word “foolish” in Galatians 3:1, the word actually means someone who is not using their mind. To clarify, the word for foolish (μωρός) describes a person who is mentally or morally lacking sense (Matthew 25:2–3). For example, those who determine to be wealthy in this world fall into temptation and a snare because they are not using their mind (1 Timothy 6:9). In light of this, seeing that all the things of this world will be dissolved, we are to use our minds to understand what manner of person we ought to be in holy conduct and godliness (2 Peter 3:10).
A man who does not think is seen in contrast to one who is wise (Romans 1:14). Here, the wise use their minds, while the unthinking open a door for false brethren to creep in, bringing destructive heresies that put others in bondage (Galatians 2:4). This contrast shows the importance of deliberate understanding in safeguarding belief.
Since Christ has been crucified, the law cannot bring righteousness (Galatians 2:21). With this truth established, those who seek to bring this type of bondage upon the saints by claiming that unless you obey the law you cannot be, nor remain, saved, are giving them the evil eye—to injure by malicious or spiteful influence.
When we use our minds, we are able to discern the desirous will of God. As a result, we can live a life of righteousness in the freedom we have in Christ, not under the bondage of the law (Romans 12:2; James 1:25).