Galatians 3:3
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Original Language Analysis
πνεύματι
in the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
in the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
5 of 8
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
6 of 8
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
Historical Context
This verse captures the essence of the Galatian heresy: synergism—the belief that God starts salvation (Spirit), but humans must complete it (flesh/Law-works). The Judaizers weren't denying Christ or the Spirit's initial work; they were teaching that Gentiles must 'perfect' their salvation through circumcision and Torah observance. This same error plagues Christianity today under various guises: sacramentalism, legalism, perfectionism—any system teaching that grace initiates but human effort completes salvation.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific areas of your Christian life are you trying to 'complete by the flesh' what God began by the Spirit?
- How does Paul's logic dismantle any 'Jesus plus' gospel (Jesus plus works, Jesus plus rituals, Jesus plus your effort)?
- What would change in your daily walk if you truly believed the Spirit who saved you is sufficient to sanctify you without your fleshly striving?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? Paul's second use of anoētoi (ἀνόητοι)—'foolish, unintelligent'—stings with disappointment. The perfect participle 'having begun' (enarxamenoi, ἐναρξάμενοι) in the dative case emphasizes the completed initiatory work of the Spirit at conversion. The question drips with irony: having started supernaturally by the Spirit (pneumati, πνεύματι), are you now 'being completed' (epiteleisthe, ἐπιτελεῖσθε)—present tense, ongoing action—by flesh (sarki, σαρκί)?
'Flesh' here means human effort, the realm of self-sufficiency and Law-works, contrasted with Spirit-empowered grace. The verb epiteleō (ἐπιτελέω) means 'to bring to completion, to perfect'—the Galatians were being taught that circumcision and Law-keeping would complete what the Spirit began. Paul exposes the absurdity: the Spirit who regenerates cannot be supplemented by fleshly ritual. If you needed the Spirit to start, you need the Spirit to finish. Grace from start to finish.