So those who have faith
This phrase emphasizes the central theme of faith in the Christian life. In the context of Galatians, Paul is addressing the Galatian churches, which were being influenced by Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Paul contrasts this with the doctrine of justification by faith alone. The phrase connects to Ephesians 2:8-9, which underscores that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works. Faith here is not merely intellectual assent but a trust and reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation.

are blessed
The blessing referred to here is spiritual rather than material, aligning with the blessings promised to Abraham. In Genesis 12:3, God promises Abraham that "all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." This blessing is fulfilled in Christ, as seen in Galatians 3:14, where Paul explains that the blessing of Abraham comes to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ. The blessing includes justification, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life.

along with Abraham
Abraham is a pivotal figure in both Jewish and Christian theology. Known as the father of faith, his life exemplifies trust in God's promises. In Genesis 15:6, Abraham's belief in God is credited to him as righteousness, setting a precedent for justification by faith. This connection to Abraham highlights the continuity of God's plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, showing that faith, not law, has always been the means of obtaining God's promises.

the man of faith
Abraham is called the "man of faith" because of his unwavering trust in God's promises, despite circumstances that seemed impossible, such as the promise of a son in his old age (Genesis 17:17). Hebrews 11:8-12 further elaborates on Abraham's faith, listing him among the heroes of faith. This title underscores the idea that faith is not a new concept introduced by Christianity but is rooted in the history of God's people. Abraham's faith is a type of the faith that believers are called to have in Christ, trusting in God's promises even when they are not yet visible.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia to correct false teachings and emphasize justification by faith.

2. Abraham
A patriarch in the Old Testament, known for his faith in God, which was credited to him as righteousness.

3. Galatia
A region in modern-day Turkey where the early Christian churches were located, to whom Paul wrote this epistle.

4. The Galatian Churches
Early Christian communities struggling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation.

5. Judaizers
A group within the early church advocating for the necessity of following Jewish law, including circumcision, for Gentile converts.Faith as the Basis of Blessing
True blessing comes through faith, not adherence to the law. Just as Abraham was blessed because of his faith, so are all who believe in Christ.

The Universality of the Gospel
The promise to Abraham extends to all nations, showing that faith transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. This underscores the inclusivity of the Gospel.

The Example of Abraham
Abraham serves as a model of faith for believers. His life demonstrates trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.

Justification by Faith
Paul emphasizes that righteousness is imputed through faith, not by works. This foundational truth should guide our understanding of salvation.

Living by Faith
Believers are called to live by faith daily, trusting in God's promises and guidance, just as Abraham did.(9) They which be of faith.--The same phrase as in Galatians 3:7 above.

With faithful Abraham--i.e., in company with Abraham. The same idea is presented in two different forms. Abraham's spiritual descendants are blessed "in him;" they are also blessed "with him." He is the head of a great company, in which they all are included.

Verse 9. - So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham (ὥστε οἱ ἐκ πίστεως εὐλογοῦνται σὺν τῷ πιστῷ Ἀβραάμ) "Are blessed;" are objects of benediction. The apostle gathers from the words cited in ver. 8 the two particulars, that there are who get to be blessed like Abraham and with him, and that it is by faith like Abraham's, without works of the Law, that they do so. He seems to have an eye to the sense of Divine benediction which the Galatians had themselves experienced, when upon their simply believing in Christ the Spirit's gifts had been poured forth upon them. The word "faithful" (πιστῷ) is inserted, ex abundanti almost, to mark the more explicitly and emphatically, the condition on which both Abraham and therefore others in him gain the blessing. This being "in Abraham," which is here predicated of all who gain justification and God's benediction, is analogous to the image of Gentiles, being by faith "grafted," and by faith abiding, in the "olive tree," which we have in Romans 11:17, 20. The verbal πιστὸς is generally passive, "one to be believed or trusted in," and so a man "of fidelity;" but it is also at times active, in the sense of "one who believes," as John 20:27; Acts 10:45; 2 Corinthians 6:15; Ephesians 1:1; 1 Timothy 4:10; 1 Timothy 5:16; 1 Timothy 6:2 (so in ἄπιστος, John 20:27; ὀλιγόπιστος, Matthew 6:30). In consequence of this use of the term in Scripture, both fidelis in ecclesiastical Latin and "faithful" in English have often this signification.

Parallel Commentaries ...


So
ὥστε (hōste)
Conjunction
Strong's 5620: So that, therefore, so then, so as to. From hos and te; so too, i.e. Thus therefore.

those who
οἱ (hoi)
Article - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

have
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

faith
πίστεως (pisteōs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

are blessed
εὐλογοῦνται (eulogountai)
Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 2127: (lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless.

along with
σὺν (syn)
Preposition
Strong's 4862: With. A primary preposition denoting union; with or together.

Abraham,
Ἀβραάμ (Abraam)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 11: Abraham, progenitor of the Hebrew race. Of Hebrew origin; Abraham, the Hebrew patriarch.

the [man]
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

of faith.
πιστῷ (pistō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4103: Trustworthy, faithful, believing. From peitho; objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful.


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NT Letters: Galatians 3:9 So then those who are of faith (Gal. Ga)