Galatians 3:16 F.O.G Commentary

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Verse Text

“Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, ‘And to seeds,’ as referring to many, but rather to one, ‘And to your seed,’ that is, Christ.” (NASB)

Immediate Context

In Galatians 3, Paul addresses the Galatian church about the purpose of the Law and the promises given to Abraham. In verse 16, Paul clarifies that the promises God made to Abraham were ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Paul uses the singular form “seed” to emphasize that the promise was not made to many descendants (seeds) but to one—Christ. This reinforces the argument that salvation comes through faith in Christ and not by adhering to the Law.

Key Insights

• “Promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed”: The use of “seed” (Greek: sperma) is singular, which Paul highlights to demonstrate that the promise to Abraham was specifically pointing to Christ.
• “Not…to seeds, as referring to many”: Paul contrasts “seeds” (plural) with “seed” (singular) to show that God’s covenant promise focuses on one particular descendant—Christ.
• “That is, Christ”: This clarification by Paul underscores that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Abrahamic promise, central to God’s redemptive plan, showing that all who are in Christ are heirs to the promise.

Biblical Themes

• Fulfillment of the Promise: This verse highlights how Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham, connecting Old Testament prophecy with New Testament revelation.
• Salvation Through Faith: Emphasizes that salvation and the blessings of Abraham come through faith in Christ, not by works of the Law.
• Unity in Christ: The verse demonstrates the unity of God’s plan for salvation through Christ, extending the promise to both Jews and Gentiles who have faith in Him.

Cross References

• Genesis 12:7 – “The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants [seed] I will give this land.'” This is the original promise made to Abraham, which Paul refers to as being ultimately fulfilled in Christ.
• Romans 4:13 – “For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.” Paul expands on the idea that the promise comes through faith.
• Galatians 3:29 – “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” This shows that believers in Christ are spiritual heirs of the promise made to Abraham.

Reflection Question

How does understanding that Christ is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham impact your view of the Old and New Testaments? In what ways can you live out being an heir to the promise in your daily walk with Christ?

Did You Know?

1. Paul’s use of “seed” is a unique interpretive approach that emphasizes the singular aspect of the promise to Abraham, setting a precedent for understanding Messianic prophecies.
2. The Abrahamic Covenant is foundational in understanding the New Testament Gospel, as it reveals God’s plan for blessing all nations through faith, not by works of the Law.
3. Galatians 3:16 is pivotal in Pauline theology, showcasing how Christological interpretations of Old Testament promises are central to the understanding of God’s salvation history.