What does Galatians 3:6 mean?

Paul concludes a series of provocative questions for the Christians in Galatians. He is trying to help them to see that they are being led astray. A group known as the Judaizers wants them to think that even Christ-followers need to follow the rules and rituals of the law of Moses in order to be truly saved (Galatians 2:4). Paul indicated that this is a "foolish" idea (Galatians 3:1).

Paul concluded the last verse by asking if they received God's Spirit after doing works of the law or after "hearing with faith?" The answer should be obvious, since they had not yet done any works of the law before the Spirit came. They had simply believed, and God had responded (Galatians 3:5).

Now, Paul begins to show that this is the way God has always worked, even before the law was given. Abraham, the father of all Jewish people, was also declared righteous by God for believing Him. To make the point, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6. Abraham had not yet even been circumcised before God declared him righteous for his faith.

Paul will move on in this chapter to show that the Old Testament and the law were always about faith in God and about looking forward to the coming of Jesus.