Journal: Michigan Theological Journal
Volume: MTJ 04:1 (Spring 1993)
Article: Galatians 3:5: A Change In Nature or a Change of Nature?
Author: John A. McLean

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Galatians 3:5: A Change In Nature or a Change of Nature?

John A. McLean

A question that confronts an expositor of Galatians 3:5 is whether Paul is speaking about a change in nature or a change of nature. Is Paul’s argument through this rhetorical question speaking about God’s work of “miracles among you” or of God working “powers in you?”1 The first translation is a change in the physical realm while the second is a change in the spiritual realm. The answer to this question is determined, in part, by the translation, of the phrase “ὁ…ἐνεργῶ́ν δυνάμεις ἐν ὑμῖν.” There is a common understanding of this phrase by the translators of the TEV, RSV, NIV, NASB, KJV And NKJV as evidenced by the same basic translation

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“works miracles among you.”2

Gerhard Ebeling maintains that δυνάμις refers to miraculous cures. He argues: “In addition, the Spirit can be recognized through certain specific signs, among which manifestations of power in miraculous cures are singled out (v. 5). Here Paul is probably referring to the same phenomenon he calls a ‘demonstration of the Spirit and power’ … in 1 Cor. 2:4, in contrast to persuasive words of wisdom.”3 Acts 14:8–18 provides historical support that at least one miracle was performed at Lystra in the region of Galatia. Paul healed a man who had been lame from birth, and this healing resulted in the people proclaiming Paul and Barnabas as gods.

Donald Guthrie understands δυνάμις with a slightly broader scope than just miracles. He argues that the relationship of the Holy Spirit in the context suggests a more comprehensive view that represents all spiritual gifts.4 F.F. Bruce

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supports this view: “Here δυνάμεις is used comprehensively of the manifestations of the Spirit’s power; in 1 Cor. 12:10, 28f., it is used of one group of such manifestations: some believers receive ἐνεργήματα δυνάμεων while others receive...