Galatians 3:2 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law - This may refer to the miraculous gifts of the Spirit, which were very common in the apostolic Church. Did ye receive these extraordinary gifts in consequence of your circumcision, and observing the Mosaic precepts? or was it by the hearing of the Gospel, prescribing faith in Christ crucified? It may also refer to the spirit of adoption, and consequently to their sonship.