Galatians 3:1 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
As far as righteousness is concerned, God can only accept perfection, and that perfection is to be found in Christ alone for any other form of righteousness comes tainted, one way or another. Paul encountered the problem of persons trying in vain to work themselves into God’s favor. Heavy emphasis was being put on the works of the law, while persons were losing sight of Christ as God’s perfect gift to us, and he was moved to address the issue in most note-worthy fashion.
That word: “Bewitched” is pretty strong for it is only used in two other instances in the Bible. And even though the Greek renditions of the words may vary somewhat, the fact remains that persons had been bewitched. Bewitch in English: 1. To place under one's power by magic; to cast a spell over. 2. To captivate completely; fascinate.
Paul was here trying to refocus the attention of the folks in Galatia, on the Gift God has given to us. Yes, it is true that obedience is a must, but obedience is a natural by-product of abiding in Christ, and therefore, the emphasis for the Galatians and ourselves too, is to never lose sight of Christ, as the ways and means of salvation.
Galatians 3:2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!