Galatians 3:22-29
Chapter 3
22
However, the Scriptures have declared that we are all prisoners of sin. Therefore, the only way to receive God’s promise is by believing in Jesus Christ.
23
Slaves and Children
Before faith arrived, the law kept us confined and in custody until faith appeared.
24
The law then served as a guardian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.
25
With faith, we no longer follow this guidance.
26
Now, in Christ Jesus, all of you are children of God through faith.
27
All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
28
Here, there is no longer any distinction between Jew and Greek, or between slave and free, or between man and woman; but all of you are one in Christ Jesus.
29
Because you belong to Christ, you are part of Abraham’s lineage and entitled to inherit God’s promise.
Commentaries
The Law and the Promise.
The coming of Christ also clarifies the meaning and scope of the “promise” and the “Law,” which were key ideas in Judaism at that time. Both originate from God. The problem, however, is that the Jews failed to understand the relationship between the promise made to Abraham and the Law given to Moses. They did not see that the Law was meant to serve the promise until it was fulfilled. They had made the Law absolute, turning it into an end in itself, completely forgetting the promise that gave it meaning and legitimacy. Now, Christ, the “heir” of the promise made to Abraham, has come. With His arrival, the Law has already served its purpose.
Slaves and Children.
Paul describes the pedagogical role of the Law by comparing it to the guardianship of slaves over children. When the age of majority, determined by the father, is reached, the son is emancipated and gains all the rights of a son and heir. The Law served as a “guardian” during the people’s minority. God sets a date in history and sends His Son, the Heir. And we, united with Him, have also become children and heirs.