Bible Commentary

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. 23. But before faith came ] Better, ‘before this faith’, i.e. in Jesus Christ, ‘came’; and so nearly = before Christ came. we were kept ] kept in ward. The same word occurs 1Pe 1:5. … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:23”

But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 22. But the Scripture, &c.] The impossibility (Theod. Mops.) of obtaining righteousness by legal obedience is proved by the plain testimony of Scripture. It is noteworthy that in this momentous argument St … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:22”

[Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 21. Having thus sharply contrasted the two covenants, the Apostle anticipates an objection ‘You say that God is One. He is the Author … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:21”

Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one. 20. Probably no verse of Scripture has more exercised the ingenuity of commentators. Certainly of none other can it be said that it ‘has received 430 interpretations’ (Jowett), if by that expression contrariant or different interpretations are meant. Some notice of these … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:20”

Wherefore then [serveth] the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; [and it was] ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 19 29. The Purpose and Use of the Law in relation to the Justification of the Sinner 19. If then the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:19”

For if the inheritance [be] of the law, [it is] no more of promise: but God gave [it] to Abraham by promise. 18. The concluding words of the previous verse suggest the thought ‘Yes, the promise would be at once invalidated, if the inheritance were dependent on the law’. Law and promises, works and faith, … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:18”

And this I say, [that] the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. 17. And this I say ] This is what I mean. St Paul here reverts to, and continues the … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:17”

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. 16. ‘Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed’. and his seed ] These words are emphatic. Had the promise been made … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:16”

Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though [it be] but a man’s covenant, yet [if it be] confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. 15. Brethren ] Commentators note the softened tone of this address, as compared with the previous severity of rebuke. It is due to the influence on the Apostle’s mind … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:15”

That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 14. The twofold result of our Lord’s obedience unto death, the justification of the Gentiles, and the gift of the Spirit, through faith. Christ having satisfied the Law in its most … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Galatians 3:14”