18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Ver. 18. Gave it to Abraham ] Gr. κεχαρισται , freely gave it. What is more free than a gift? And what better freehold than the divine promise? read more
19 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. Ver. 19. Because of transgressions ] Which are discovered by the law. Sight of misery must go before sense of mercy. Lex, lux, the law is a light (saith Solomon), which lays all open, as 1 Corinthians 14:25 , and threateneth destruction to transgressors. And it was ordained, &c. ] Therefore it is... read more
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Ver. 20. Is not a mediator of one ] q.d. God and men were at odds, else what use of a mediator? Sin is the makebate (mischief maker), as being a transgression of the law. But God is one ] One and the same now as of old in taking vengeance on the law’s transgressors. Or, God is one party disagreeing or displeased. read more
21 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. Ver. 21. Have given life ] That is, have justified a sinner. But herein lay the law’s weakness through the flesh, Romans 8:3 . read more
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Ver. 22. But the Scripture ] The law and the prophets. Hath concluded all ] Gr. Hath clapped them up close prisoners. All in the neuter gender (both men and women), to prevent cavils, συνεκλεισεν παντα . That the promise, &c. ] That he might have mercy upon all, Romans 11:32 . See Trapp on " Rom 11:32 " read more
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Ver. 23. But before faith came, &c. ] i.e. Before Christ came; faith is put for the object of faith. We were kept under the law ] φρουρουμεθα , as in a prison or garrison, being circled with a compassing strength. The sinner, having transgressed, is kept by the law, as with a guard or garrison, that he cannot escape unless he be delivered by Christ. Some learned men make... read more
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Ver. 24. The law was our schoolmaster ] Such a one as that Livy and Florus speak of in Italy, who brought forth his scholars to Hannibal; and if he had not been more merciful than otherwise, they had all perished. read more
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. Ver. 25. But after that faith ] That is, the gospel, or Christ the author and matter of the gospel. See Galatians 3:23 . read more
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Ver. 26. The children of God ] Gr. The sons of God, grown up at man’s estate; Qui magnum ferulae subduximus, who are no longer under a schoolmaster. How we are the children of God by faith. See Trapp on " Joh 1:12 " read more
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John Trapp Complete Commentary - Galatians 3:17
17 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. Ver. 17. Four hundred and thirty, &c. ] This space of time between the promise and the law, the Divine providence cast into two equal portions, of 215 before the people’s going down into Egypt, and 215 after their being there. (Lightfoot’s Har. Prolegom.) read more