Galatians 3:19 asks and answers an important question: “Why then the law?” Paul explains the purpose of the Mosaic Law in relation to God’s promise to Abraham and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here’s a closer examination of the verse and its meaning.
The Context of Galatians 3
Paul is addressing the Galatian Christians, who were being influenced by false teachers (the Judaizers) to believe that obedience to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation. Paul contrasts the Law with the promise given to Abraham, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works of the Law (Galatians 3:6-18).
Understanding Galatians 3:19
The verse says:
“Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary.”
This verse highlights several key truths about the purpose and limitations of the Law.
The Law Was Added “Because of Transgressions”
This phrase means that the Law was given to reveal sin and make its seriousness known. Paul elaborates on this in Romans 3:20: “Through the law comes knowledge of sin.” The Law serves as a mirror, exposing human sinfulness and showing the impossibility of achieving righteousness through one’s own efforts.
The Law also acts as a restraint, curbing sinful behavior by threatening consequences for disobedience. It identifies sin as rebellion against God and demonstrates humanity’s need for a Savior.
“Until the Offspring Should Come”
The Law was temporary, serving its purpose only until Christ, the promised offspring of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), came to fulfill God’s redemptive plan. Jesus is the fulfillment of both the promise to Abraham and the Law itself (Matthew 5:17).
Once Christ came, the ceremonial and civil aspects of the Law were no longer necessary. Believers are no longer under the Law as a covenant of works but under grace (Romans 6:14). The moral aspects of the Law, however, still reflect God’s character and guide Christian living.
“Put in Place Through Angels by an Intermediary”
Paul mentions that the Law was given through intermediaries, likely referring to the tradition that angels mediated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai (Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2). This highlights the indirect and secondary nature of the Law compared to the promise, which God gave directly to Abraham.
The intermediary in this context is Moses, who acted as the go-between for God and Israel. This further underscores that the Law was part of a mediated covenant, unlike the unilateral promise made to Abraham by God Himself.
The Law/Gospel Distinction
Galatians 3:19 underscores the distinction between the Law and the Gospel. The Law belongs to the “do” of God’s revelation, commanding obedience and exposing sin, while the Gospel proclaims the “done” of Christ’s work, offering grace and salvation. The Law’s role was never to save but to lead sinners to Christ by showing their need for His atoning work (Galatians 3:24).
Application for Believers
The Law Points to Christ: It reveals our sin and inability to achieve righteousness on our own, driving us to trust in Jesus for salvation.
The Law is Not Contrary to the Promise: Paul clarifies later that the Law does not nullify the promise but serves as a temporary guide until Christ (Galatians 3:21-22).
Christ is the Fulfillment: Believers are not justified by the works of the Law but by faith in the finished work of Christ.
Conclusion
Galatians 3:19 explains that the Law was given to expose sin, restrain transgression, and prepare the way for Christ, the promised offspring. It was always temporary, pointing forward to the Gospel’s fulfillment in Jesus. By understanding the Law’s purpose and limitations, we see more clearly the beauty and sufficiency of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
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