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The Purpose of the Law

19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring[a] would come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ordained through angels by a mediator.(A) 20 Now a mediator involves more than one party, but God is one.(B)

21 Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could make alive, then righteousness would indeed come through the law. 22 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through the faith of Jesus Christ[b] might be given to those who believe.(C)

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Footnotes

  1. 3.19 Gk seed
  2. 3.22 Or through faith in Jesus Christ

19 Why then the law? (A)It was added because of transgressions, (B)until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was (C)put in place through angels (D)by an intermediary. 20 Now (E)an intermediary implies more than one, but (F)God is one.

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For (G)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture (H)imprisoned everything under sin, so that (I)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given (J)to those who believe.

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