What does Galatians 3:20 mean by "a mediator is not for one party only"? Full Citation of the Verse “Now a mediator is not for one party only, but God is One.” — Galatians 3:20 Immediate Literary Setting (Galatians 3:15-22) Paul contrasts the unilateral promise made to Abraham (v. 16-18) with the bilateral Law given 430 years later (v. 19). The Law “was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator” (v. 19, cf. Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2). Verse 20 clinches the contrast: the very need of a mediator proves the Law is a two-party arrangement, whereas the promise rests on the single party—God Himself. Ancient Covenant Background In Near-Eastern suzerain treaties, a mediator (often a herald or priest) facilitated negotiations between ruler and vassal. By contrast, a royal grant covenant required no mediator; the sovereign alone pledged benefits. Genesis 15 exemplifies this: God alone walks between the pieces, binding Himself while Abraham sleeps. The Mosaic covenant resembles a suzerain treaty; Moses (and attending angels) serve as intermediaries (Exodus 19:3-25). Who Is the “Mediator” in v. 19-20? 1. Moses (Deuteronomy 5:5). 2. An angelic court (Acts 7:38, 53). 3. Collectively, any go-betweens involved at Sinai. All three are compatible; Paul’s point is structural, not biographical. Whichever mediator one names, that mediator proves the Law was a negotiated covenant involving two parties. “A Mediator Is Not for One Party Only” Explained 1. Logical Definition: A mediator, by definition, stands between at least two entities; if only one party exists, mediation is unnecessary. 2. Covenantal Implication: The Law’s dependence on mediation reveals its bilateral, conditional nature. Blessing under the Law hinges on Israel’s obedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28). 3. Contrast with Promise: God’s promise to Abraham and ultimately to Christ (Galatians 3:16) is monopleuric—God swore by Himself (Hebrews 6:13). Hence no mediator is required. “But God Is One” — The Theological Punch Line Paul invokes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). There is one God, and He alone guarantees the promise. Because His singular, unchanging nature anchors the covenant, it is inviolable (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). The Law, being conditional and mediated, cannot annul a unilateral promise issued by the One God (Galatians 3:17-18). Exegetical Views Surveyed A. Inferiority of the Law • Because mediation implies distance, the Law is inherently inferior to the direct promise (cf. Hebrews 7:22; 8:6). B. Unity of God and Gospel • One God means one salvific plan; the Law is a temporary parenthesis (Galatians 3:24). C. Christological Pointer • While Sinai required many mediators, the eschatological covenant boasts one Mediator—Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:15). The verse sets up that contrast. Harmonization with the Whole Canon • Promise Unilateral: Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6; Romans 4:1-5. • Law Bilateral: Exodus 24:3-8. • Mediator Principle: Job 9:33; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8-9. No canonical tension exists: Scripture consistently teaches that salvation history moves from promised grace, through provisional Law, to fulfilled grace in Christ. Practical Theology Believers rest on God’s sworn promise, not human performance. Unbelievers are invited to forsake self-reliance and trust the One Mediator, Christ, who embodies both parties—God and humanity—in His Person (John 1:14; Colossians 2:9). Summary Galatians 3:20 teaches that mediation presupposes two contracting parties; the Law therefore stands on a different footing from the unilateral, grace-based promise. God’s oneness guarantees the promise, rendering it superior and unalterable. The verse magnifies the sufficiency of God’s own initiative and directs all hope to the risen Christ, the ultimate and final Mediator. |
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