What is the meaning of Galatians 3:23? Before this faith came Galatians 3:23 opens with, “Before this faith came…,” pointing to the era preceding Christ’s finished work. • God had already promised righteousness by faith to Abraham (Galatians 3:6–9; Genesis 15:6), yet the full clarity of that promise awaited Jesus. • Old Testament believers trusted God’s word but did not see the substance—“the assurance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1, 13). • Prophets searched and inquired about “the grace that was to come” (1 Peter 1:10–12), signaling that the faith-now-revealed was still future. • The Mosaic covenant functioned as a temporary arrangement (Hebrews 8:7–13), preparing hearts for the permanent solution in Christ. we were held in custody under the law Paul continues, “we were held in custody under the law…” describing the law as a jailer. • The law exposes sin and shuts every mouth (Romans 3:19–20), preventing self-righteous escape routes. • Like bars around a prisoner, its commands and penalties confined Israel—and by extension all humanity—to the reality of guilt (Romans 5:20). • This custody was protective, preventing the nation from dissolving into idolatry, yet also restrictive, offering no power to conquer the sin it uncovered (Romans 7:10–13). • Even the sacrificial system reminded worshipers annually that sins were not yet removed (Hebrews 10:1–4). locked up until faith should be revealed The verse ends, “…locked up until faith should be revealed.” The imprisonment had an expiration date. • “The law became our guardian to lead us to Christ” (Galatians 3:24–25); once He came, the tutor’s task was complete. • Christ is “the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes” (Romans 10:4), unveiling the long-awaited faith. • Through His death and resurrection, the Father “rescued us from the domain of darkness” (Colossians 1:13), opening the prison door the law could only highlight. • Now believers live under grace, not law (Romans 6:14), indwelt by the Spirit promised in the new covenant (Ezekiel 36:26–27; Galatians 3:14). summary • Before Christ, God’s people anticipated a promise they could not yet see. • The law acted as a warden, revealing sin and restraining rebellion but offering no ultimate escape. • In Jesus, the promised faith burst into full daylight, freeing all who trust Him from the custody of the law and clothing them in His righteousness. |
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