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Galatians 3:19
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17 And this I say, that the law, awhich was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God1 in Christ, bthat it should make the promise of no effect.  
18 For if athe inheritance is of the law, bit is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.  

Purpose of the Law

19 What purpose then does the law serve? aIt was added because of transgressions, till the bSeed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was cappointed through angels by the hand dof a mediator.  
20 Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, abut God is one.  
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.
22 But the Scripture has confined aall under sin, bthat the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.  
Commentaries:
Adam Clarke
<< Galatians 3:18   Galatians 3:20 >>


Galatians 3:19

Wherefore then serveth the law? - If the law does not annul the Abrahamic covenant, and cannot confer salvation on its votaries, why did God give it? This was a very natural objection, and must arise in the mind of any Jew who had paid attention to the apostle' s reasoning.

It was added because of transgressions - It was given that we might know our sinfulness, and the need we stood in of the mercy of God. The law is the right line, the straight edge, that determines the obliquity of our conduct. See the notes on Romans 4:15 (note); and especially on Romans 5:20 (note), where this subject is largely discussed, and the figure explained.

Till the seed should come - The law was to be in force till the advent of the Messiah. After that it was to cease.

It was ordained by angels - The ministry of angels was certainly used in giving the law; see Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; and Hebrews 2:2; but they were only instruments for transmitting; Moses was the mediator between God and the people, Deuteronomy 5:5.




Other Adam Clarke entries containing Galatians 3:19:

Deuteronomy 27:26
John 1:17
Acts 7:53
Romans 7:9
Galatians 3:20
Galatians 3:20
Hebrews 2:2
Hebrews 12:22

 

<< Galatians 3:18   Galatians 3:20 >>

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