Galatians 3:22

"Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law."

Key Reflection

Paul challenges the idea that the law and God’s promises are in conflict. He asserts that if the law could impart righteousness, it would negate the need for faith, thus affirming that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ rather than adherence to the law.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 22. But the Scripture. The Old Testament, See Barnes "Joh 5:39, containing the law of Moses. Hath concluded all under sin. Has shut up sunekleisen all under the condemnation of sin; that is, has declared all men, no matter what their rank and external character, to be sinners. Of course, they cannot be justified by that law which declares them to be guilty, and which condemns them, any more than the law of the land will acquit a murderer, and pronounce him innocent, at the same time that it holds him to be guilty. In regard to the meaning of the expression here used, See Barnes "Ro 11:32". Comp. Ro 3:9,19. That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ, etc.

Related Verses

More from Galatians 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion