Galatians 3:24
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The law was our schoolmaster - Ὁ νομος παιδαγωγος ἡμων γεγονεν εις Χριστον· The law was our pedagogue unto Christ. The παιδαγωγος, pedagogue, is not the schoolmaster, but the servant who had the care of the children to lead them to and bring them back from school, and had the care of them out of school hours. Thus the law did not teach us the living, saving knowledge; but, by its rites and ceremonies, and especially by its sacrifices, it directed us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. This is a beautiful metaphor, and highly illustrative of the apostle's doctrine. See the note on Rom 10:4, where this figure is farther explained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"So that the law hath been (that is, hath turned out to be) our schoolmaster (or "tutor," literally, "pedagogue": this term, among the Greeks, meant a faithful servant entrusted with the care of the boy from childhood to puberty, to keep him from evil, physical and moral, and accompany him to his amusements and studies) to guide us unto Christ," with whom we are no longer "shut up" in bondage, but are freemen. "Children" (literally, infants) need such tutoring (Gal 4:3). might be--rather, "that we may be justified by faith"; which we could not be till Christ, the object of faith, had come. Meanwhile the law, by outwardly checking the sinful propensity which was constantly giving fresh proof of its refractoriness--as thus the consciousness of the power of the sinful principle became more vivid, and hence the sense of need both of forgiveness of sin and freedom from its bondage was awakened--the law became a "schoolmaster to guide us unto Christ" [NEANDER]. The moral law shows us what we ought to do, and so we learn our inability to do it. In the ceremonial law we seek, by animal sacrifices, to answer for our not having done it, but find dead victims no satisfaction for the sins of living men, and that outward purifying will not cleanse the soul; and that therefore we need an infinitely better Sacrifice, the antitype of all the legal sacrifices. Thus delivered up to the judicial law, we see how awful is the doom we deserve: thus the law at last leads us to Christ, with whom we find righteousness and peace. "Sin, sin! is the word heard again and again in the Old Testament. Had it not there for centuries rung in the ear, and fastened on the conscience, the joyful sound, "grace for grace," would not have been the watchword of the New Testament. This was the end of the whole system of sacrifices" [THOLUCK].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ,.... So the words should be read, as they are by the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; for the words "to bring us" are a supplement of our translators, and have nothing to answer to them in the original; and the sense of the passage is, that the law performed this office of a schoolmaster until the coming of Christ; which shows that till that time the church was in its minority, that the Jews were but children in knowledge and understanding, and therefore stood in need, and were under the care of a schoolmaster, the law, by which the whole Mosaic administration is designed. They were taught by the moral law, the letter, the writing on the two tables, with other statutes and judgments, their duty to God and men, what is to be done and to be avoided, what is righteousness and what is not, the nature of sin, its demerit and consequences; but these gave them no instructions about a Saviour, and life and righteousness by him. The ceremonial law gave them some hints of the Gospel scheme, and the way of salvation by Christ, but in a manner suited to their estate of childhood; by sights and shows, by types and figures, by rites and ceremonies, by shadows and sacrifices; it taught them by divers washings the pollution of their nature, their need of the blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin; by circumcision, the necessity of regeneration, and the internal circumcision of the heart; by the passover, the daily sacrifice and other offerings, the doctrines of redemption, satisfaction, and atonement; and by the brazen serpent, the necessity of looking to Christ for life and salvation, and by various other things in that branch of the legal economy: but besides the instruction the law gave, it made use of discipline as a schoolmaster does; it kept a strict eye and hand over them, and them close to the performance of their duty; and restrained them from many things their inclinations led them to, threatening them with death in case of disobedience, and inflicting its penalties on delinquents; hence they that were under its discipline, were through fear of death it threatened them with, all their time subject to bondage: even the ceremonial law had something awful and tremendous in it; every beast that was slain in sacrifice was not only an instruction to them that they deserved to die as that creature did; but carried in it a tacit acknowledgment and confession of their own guilt; and the whole was an handwriting of ordinances against them. Moreover, the law being called a schoolmaster, shows that the use of it was but temporary, and its duration but for a time; children are not always to be under, nor designed to be always under a schoolmaster, no longer than till they are come to a proper age for greater business and higher exercises of life; so the law was to continue, and did continue, to be of this use and service to the Jewish church during its minority, until Christ came, the substance of all it taught and directed to: both the Jerusalem Targum and that of Jonathan ben Uzziel, on Num 11:12 use the very Greek word the apostle does here, concerning Moses, rendering the words, as a "pedagogue" or "schoolmaster" bears a sucking child into the land, &c. That we might be justified by faith; by Christ the object of faith, by his righteousness, which faith looks unto and receives, and not by the law and the works of it; the people of the Jews were in such a state under the law, and the law of that use unto them before the coming of Christ, as above represented, that it might be made manifest, be a clear point, and out of all dispute, that there is no such thing as justification by the law; for how could ever such a blessing be expected from it, when men were kept under it as under a military guard; when they were shut up in it as in a prison, and were treated by it as malefactors, convicted and condemned; and when they were under the discipline of it, as a rigid and severe schoolmaster? this being their case till Christ came, when it ceased to be all this to them, he being the end of it for righteousness, it became a thing self-evident, that justification is only by him and his righteousness, and so the end here mentioned was answered.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:24 The law is like a child’s guardian (Greek paidagōgos, “tutor”). In Greco-Roman culture, a guardian was a faithful slave responsible for training and protecting the heir until he came of age.
Galatians 3:24
The Purpose of the Law
23Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.24So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.25Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Hells Best Kept Secret
By Ray Comfort66K46:21EvangelismMAT 5:17MAT 22:37ACT 2:37ROM 3:20ROM 7:7ROM 10:4GAL 3:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to establish a connection. Then, he transitions to spiritual matters using unique gospel tracts that capture people's attention. He emphasizes the seriousness of sin and the need for salvation, using visual aids and illustrations to drive the point home. The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing our desperate need for righteousness and how Jesus offers the cure for our sin. He also critiques modern evangelism that focuses on life enhancement rather than the true message of salvation.
(So Great a Salvation) Conviction and Repentance
By Paris Reidhead11K48:14ConvictionEXO 20:1EZR 9:6MAT 6:33JHN 16:7ROM 3:20ROM 7:7GAL 3:24In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of addressing the spiritual needs of individuals when they become aware of them. He prays for God's guidance in reaching out to those who are being misled and emphasizes the significance of awakening and convicting sinners. The preacher reads from John chapter 16, focusing on verses 7 to 11, which discuss the second phase of the divine operation - conviction. He also mentions the need to use the law, such as the Ten Commandments, to help individuals who have been awakened but are not yet under conviction.
Being a Light in a Dark World
By Mark Cahill4.4K1:47:24EvangelismMAT 6:33ROM 2:15ROM 3:23GAL 3:24JAS 2:10In this sermon, the speaker begins by encouraging the audience to actively participate and respond during the talk. He directs them to open their notebooks to page 13 in the leadership section, where they will find most of the information that will be presented on the overheads. The speaker then shares a true story about teenagers handing out track booklets at the World Trade Centers, emphasizing the brevity of life and the importance of sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. He mentions a video of a man who made the decision to jump from a burning building, as well as a lady who witnessed people jumping from the building on September 11th. The speaker also mentions a student who moved to New York City on September 10th and had a phone conversation with him after the events of September 11th, causing him to question and seek answers. The sermon concludes with the speaker sharing a story about teenagers in Mobile, Alabama, who would rejoice in rejection while witnessing because they saw it as an opportunity to accumulate rewards in heaven.
Winning God's Approval - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.5K49:25ApprovalJOB 1:21JOB 29:15JOB 31:1MAT 5:28MAT 6:24MAT 25:35GAL 3:24In this sermon, the preacher discusses two types of preachers: those who focus on visions and dreams, and those who cling to traditions. He emphasizes the importance of not changing what our forefathers believed and challenges the listener to see if God will accept that challenge. The preacher then shifts to discussing the book of Job and how Job's response was not always perfect, but God still blessed him. He highlights the difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant, stating that in the Old Covenant, God treated people like children, but in the New Covenant, God treats us like adult sons. The preacher concludes by discussing the three-fold hedge of protection that God puts around believers and how it brings comfort in times of trouble.
(The Better Covenant) 6 - Fellowship in One Body
By Zac Poonen2.1K56:54MAT 6:33JHN 13:35ROM 8:141CO 12:12GAL 3:24EPH 1:221TI 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the faithfulness of God in providing for His children. He shares personal experiences of relying on God's provision and how seeking the kingdom of God first leads to the fulfillment of other needs. The speaker also discusses the importance of selflessness and contributing to the body of Christ. He encourages individuals to embrace their unique contributions and not imitate others. Lastly, the speaker concludes by discussing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant and the significance of fellowship in the body of Christ.
(Romans) Romans 8:1-14
By Zac Poonen2.1K47:06MAT 4:4ROM 8:1GAL 3:24In this sermon, the preacher focuses on Romans chapter 8 and verse 4, which states that the righteous requirement of God's law can be fulfilled within us if we choose to walk according to the Spirit and not the flesh. The preacher emphasizes that even after conversion, we will still be tempted by the flesh to sin, just as Jesus was tempted throughout his life. However, Jesus consistently rejected temptation and relied on the word of God. The purpose of God sending His Spirit and Son was to judge our sins on the cross and enable us to fulfill the righteous requirement of God's law. The sermon concludes by highlighting that the Christian life is a moment-by-moment choice to walk according to the Spirit.
New Covenant- Repentance & Heavenly Kingdom -1
By Zac Poonen1.4K10:13MAT 7:24MAT 18:3JHN 15:5ROM 6:141CO 1:302CO 12:9GAL 3:24HEB 12:2JAS 4:6This sermon delves into the concept of the New Covenant, highlighting the lack of understanding and living out of this covenant among many Christians. It emphasizes that the New Covenant is not merely about knowledge but about experiencing true life in Christ. Drawing parallels from the Garden of Eden, the sermon explains how choosing to decide for oneself what is good and evil leads to spiritual death, contrasting the principles of the law and grace. It underscores the importance of humble dependence on God, likening it to a child relying on a loving father for guidance and sustenance.
What's Wrong With the Gospel? Part 1
By Keith Green1.3K59:32PSA 139:23MAT 11:28MRK 8:34ROM 3:20ROM 6:23GAL 3:24HEB 10:31JAS 2:10This sermon delves into the importance of not diluting the gospel message, emphasizing the need to address the missing parts in modern preaching. It highlights the significance of the blood of Jesus, the cross, the threat of hell, and the law of God in convicting sinners. The speaker challenges the trend of avoiding tough topics like sin, hell, and the law, urging a return to the full counsel of God's Word.
The Full Gospel of the Glory of Christ
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:01:09GEN 1:3PSA 103:3JHN 1:141CO 13:112CO 3:182CO 4:42CO 4:6GAL 3:241TI 6:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond a self-centered, materialistic approach to faith and embracing the true gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ. It highlights the need to shift from seeking personal gain to desiring to serve God wholeheartedly, allowing the Holy Spirit to remove spiritual blindness and transform lives into the likeness of Christ.
The Preaching of George Whitefield
By E.A. Johnston1.1K1:00:21George WhitefieldEXO 19:18MAT 5:17JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 6:14GAL 3:24JAS 2:10The video is a sermon transcript about the preaching of George Whitefield, a renowned preacher in the 18th century. Whitefield had a powerful and captivating preaching style that kept his audience in awe. He was able to vividly describe scenes and draw his listeners into the message, making them feel as if they were witnessing the events themselves. His preaching was compared to the intensity of Mount Sinai and had a profound impact on his audience, often leading to scenes of emotional distress and conversion. The video also mentions the dramatic death of Whitefield, where he struggled to breathe and ultimately passed away while his aide held him.
Growing in the Grace of God #15 - Contrasts Between the Old & New Covenant Part 1
By Bob Hoekstra85955:28MAT 6:33ROM 6:142CO 3:62CO 3:14GAL 3:24HEB 8:6HEB 9:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the difference between the old and new covenants in relation to the ministry of death and the ministry of life. He emphasizes that the old covenant serves up spiritual death, while the new covenant is a life-giving ministry. The speaker highlights the importance of living by the spirit of God and applying His grace in our daily lives. He also emphasizes the role of faith in accessing God's grace and the sufficiency that comes from trusting in Him.
Sin, It's Nature and History - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead6341:02:53SinMAT 6:33MAT 7:12MAT 22:36ROM 3:20GAL 3:24EPH 6:1COL 3:20In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story about a child named Sarah who disobeys by touching a plant despite being told not to. The speaker then discusses the concept of righteous indignation and anger, emphasizing that emotions are not under our control. The speaker also mentions the importance of the law in bringing sinners to Christ and criticizes the idea that God deals with each generation differently. Finally, the speaker explains that embracing the commandment to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength requires a total commitment of our mental understanding, emotional desire, and volitional choice.
The New Temple & Two Witnesses
By Danny Bond60248:04ECC 3:11ZEC 4:6ROM 11:27GAL 3:24REV 11:1REV 11:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Revelation that describes a powerful event where believers are taken up to heaven. The preacher emphasizes the fear and awe that this event brings upon those who witness it. He also mentions an earthquake that occurs at the same time, resulting in the death of 7,000 people, possibly the royal guard of the Antichrist. The preacher then explains the significance of a measuring rod given to John in the vision, suggesting that it represents the measurement and judgment of the temple.
(Pdf Book) True Liberty
By Bakht Singh40300:00EbooksThe Law and GraceSpiritual FreedomGEN 15:13EXO 20:1MAT 11:28ROM 3:20ROM 7:6ROM 8:1ROM 10:4GAL 3:24HEB 4:1HEB 12:18Bakht Singh emphasizes the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to Canaan as a metaphor for spiritual freedom and the dangers of returning to bondage. He explains that while God delivered His people from slavery, they often struggled with the remnants of their old lives, just as believers today may revert to past sins despite being freed by Christ. The sermon highlights the purpose of the Law, which was to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, who fulfills the Law and offers true liberty through grace. Singh warns against teachings that impose legalistic practices, such as those from the Seventh Day Adventists, which can lead believers back into bondage rather than into the freedom found in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a life led by the Spirit, free from the constraints of the old covenant, and encourages believers to embrace their identity as children of God.
The Biblical Evangelism of the Westminster Confession #1
By Ernest C. Reisinger33059:37EvangelismISA 42:21ACT 13:16ROM 3:20GAL 3:24In this sermon transcript, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God with power and sincerity, rather than being hypocritical. He mentions quotes from theologians such as Calvin and Charles Bridges to support his points. The speaker also mentions the fear expressed by Dr. Martin Lloyd-Jones about the generation's tendency to idolize Jesus without fully understanding the purpose of his coming, which is to reconcile humanity with God. Additionally, the speaker criticizes the focus on psychological gimmicks and laws in evangelism, highlighting the significance of the law of God in the work of spreading the gospel.
Unusual Servants
By Jim Cymbala29836:05ServanthoodMAT 27:46JHN 19:30ROM 3:23GAL 3:24EPH 2:8COL 1:241PE 2:24In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a woman who experienced a miraculous healing in a church meeting. The woman was prayed for and immediately felt the presence of Jesus, leading her to praise and cry. The speaker emphasizes that when Jesus's presence is felt, demonic forces may react, but believers should not be alarmed. The sermon also highlights the importance of accepting Jesus's love and sacrifice, as it draws people to Him and offers salvation and forgiveness of sins. The speaker encourages non-believers to consider the various messengers and signs that God sends to lead them to Jesus, such as the reality of death and the need to be prepared to face God.
Pew and Pulpit #01: The Pew Looks at the Pulpit
By Ernest C. Reisinger551:00:23PreachingEXO 20:1JER 31:31MAT 22:37ROM 7:7ROM 13:8GAL 3:24PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the law of God, the cross of Christ, and the judgment of Almighty God in the preaching of the gospel. He argues that these three truths are interconnected and cannot be separated. The speaker also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in directing believers and ministers in their work. He references Romans 8 as a profound chapter on the work of the Spirit. Additionally, the speaker mentions the use of the law in evangelism and cites John Bunyan as a commentator who understood the significance of the law in relation to evangelism.
The Message of Nehemiah
By G. Campbell Morgan0Faith in ActionOvercoming AdversityNEH 1:2NEH 2:4NEH 4:9ISA 41:10ISA 50:10HAB 2:4MAL 4:4MAT 5:14GAL 3:24HEB 8:13G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the enduring values found in the book of Nehemiah, illustrating how Nehemiah's faith was characterized by concern, confidence, and cooperation. He highlights Nehemiah's cautious yet courageous actions in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, demonstrating a refusal to compromise with external and internal opposition. The sermon draws parallels between Nehemiah's time and the present, urging believers to trust in God amidst darkness and to actively engage in their faith without compromise. Ultimately, Morgan concludes that the just shall live by faith, a principle that remains relevant in every generation.
Exodus 20:20
By Chuck Smith0Grace through ChristThe LawEXO 19:4EXO 20:3MAT 5:21MAT 5:27JHN 1:17ROM 3:23ROM 7:12GAL 3:24EPH 2:8HEB 10:1Chuck Smith discusses the significance of the Law given to the Israelites, emphasizing that it was a response to their commitment to obey God. He outlines the Ten Commandments as guidelines for a blessed life and highlights the purpose of the Law, which is to lead people to righteousness and prevent sin. Smith also addresses the shortcomings of humanity in adhering to the Law and the misinterpretations that have arisen over time, ultimately pointing to the need for grace through Christ to fulfill the Law's intent.
Mount Sinai
By Henry Law0EXO 20:1ISA 6:3ROM 3:20ROM 7:7ROM 8:3ROM 10:4GAL 2:16GAL 3:24HEB 12:18Henry Law preaches about the significance of God's Law revealed at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the majesty and holiness of Jehovah as portrayed through the commandments. The Law serves as a mirror to reflect the sinfulness and need for cleansing in every individual, ultimately pointing to the necessity of a Savior, Jesus Christ, to fulfill its demands and provide salvation. Through the terrors of Sinai, Law highlights the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the insufficiency of human efforts to attain righteousness, leading souls to seek refuge in the grace and mercy of Christ.
The Glorious Cross
By G.W. North0The Cross of ChristEternal TruthsISA 53:5JHN 1:29JHN 8:56ROM 3:252CO 4:18GAL 3:24EPH 1:4HEB 10:11PE 1:19REV 13:8G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the crucifixion of Christ as a temporal event that reveals eternal truths about God's love and sacrifice. He explains that while the crucifixion was a pivotal moment in history, it is merely the visible manifestation of a deeper, eternal reality that has existed since before creation. North argues that all sacrifices, including those in the Old Testament, point back to the original sacrifice of the Lamb, which transcends time and is foundational to understanding God's righteousness. He encourages believers to look beyond the visible and grasp the invisible, eternal truths that the cross represents. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a deeper appreciation of the cross as both a historical event and a reflection of God's eternal nature.
Purpose of the Law
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones0Grace and SalvationPurpose of the LawMAT 22:37ROM 3:20GAL 3:24Martyn-Lloyd Jones emphasizes that the purpose of the Law is to define and reveal sin, making it clear that humanity is without excuse. The Law serves as a 'school-master' to lead individuals to Christ, highlighting their inability to save themselves and the exceeding sinfulness of sin. By understanding the Law, one recognizes their own sinful nature and helplessness, ultimately pointing to the need for salvation through faith in Jesus. The summary of the Law is to love God and neighbor, a standard that no one can fully meet, reinforcing the necessity of grace for redemption.
The Threefold Overthrow of Self
By J.C. Philpot0MAT 5:18LUK 16:17ROM 3:31ROM 7:12GAL 3:24The preacher delves into the significance of the stroke (KJV = tittle) in the Hebrew letters, emphasizing its importance in distinguishing one letter from another. Jesus stressed the vital nature of every letter and word in the Old Testament, affirming that every aspect of the Law and the Prophets would be fulfilled. The sermon explores the meticulous attention Jewish teachers gave to preserving every stroke and letter in the Law of Moses. Jesus' teaching highlights the immutability of Scripture, asserting that not even the smallest detail of the Law would pass away until it was accomplished.
The Tables of Testimony
By George Warnock0GAL 3:24George Warnock preaches about the journey of the Israelites in the wilderness, highlighting their struggle with idolatry and the inability to keep the law, leading to the breaking of the tablets by Moses. He emphasizes how the law revealed man's helplessness and paved the way for the New Covenant, showing the exceeding sinfulness of sin and the weakness of the flesh. Warnock discusses the significance of God's new covenant, where He writes His laws on the hearts of His people, enabling them to love and serve Him on a higher plane than under the law.
The Law of Sin
By Robert Wurtz II0ROM 7:5GAL 3:24JAS 1:8JAS 4:81JN 3:9Robert Wurtz II delves into the concept of the law of sin, the law of God, and the law of the Spirit in Christ Jesus, emphasizing how the law of sin within us causes rebellion against God's commands. He highlights the need for the law to reveal our sinful nature and our dependence on Christ for salvation. Wurtz explores the struggle between the sin nature and the born-again nature, illustrating how the regenerate are compelled to do the will of God while sin still dwells within them. He warns against being double-minded and encourages staying away from influences that lead to rebellion against God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The law was our schoolmaster - Ὁ νομος παιδαγωγος ἡμων γεγονεν εις Χριστον· The law was our pedagogue unto Christ. The παιδαγωγος, pedagogue, is not the schoolmaster, but the servant who had the care of the children to lead them to and bring them back from school, and had the care of them out of school hours. Thus the law did not teach us the living, saving knowledge; but, by its rites and ceremonies, and especially by its sacrifices, it directed us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. This is a beautiful metaphor, and highly illustrative of the apostle's doctrine. See the note on Rom 10:4, where this figure is farther explained.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"So that the law hath been (that is, hath turned out to be) our schoolmaster (or "tutor," literally, "pedagogue": this term, among the Greeks, meant a faithful servant entrusted with the care of the boy from childhood to puberty, to keep him from evil, physical and moral, and accompany him to his amusements and studies) to guide us unto Christ," with whom we are no longer "shut up" in bondage, but are freemen. "Children" (literally, infants) need such tutoring (Gal 4:3). might be--rather, "that we may be justified by faith"; which we could not be till Christ, the object of faith, had come. Meanwhile the law, by outwardly checking the sinful propensity which was constantly giving fresh proof of its refractoriness--as thus the consciousness of the power of the sinful principle became more vivid, and hence the sense of need both of forgiveness of sin and freedom from its bondage was awakened--the law became a "schoolmaster to guide us unto Christ" [NEANDER]. The moral law shows us what we ought to do, and so we learn our inability to do it. In the ceremonial law we seek, by animal sacrifices, to answer for our not having done it, but find dead victims no satisfaction for the sins of living men, and that outward purifying will not cleanse the soul; and that therefore we need an infinitely better Sacrifice, the antitype of all the legal sacrifices. Thus delivered up to the judicial law, we see how awful is the doom we deserve: thus the law at last leads us to Christ, with whom we find righteousness and peace. "Sin, sin! is the word heard again and again in the Old Testament. Had it not there for centuries rung in the ear, and fastened on the conscience, the joyful sound, "grace for grace," would not have been the watchword of the New Testament. This was the end of the whole system of sacrifices" [THOLUCK].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ,.... So the words should be read, as they are by the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; for the words "to bring us" are a supplement of our translators, and have nothing to answer to them in the original; and the sense of the passage is, that the law performed this office of a schoolmaster until the coming of Christ; which shows that till that time the church was in its minority, that the Jews were but children in knowledge and understanding, and therefore stood in need, and were under the care of a schoolmaster, the law, by which the whole Mosaic administration is designed. They were taught by the moral law, the letter, the writing on the two tables, with other statutes and judgments, their duty to God and men, what is to be done and to be avoided, what is righteousness and what is not, the nature of sin, its demerit and consequences; but these gave them no instructions about a Saviour, and life and righteousness by him. The ceremonial law gave them some hints of the Gospel scheme, and the way of salvation by Christ, but in a manner suited to their estate of childhood; by sights and shows, by types and figures, by rites and ceremonies, by shadows and sacrifices; it taught them by divers washings the pollution of their nature, their need of the blood of Christ to cleanse from all sin; by circumcision, the necessity of regeneration, and the internal circumcision of the heart; by the passover, the daily sacrifice and other offerings, the doctrines of redemption, satisfaction, and atonement; and by the brazen serpent, the necessity of looking to Christ for life and salvation, and by various other things in that branch of the legal economy: but besides the instruction the law gave, it made use of discipline as a schoolmaster does; it kept a strict eye and hand over them, and them close to the performance of their duty; and restrained them from many things their inclinations led them to, threatening them with death in case of disobedience, and inflicting its penalties on delinquents; hence they that were under its discipline, were through fear of death it threatened them with, all their time subject to bondage: even the ceremonial law had something awful and tremendous in it; every beast that was slain in sacrifice was not only an instruction to them that they deserved to die as that creature did; but carried in it a tacit acknowledgment and confession of their own guilt; and the whole was an handwriting of ordinances against them. Moreover, the law being called a schoolmaster, shows that the use of it was but temporary, and its duration but for a time; children are not always to be under, nor designed to be always under a schoolmaster, no longer than till they are come to a proper age for greater business and higher exercises of life; so the law was to continue, and did continue, to be of this use and service to the Jewish church during its minority, until Christ came, the substance of all it taught and directed to: both the Jerusalem Targum and that of Jonathan ben Uzziel, on Num 11:12 use the very Greek word the apostle does here, concerning Moses, rendering the words, as a "pedagogue" or "schoolmaster" bears a sucking child into the land, &c. That we might be justified by faith; by Christ the object of faith, by his righteousness, which faith looks unto and receives, and not by the law and the works of it; the people of the Jews were in such a state under the law, and the law of that use unto them before the coming of Christ, as above represented, that it might be made manifest, be a clear point, and out of all dispute, that there is no such thing as justification by the law; for how could ever such a blessing be expected from it, when men were kept under it as under a military guard; when they were shut up in it as in a prison, and were treated by it as malefactors, convicted and condemned; and when they were under the discipline of it, as a rigid and severe schoolmaster? this being their case till Christ came, when it ceased to be all this to them, he being the end of it for righteousness, it became a thing self-evident, that justification is only by him and his righteousness, and so the end here mentioned was answered.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:24 The law is like a child’s guardian (Greek paidagōgos, “tutor”). In Greco-Roman culture, a guardian was a faithful slave responsible for training and protecting the heir until he came of age.