Galatians Chapter 3

vs 21

The problem was not with the Law, nor was it with God. God says that we are to be holy because he is holy. So we say "What does holy mean?" and God responds with "Exodus 20:1-Deuteronomy". The problem is with the people trying to follow the Law. They aren't perfect, so they keep failing.

vs 22

The Scripture hasn't declared at all. The word is sugkleio, and it literally means "to shut up together, to enclose" like fish in a net. Kleio is the shut up bit, and sug is from sun meaning "with". So Scripture has shut us up under sin. That is a perfectly reasonable statement, and very Pauline - think of Romans - whereby the Law traps us because of our transgressions. But that doesn't matter, because God's plan for fulfilling the promises he made to Abraham weren't linked to the Law. They were linked to Jesus.

vs 23

A reiteration of what I just said. This verse in greek is nigh unintelligible. Props to translators.

vs 24

In charge is a bit of a strong word, but perfectly in keeping with the times. The word is literally paidagogos, which means tutor, but if you were a tutor of someone in those times, then you were basically in charge of them.

So the Law was designed to lead people to Christ, and in no uncertain terms either.

vs 25

But now that faith is with us, we have matured - we don't need a tutor to beat us into line anymore. Now that we have been led to where faith is, we're expected to be able to recognise it because of the Law, and react appropriately.

vs 26

Occasional letter, people. Remember that. Paul isn't making wide sweeping statements about all humanity. He's writing to a church.

vs 27

And the whole church is baptised. Baptism was hella-important back then, and we struggle to show people how important it is today, because we know the actual baptism isn't important. But the symbolism and the obedience are important. You could do it with sand, or in any way that's culturally appropriate and not anti-Christian.

vs 28

The whole church is one in Christ Jesus. Any lines that you might draw to delineate people in a church are false. But only for the purposes of faith and reception of the promise. That is Paul's argument here. He knows that people are different, and given different gifts, and have different needs. But when it comes to their position before God, all in church who are baptised (obedient and public) believers are saved.

vs 29

Paul summed it up better than I just did. Belonging to Christ is an equality.