Galatians        The whole theme of which is the gospel of justification by faith apart from the law – works – as Paul knew himself all too well (Cf Philippians 3)

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v. 10-25 “the law”      Verse 24 is the key – it is used to bring us to Christ = the whole aim and purpose of the law which is perfect and holy, but subsequently condemns sinners (Romans 7)         

            The purpose of this whole passage is to explain the role of the Law.  The Law as Paul indicates is not able to save us from sin.  Why?  Because the Law is something that condemns, not saves.  Thus, the Law could not impart life.  Therefore, only Christ’s death on the cross could provide us with righteousness.  This is a difficult passage to understand but it is basically a passage of logic.  The Law could not save us therefore something had to be put into place that could.  Verses 23-25 help to explain this further.  The Law before Christ condemned us and therefore we were prisoners to it.  Now, however, we can see that the law was put in place to guide us to Christ.  The law showed us two things.  It showed us in what manner we should be living but it also showed us our faults and sins.  It was given to Israel to show them they could not keep it, by presumption they thought they could  (Cf Exodus 19:18).

            Now we are no longer under the law.  This does not mean to say that the laws of the past are not relevant today.  The Ten Commandments, are summed up in the words of Christ Himself in Matthew 22: 37 – 40.  As a mirror reflects our outward state, so the law reflects our inward state to show us that we are sinful and that no one can keep the law.  It shows us what sin is as it did for Paul (Romans 7).

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vs. 22-31 “the covenant from Mount Sinai”  Key is verse 22!!

Figuratively, or allegorically depending on which version you look at means that something is to be learned from something else or should be understood beyond what is specifically expressed.  This section uses the example of Hagar and Sarah as such an example.  The word covenant in this passage is the same word used in the institution of the Lord’s Supper. 

            On the one hand there was one covenant delivered from Mount Sinai which in this passage is referred to as Hagar because as she herself was a bondswoman, so her son was also.  Therefore in this section the law (remembering that the 10 commandments were written by God on Mount Sinai) which is referred to as one of the covenants also acted in such a manner because those under it were in a state of bondage or servitude.  Therefore while a parent was subject to the law, so the child was also.  One son was born of a slave –  under the law –  and the other as free – under the  promise.

            The reference to Jerusalem here is interesting.  Mount Sinai was the birthplace of the law so to speak and from that the people of Israel were required to submit under it.  However, the law abided in Jerusalem at that time and therefore its reference in this passage.  It was the turn of the Pharisees and leaders of the Jews who kept them in this bondage even though another covenant had been introduced.  This was rigidly guarded and adhered to, both the moral and ceremonial laws, so the Jews became enslaved to it. **

            On the other hand, therefore, a new covenant had been introduced.  This allegory relates to Sarah and the understanding that the new law has come from heaven and not earth.  Therefore, the new covenant frees us from the ceremonial law and the curse that comes with it. 

Proud to have descended from Abraham they forget that he had two sons with a very marked difference…

• Hagar’s was born of natural descent = those who base their hopes on what they themselves are able to do / performance / works.
• Sarah’s was born of supernatural birth by the exercise of faith (Romans 4:19, Hebrews 11:11-12) and this represents the type of the Spirit born / true believers who by faith receive God’s promise.

            Thus, in essence, the main purpose of this passage (including up to verse 31) is to demonstrate how the old covenant has been written on earth, condemning us to be born and to live under sin and bondage.  This new covenant, however, has not come from earth and gives us the freedom to serve freely without the curse of the law.

**        “Embellished by the rabbis, augmented almost beyond recognition until its observance had become an oppressive burden, a galling yoke, from which no mere man offered any way of escape…”  (Hendriksen)

As you go back to the theme of the book of Galatians this whole message is liberating.  It takes us from “performance” to the simple child like trust, but then we are urged to stand fast in that freedom (5:1).  Even as Christians we like to “perform” and get back into the system of having being saved by grace we revert to living under the law by doing!  True good works is not our performance, but will only be manifest in a Spirit filled life and come with fruitfulness as made clear in John 15.