Galatians Chapter 3, Verse 22
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22: αλλα συνεκλεισεν η γραφη τα παντα υπο αμαρτιαν ινα η επαγγελια εκ πιστεως ιησου χριστου δοθη τοις πιστευουσιν
22: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the
promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that
believe.
22: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise,
by the faith of Jesus Christ, might be given to them that believe.
But the Scripture. The Old Testament, See "Jn 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 "Rom 11:32". Comp. Rom 3:9, Rom 3:19.
That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ, etc. That the promise referred to in the transaction with Abraham, the promise of justification and life by faith in the Messiah. Here we see one design of the law. It was to show that they could not be justified by their own works, to hedge up their way in regard to justification by their own righteousness, and to show them their need of a better righteousness. The law accomplishes the same end now. It shows men that they are guilty; and it does it in order that they may be brought under the influence of the pure system of the gospel, and become interested in the promises which are connected with eternal salvation.
