Study Desk

Why then was the law given?^(v) It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels^(w) by means of a mediator.^(x)

Now a mediator is not for just one person, but God is one.^(y)

Is the law therefore contrary to God's promises? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly be by the law.

But the Scripture has imprisoned everything under sin's power,^[q](z) so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ^(aa) might be given to those who believe.^(ab)

Before this faith^(ac) came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed.^(ad)

The law, then, was our guardian^[r] until Christ,^(ae) so that we could be justified by faith.

But since that faith^(af) has come, we are no longer under a guardian,

for you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ like a garment.^(ag)

There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,^(ah) male or female;^(ai) for you are all one^(aj) in Christ Jesus.

And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, heirs^(ak) according to the promise.^(al)

¹Now I say that as long as the heir^(a) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(b) of everything.

Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father.

In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces^[a] of the world.^(c)

When the time came to completion, God sent His Son,^(d) born of a woman,^(e) born under the law,

to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^(f)

And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son^(g) into our^[b] hearts, crying, "Abba,^(h) Father!"⁽ⁱ⁾

So you are no longer a slave^(j) but a son,^(k) and if a son, then an heir^(l) through God.

But in the past, when you didn't know God,^(m) you were enslaved to things^[c] that by nature are not gods.

But now, since you know God,⁽ⁿ⁾ or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt^(o) elemental forces?^(p) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again?

You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.^(q)

I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me;

you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness.

You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^[d] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.

Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?^(r)

They^[e] are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them.

Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you.

My children,^(s) I am again suffering labor pains^(t) for you until Christ is formed in you.

I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don't know what to do about you.