Galatians 3:19

“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.”

This verse is part of the larger context of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In this letter, Paul addresses a situation where the Galatian Christians were being influenced by false teachers who were promoting a distorted understanding of the gospel. The main theme of the letter is the contrast between faith in Christ and reliance on the works of the law.

In Galatians 3:19, Paul raises the question of the purpose of the law. He begins by asking, "Wherefore then serveth the law?" This question is asked rhetorically to emphasise that the law has a specific function and role in God’s plan. Paul proceeds to explain two reasons for the law’s existence.

Added because of transgressions:Paul states that the law was added because of transgressions. The law, in this context, refers to the Mosaic Law given to the Israelites through Moses. The law was given to reveal and define what constitutes sin, making people aware of their transgressions. It serves as a standard of righteousness that shows humanity’s inability to perfectly meet God’s standards on their own. The law exposes human sinfulness and points to the need for a Saviour.

Temporary until the promised seed comes:Paul goes on to explain that the law was in place until the seed should come to whom the promise was made. Here, the "seed" refers to Jesus Christ, who fulfils the promises made to Abraham. The law served a temporary role, preparing the way for Christ’s coming and pointing to the need for a Saviour. Once Jesus, the promised seed, came and accomplished redemption through his life, death, and resurrection, the law’s purpose was fulfilled.

Additionally, Paul mentions that the law was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. This refers to the giving of the law on Mount Sinai, where angels played a role in delivering the law to Moses as a mediator between God and the Israelites.

In summary, Galatians 3:19 highlights the temporary nature and purpose of the law. The law was added because of transgressions to reveal human sinfulness and point to the need for a Saviour. It served its function until the promised seed, Jesus Christ, came to fulfil the promises made to Abraham. The law played a role in preparing the way for Christ and demonstrating humanity’s need for salvation.