Galatians 3:23

But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Galatians 3:23 (KJV)

Context

The apostle Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia to confront legalism—the claim by some Jewish Christians that Gentile believers must keep the Mosaic Law and be circumcised to be saved. Paul firmly opposed this teaching, insisting that salvation comes by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Meaning

“Before faith came” refers to the period before Christ, when humanity was under the law. The law served as a tutor or custodian, exposing humanity’s inability to meet God’s perfect standards and pointing to the need for a Savior (Galatians 3:24). The phrase “we were kept under the law” emphasizes that the law restrained people, showing their sinfulness and serving as a temporary measure until God’s plan in Christ was fulfilled. The expression “shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed” conveys that the law held people captive until the faith revealed in Christ could set them free. The Greek verbs behind “kept” and “shut up” picture being guarded or confined, like prisoners under custody. This confinement was purposeful: it prepared people for the coming of faith in Christ. After faith came, the role of the law changed; believers are no longer under a schoolmaster, for faith in Jesus now provides the means of justification (Galatians 2:16).

Biblical connections

Key lessons emerge from this teaching. First, the law was never intended as the means of salvation; it merely highlighted humanity’s need for grace and redemption through faith in Christ. Second, the centrality of faith in Christ means that believers are justified not by works but by trusting in the finished work of the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). Third, faith brings freedom: through Christ believers are released from the condemnation of the law and are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live obediently out of love and gratitude (Romans 8:1; Galatians 5:1).

Application

Embrace salvation by faith, recognizing that it is a gift of grace, not a product of personal effort or ritual. Guard against legalism by refusing to add burdens to the gospel message. Live in the freedom Christ provides, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide a life that honors God out of love rather than obligation.