Why the Law Was Given

Galatians 3:19. According to Ellicott paraphrased by Copilot: The Law was never
meant to change God’s promise; instead, it served as a temporary measure to deal with sin until Christ came. Unlike the promise—which God gave freely and unconditionally—the Law functioned like a contract between two parties, delivered through angels and Moses and dependent on human obedience. Paul highlights that this makes the Law inferior to the promise in four ways: it focused on transgressions rather than holiness, it was temporary, it came indirectly through mediators, and it was conditional rather than unconditional—resting on fallible human action instead of God’s infallible word.

Summary Table: Why the Law Was Given

Purpose

Explanation

Reveal sin

Shows humanity’s true condition

Restrain sin

Sets boundaries for Israel

Increase awareness of guilt

Makes sin “exceedingly sinful”

Prepare for Christ

Drives people to seek grace

Temporary

Lasts only until the Messiah comes

Mediated

Given through angels and Moses, unlike the direct promise

How the Galatians Would Hear This

Jewish believers

They would understand that the Law was never meant to save them.
Its purpose was to reveal sin and point forward to the Messiah.
Christ is the fulfillment, not the replacement, of their heritage.

Gentile believers

They would realize they were never meant to come under the Law.
The Law’s temporary role ended with Christ’s arrival.
They inherit the promise directly through faith.

Sources: Copilot 
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, https://amzn.to/4e61jIV
John Gill's Commentary on the Entire Bible, https://amzn.to/3RVXZZm
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