Galatians 3:22

Galatians 3:22 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, encapsulating his core theological argument about humanity's condition and God's provision for salvation. It declares that the Law (Scripture) serves to reveal universal sinfulness, thereby directing all people to the singular remedy: faith in Jesus Christ, through whom God's promise is received.

Context

In his Epistle to the Galatians, Paul vigorously defends the doctrine of justification by faith against those who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation. Chapter 3 specifically contrasts the covenant made with Abraham, which was based on promise and faith, with the Law given through Moses. Paul argues that the Law was not given to nullify the promise or to provide a means of righteousness, but rather to highlight sin and serve as a "schoolmaster" leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Verse 22 acts as a summary, explaining the ultimate purpose of the Law's condemning power.

Key Themes

• Universal Sinfulness: The phrase "the scripture hath concluded all under sin" emphasizes humanity's pervasive fallen state. This means no one is exempt; all are found guilty before God's holy standard. This aligns with other biblical declarations, such as Romans 3:23, which states that all have sinned.
• The Law's Purpose: The Law's role is not to save, but to expose sin and demonstrate humanity's inability to achieve righteousness through their own efforts. By "concluding all under sin," the Law effectively shuts off every other path to God, leaving faith in Christ as the only door.
• The Promise by Faith: The ultimate goal of this universal condemnation is to highlight the necessity and availability of God's "promise" through faith. This promise refers to the blessings of salvation, righteousness, and eternal life, which were first foreshadowed in the Abrahamic Covenant and fully realized in Jesus Christ. It is a gift, received not through works, but through belief.
• Exclusivity of Faith: The verse clearly states that this promise is given "to them that believe." This underscores the fundamental principle of the New Covenant: salvation is appropriated solely through personal faith in Jesus Christ, His atoning work, and His resurrection.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "concluded" is synkleio (συνκλείω), which means "to shut up together," "to confine," or "to enclose." It conveys the idea of a universal, inescapable confinement or imprisonment under the power of sin. This forceful term highlights the inescapable nature of humanity's predicament without Christ. The "promise" (Greek: epangelia, ἐπαγγελία) refers to a divine declaration of future blessing, emphasizing its origin in God's faithfulness rather than human merit.

Practical Application

Galatians 3:22 offers profound implications for believers today:

• Humility and Reliance on Grace: It reminds us that salvation is entirely a work of God's grace, received through faith, not earned. This fosters humility and deepens our reliance on Christ alone for our righteousness.
• The Good News of the Gospel: The verse powerfully sets the stage for the Gospel. By clearly defining the problem (universal sinfulness) and the solution (faith in Jesus Christ), it highlights the liberating truth that God has provided a way out of sin's bondage.
• Evangelistic Clarity: Understanding this verse helps in explaining the Gospel to others. First, people must recognize their need (being "under sin"), and then they can truly appreciate the divine provision of salvation through faith in Jesus.

This verse stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming that God's plan has always been to save humanity through faith in Christ, using even the Law to guide people to that ultimate, gracious provision.