Galatians 3:25

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

But {G1161} after that faith {G4102} is come {G2064}, we are {G2070} no longer {G2089}{G3765} under {G5259} a schoolmaster {G3807}.

But now that the time for this trusting faithfulness has come, we are no longer under a custodian.

Now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.

But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor.

Galatians 3:25 declares a profound shift in the believer's relationship with God's law, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. This verse encapsulates the core message of Paul's letter to the Galatians, highlighting the transition from a system of strict regulation to one of grace and spiritual maturity.

Context

The Apostle Paul wrote his letter to the churches in Galatia because they were being swayed by false teachers, often called "Judaizers," who insisted that Gentile converts needed to observe the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. Paul vehemently argues that salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by works of the Law. In the preceding verses, particularly Galatians 3:24, Paul introduces the concept of the Law as a "schoolmaster" or "guardian." In ancient Greco-Roman society, a paidagogos (παιδαγωγός) was typically a trusted slave responsible for supervising a child, guiding them, and even disciplining them, until they reached maturity. This role was temporary, designed to prepare the child for independence.

Key Themes

  • Transition from Law to Grace: The central message is that the coming of faith in Christ marks the end of the Law's role as a temporary guardian for justification. We are no longer under its direct supervision in the same way.
  • Spiritual Maturity in Christ: Just as a child outgrows the need for a strict schoolmaster, believers in Christ have matured spiritually. Faith brings us into a direct, mature relationship with God, no longer needing the Law to lead us to Christ, as its purpose has been fulfilled.
  • Freedom in Christ: This verse underscores the liberty believers have in Christ. We are freed from the Law's condemnation and the burden of trying to earn salvation through perfect adherence to its commands.
  • Sufficiency of Faith: The arrival of "faith" signifies the new covenant inaugurated by Jesus Christ, where righteousness is imputed through belief, not works.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV term "schoolmaster" translates the Greek word paidagogos (παιδαγωγός). As noted, this was not a teacher in the modern sense but a guardian or tutor who oversaw the child's moral development, protected them, and ensured they followed rules until they reached adulthood. The Law served a similar preparatory purpose, revealing sin and pointing humanity to the need for a Savior (Romans 3:20). The phrase "after that faith is come" refers to the advent of the era of faith, specifically the coming of Jesus Christ and His work on the cross, which made salvation by grace through faith possible.

Practical Application

For believers today, Galatians 3:25 offers profound assurance and guidance:

  • Embrace Grace: We are not saved or kept by our adherence to rules, but by God's grace through faith in Jesus. This understanding liberates us from legalism and the constant fear of not doing enough.
  • Live in Freedom: While the Law still serves as a moral guide, it no longer dictates our standing with God. Our identity is found in Christ, and we are called to live by the Spirit, not by the letter of the Law for justification.
  • Mature Responsibility: Being "no longer under a schoolmaster" means we are mature sons and daughters in God's family. This brings a responsibility to live out our faith not out of compulsion, but out of love and gratitude for what Christ has done. We are called to walk in good works prepared for us, as a result of our salvation, not as a means to it.

This verse reminds us that the Law served a vital, temporary purpose, but with the arrival of Christ, a new and better way—the way of faith and grace—has been established, leading us into true spiritual freedom and maturity.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Romans 6:14

    For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

  • Romans 7:4

    Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, [even] to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

  • Hebrews 10:15

    [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,

  • Hebrews 10:18

    Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin.

  • Hebrews 7:11

    ¶ If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need [was there] that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

  • Hebrews 7:19

    For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope [did]; by the which we draw nigh unto God.

  • Galatians 4:1

    ¶ Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;

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