10For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, “Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them[109].” 11But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because “The just by faith shall live[110].” 12Now the law is not by faith: but “The man that doeth these things shall live by them[111].” 13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, “Cursed is every one who is hanged on a tree[112]:” 14that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.
15Brethren, I speak humanly; to use a similitude, a man’s testament, if it be passed in legal form, no man can vacate, or add thereunto. 16But to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, To seeds, as unto many persons; but as to an individual, and to thy seed, which is Christ. 17Now this I say, the covenant confirmed of God to Christ, the law, which was given three hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, so as to vacate the promise. 18For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more by promise; but to Abraham God gave it freely by promise.
19To what end then was the law given? It was given on account of transgressions, until that seed should come to whom the promise was made, being delivered through the ministry of angels into the hand of a mediator. 20But the mediator of the one seed he is not, though God is one.
21Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which was capable of procuring life, verily righteousness would have been by the law. 22But the scripture hath shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23But before the faith came, we were in ward under the law, shut up together for the faith that should be revealed. 24Wherefore the law was our conductor, as of children, to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25But when faith was come, we were no longer under a pædagogue. 26For ye are all the sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, have been invested with Christ. 28There is no more Jew or Gentile, there is no more slave or freeman, there is no more male or female: but ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29But if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
[CHAP. IV.]
NOW I affirm, that as long as the heir is an infant, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be master of all; 2but is under tutors and trustees until the time fixed by his father. 3So we also, when we were infants, were in bondage under the first elementary principles of the world: 4but when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law, 5that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6But because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father! 7Therefore thou art no more a slave, but a son, and if a son, an heir also of God through Christ.
8But at that time when ye knew not God, ye served those who by nature are not gods. 9But now after having known God, or rather being known of God, how turn ye back again to those weak and beggarly elements, to which again a second time ye desire to be in bondage? 10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11I am afraid for you, lest haply I have bestowed on you labour in vain.
12Be as I am, for I also am as ye are, brethren—this is my request to you: ye have not injured me in the least. 13Ye know that with infirmity of flesh I preached to you the gospel at the first. 14And my temptation, which was in my flesh, ye despised not, nor rejected with disgust; but as an angel of God ye received me, even as Christ Jesus himself. 15What then was your blessedness, for I bear witness to you that, if it were possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes, and given them to me. 16Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?
17They affect zeal for you, not honourably; but they wish to exclude us, that you may be zealously attached to them. 18It is good indeed to be zealously affected in a good cause always, and not only when I am present with you.