Justification by Faith: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Galatians 3

✨ Executive Summary

Galatians 3 stands as a pivotal chapter in St. Paul’s epistle, vehemently defending the doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the works of the Law. Paul challenges the Galatians’ drift towards legalism, reminding them of their initial experience of the Holy Spirit through faith, not through adherence to the Law. The chapter highlights Abraham, not as a figure who earned righteousness through works, but as the patriarch who *believed* God, and this belief was accounted to him as righteousness. The Law, introduced centuries later, served as a temporary guardian, pointing towards Christ. Through faith in Christ, all believers are children of God and heirs according to the promise made to Abraham. This chapter underscores the freedom from the curse of the Law that Christ provides, offering a profound understanding of our adoption into God’s family through faith. The concept of **Justification by Faith** forms the cornerstone of this rich theological discussion.

Galatians 3 is a powerful rebuke against legalism, a message as relevant today as it was in the first century. Paul’s words resonate with urgency, reminding us that true righteousness is not achieved through our own efforts but received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ. This chapter delves deep into the nature of faith, the role of the Law, and our identity as children of God through Christ. The focus key phrase of this chapter is **Justification by Faith** and we will explore that throughout this commentary.

📜 Galatians 3:1-5 – The Folly of Abandoning Grace

Verse 1: Ὦ ἀνόητοι Γαλάται, τίς ὑμᾶς ἐβάσκανεν, οἷς κατ’ ὀφθαλμοὺς Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς προεγράφη ἐσταυρωμένος; (O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?) (NKJV: O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified?)

Paul begins with a sharp rebuke, calling the Galatians “foolish” (ἀνόητοι). The verb “ἐβάσκανεν” (bewitched) suggests a sinister influence, highlighting the gravity of their departure from the truth. The image of Christ “publicly portrayed as crucified” (Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς προεγράφη ἐσταυρωμένος) emphasizes the clear proclamation of the Gospel they had received. This wasn’t some vague, abstract concept but a vivid depiction of Christ’s sacrifice.

Spiritual Application: Are we, like the Galatians, easily swayed by false teachings that diminish the centrality of Christ’s sacrifice? We must guard our hearts and minds against doctrines that add to or subtract from the finished work of the Cross. Let us always remember the clarity and power of the Gospel we first received.

Verse 2: τοῦτο μόνον θέλω μαθεῖν ἀφ’ ὑμῶν· ἐξ ἔργων νόμου τὸ Πνεῦμα ἐλάβετε ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως; (This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?) (NKJV: This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?)

Paul poses a direct question: How did they receive the Holy Spirit? He reminds them that it was not through adherence to the Law but through “the hearing of faith” (ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως). This highlights the essential role of faith as the channel through which God’s grace is received. The Spirit is not earned; He is given as a gift.

Spiritual Application: We must continually ask ourselves: Are we trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts, or are we resting in His grace received through faith? The Spirit is a gift, not a reward for good behavior. This reminder should liberate us from legalistic striving and empower us to live in the freedom of grace.

Verse 3: οὕτως ἀνόητοί ἐστε; ἐναρξάμενοι πνεύματι νῦν σαρκὶ ἐπιτελεῖσθε; (Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?) (NKJV: Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh?)

Paul emphasizes the absurdity of starting in the Spirit and then attempting to be perfected by the flesh. This is a rhetorical question dripping with irony. To begin with God’s grace and then attempt to achieve holiness through legalistic works is a betrayal of the Gospel. It’s like starting a journey with a powerful engine and then switching to manual rowing! We can find website hosting and domain registration solutions to make your digital journey easier.

Patristic Insight: St. Athanasius of Alexandria writes, “Οὐ γὰρ ἔργοις δικαιούμεθα, ἀλλὰ πίστει Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ.” (Ou gar ergois dikaioumetha, alla pistei Iēsou Christou.) – “For we are not justified by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” (Athanasius, *Contra Arianos*, 2.23)

Spiritual Application: How often do we fall into the trap of trying to “perfect” ourselves through self-effort, forgetting the foundational grace that initiated our relationship with God? True spiritual growth comes from yielding to the Spirit’s leading, not from striving in our own strength.

Verse 4: τοσαῦτα ἐπάθετε εἰκῇ; εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ. (Have you suffered so many things in vain? — if indeed it was in vain.) (NKJV: Have you suffered so many things in vain? — if indeed it was in vain.)

Paul reminds them of the sufferings they endured for the sake of the Gospel. If they now abandon the truth, all their previous sacrifices will have been in vain. The phrase “εἴ γε καὶ εἰκῇ” (if indeed it was in vain) adds a note of poignant urgency, hinting at the potential loss of their spiritual inheritance.

Spiritual Application: Are we willing to stand firm in the face of opposition, even if it means suffering for the sake of Christ? Let us not allow present difficulties to cause us to abandon the truth for which we have already sacrificed so much.

Verse 5: ὁ οὖν ἐπιχορηγῶν ὑμῖν τὸ Πνεῦμα καὶ ἐνεργῶν δυνάμεις ἐν ὑμῖν, ἐξ ἔργων νόμου ἢ ἐξ ἀκοῆς πίστεως; (Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?) (NKJV: Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?)

Paul reiterates his question, emphasizing the miraculous power that had been at work among them. Was this power a result of their adherence to the Law, or a consequence of their faith? The obvious answer points to the latter. The Greek word “ἐπιχορηγῶν” (supplies) suggests a rich and abundant provision of the Spirit.

Spiritual Application: The presence of the Holy Spirit and the manifestation of His power are not contingent on our adherence to legalistic rules, but on our faith in Jesus Christ. We must continually cultivate a heart of faith, trusting in God’s abundant provision and power in our lives.

📖 Galatians 3:6-9 – Abraham: The Paradigm of Justification by Faith

Verse 6: καθὼς Ἀβραὰμ ἐπίστευσεν τῷ Θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην. (just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”) (NKJV: just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”)

Paul turns to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, as the prime example of justification by faith. He quotes Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” This verse is foundational to Paul’s argument. Abraham wasn’t justified by circumcision or adherence to the Law (which didn’t exist yet), but by his faith.

Spiritual Application: Abraham’s faith is a model for us. Justification is not about earning God’s favor through works, but about trusting in His promises and receiving His righteousness as a gift. Let us cultivate a faith that is as unwavering as Abraham’s.

Verse 7: Γινώσκετε ἄρα ὅτι οἱ ἐκ πίστεως, οὗτοι υἱοί εἰσιν Ἀβραάμ. (Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.) (NKJV: Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.)

Paul declares that true children of Abraham are not defined by their ethnicity or lineage, but by their faith. This is a radical statement, challenging the prevailing understanding of Jewish identity. The “sons of Abraham” are those who share his faith, regardless of their background.

Spiritual Application: Our spiritual lineage is not determined by our nationality or religious affiliation, but by our faith in Jesus Christ. We are all invited to become children of Abraham through faith, regardless of our background or circumstances.

Verse 8: προϊδοῦσα δὲ ἡ γραφὴ ὅτι ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοῖ τὰ ἔθνη ὁ Θεός, προευηγγελίσατο τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ὅτι ἐνευλογηθήσονται ἐν σοὶ πάντα τὰ ἔθνη. (And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”) (NKJV: And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.”)

The Scripture “foresaw” that God would justify the Gentiles (nations) by faith and “preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand.” This highlights the universality of God’s plan of salvation, extending beyond the Jewish people to encompass all nations. The promise to Abraham, “In you all the nations shall be blessed,” foreshadows the coming of Christ, through whom all people can be reconciled to God.

Spiritual Application: The Gospel is not limited to any particular group or ethnicity. It is a message of hope and salvation for all people, regardless of their background or nationality. We are called to share this message with everyone, knowing that God desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.

Verse 9: ὥστε οἱ ἐκ πίστεως εὐλογοῦνται σὺν τῷ πιστῷ Ἀβραάμ. (So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.) (NKJV: So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.)

Paul concludes that those who are of faith are blessed together with Abraham. This underscores the unity of all believers, both Jewish and Gentile, in Christ. We are all partakers of the same blessing, received through the same faith. Abraham, the “believing Abraham,” serves as a model and a source of blessing for all who believe.

Spiritual Application: We are part of a global family of faith, united by our common belief in Jesus Christ. Let us embrace our brothers and sisters from every nation and background, recognizing that we are all blessed together with Abraham, the father of faith.

⚖️ Galatians 3:10-14 – The Curse of the Law and Redemption Through Christ

Verse 10: ὅσοι γὰρ ἐξ ἔργων νόμου εἰσίν, ὑπὸ κατάραν εἰσίν· γέγραπται γάρ· ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς ὃς οὐκ ἐμμένει ἐν πᾶσιν τοῖς γεγραμμένοις ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τοῦ νόμου τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτά. (For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”) (NKJV: For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.”)

Paul now introduces a stark contrast: those who rely on the works of the Law are under a curse. He quotes Deuteronomy 27:26, emphasizing the impossibility of perfectly fulfilling the Law. Even a single transgression incurs the curse. The Law, therefore, cannot justify; it only condemns.

Spiritual Application: The Law reveals our sinfulness and our inability to attain righteousness through our own efforts. It points us to our need for a Savior, someone who can fulfill the Law on our behalf and deliver us from its curse. Let us not place our hope in our own works, but in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Verse 11: ὅτι δὲ ἐν νόμῳ οὐδεὶς δικαιοῦται παρὰ τῷ Θεῷ, δῆλον· ὁ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεως ζήσεται. (But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”) (NKJV: But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”)

Paul asserts that no one is justified by the Law in God’s sight. He quotes Habakkuk 2:4, “The just shall live by faith,” reinforcing the principle that righteousness is received through faith, not earned through works. This verse is a cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation and highlights the futility of legalistic attempts to please God.

Spiritual Application: True life, abundant life, is found in faith, not in striving to keep a set of rules. This life of faith is marked by joy, peace, and a growing intimacy with God. Let us embrace this life of faith, trusting in God’s grace and allowing the Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

Verse 12: ὁ δὲ νόμος οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκ πίστεως, ἀλλ’ ὁ ποιήσας αὐτὰ ζήσεται ἐν αὐτοῖς. (Yet the law is not of faith, but “The man who does them shall live by them.”) (NKJV: Yet the law is not of faith, but “The man who does them shall live by them.”)

Paul contrasts faith and the Law, stating that the Law is not based on faith. He quotes Leviticus 18:5, which promises life to those who perfectly obey the Law. However, since no one can perfectly obey, this promise becomes a source of condemnation rather than salvation.

Spiritual Application: The Law reveals our shortcomings and our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts. It is not a path to life but a mirror that reflects our need for a Savior. Let us not try to mix faith and the Law, but embrace the freedom and grace that are found in Christ alone.

Verse 13: Χριστὸς ἡμᾶς ἐξηγόρασεν ἐκ τῆς κατάρας τοῦ νόμου, γενόμενος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν κατάρα· γέγραπται γάρ· ἐπικατάρατος πᾶς ὁ κρεμάμενος ἐπὶ ξύλου. (Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),) (NKJV: Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),)

Paul declares that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us. He quotes Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that anyone who hangs on a tree is cursed. By taking our place on the cross, Christ bore the curse of the Law on our behalf, freeing us from its condemnation. This is a powerful image of substitutionary atonement, where Christ takes our punishment upon Himself.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “Χριστὸς γὰρ ἐγένετο ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν κατάρα, ἵνα ἡμεῖς εὐλογίαν κληρονομήσωμεν.” (Christos gar egeneto hyper hēmōn katara, hina hēmeis eulogian klēronomēsōmen.) – “For Christ became a curse for us, that we might inherit a blessing.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Galatians*, 3.13)

Spiritual Application: The cross is the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. Christ willingly bore our sins and endured the curse of the Law so that we could be reconciled to God and receive His blessing. Let us never forget the incredible sacrifice that was made on our behalf.

Verse 14: ἵνα εἰς τὰ ἔθνη ἡ εὐλογία τοῦ Ἀβραὰμ γένηται ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ, ἵνα τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ Πνεύματος λάβωμεν διὰ τῆς πίστεως. (that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.) (NKJV: that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.)

The purpose of Christ’s redemptive work is to extend the blessing of Abraham to the Gentiles and to enable us to receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. This reaffirms the universality of God’s plan of salvation and the central role of faith in receiving His blessings.

Spiritual Application: We are heirs of the promise, receiving the fullness of God’s blessing through faith in Jesus Christ. Let us walk in the Spirit, allowing Him to empower us to live lives that are pleasing to God and that reflect the love and grace we have received.

⏳ Galatians 3:15-22 – The Law as a Guardian Until Christ

Verse 15: Ἀδελφοί, κατὰ ἄνθρωπον λέγω· ὅμως κεκαυρωμένην διαθήκην ἀνθρώπου οὐδεὶς ἀθετεῖ ἢ ἐπιδιατάσσεται. (Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.) (NKJV: Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it.)

Paul uses the analogy of a human covenant to illustrate the immutability of God’s promise to Abraham. Once a covenant is ratified, it cannot be altered or annulled. Even human covenants are respected; how much more should God’s covenant be honored?

Spiritual Application: God’s promises are steadfast and unwavering. We can trust in His faithfulness, knowing that He will never break His covenant with us. Let us cling to His promises and allow them to anchor our souls in times of uncertainty and doubt.

Verse 16: τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἐρρέθησαν αἱ ἐπαγγελίαι καὶ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ. οὐ λέγει· καὶ τοῖς σπέρμασιν, ὡς ἐπὶ πολλῶν, ἀλλ’ ὡς ἐφ’ ἑνός· καὶ τῷ σπέρματί σου, ὅς ἐστι Χριστός. (Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.) (NKJV: Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ.)

Paul emphasizes that the promise was made to Abraham and his “Seed,” singular, which he identifies as Christ. This interpretation highlights the centrality of Christ in God’s plan of salvation. The promises made to Abraham are fulfilled in Christ, and through Him, extended to all who believe.

Spiritual Application: Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of all God’s promises. In Him, we find forgiveness, healing, and abundant life. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing that He is the source of all our blessings.

Verse 17: τοῦτο δὲ λέγω, διαθήκην προκεκυρωμένην ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ εἰς Χριστόν, ὁ μετὰ τετρακόσια καὶ τριάκοντα ἔτη γεγονὼς νόμος οὐκ ἀκυροῖ, εἰς τὸ καταργῆσαι τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν. (And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul a covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.) (NKJV: And this I say, that the law, which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul a covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect.)

Paul clarifies that the Law, given 430 years after the promise to Abraham, cannot annul the prior covenant. The Law has a distinct purpose, but it cannot override the promise of salvation through faith in Christ. This underscores the priority of grace over law.

Historical Context: The 430 years refers to the time between God’s covenant with Abraham and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. This timeframe emphasizes the chronological priority of the promise over the Law.

Spiritual Application: The Law serves to highlight our need for grace, not to replace it. We must not allow legalistic rules to obscure the beauty and simplicity of the Gospel. God’s promises remain valid and cannot be nullified by human regulations.

Verse 18: εἰ γὰρ ἐκ νόμου ἡ κληρονομία, οὐκέτι ἐξ ἐπαγγελίας· τῷ δὲ Ἀβραὰμ δι’ ἐπαγγελίας κεχάρισται ὁ Θεός. (For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.) (NKJV: For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.)

Paul argues that if the inheritance (salvation) comes through the Law, it is no longer by promise. But God gave the inheritance to Abraham by promise, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received through faith, not earned through works. You can have a better website experience if you get help from a great web design company.

Spiritual Application: Salvation is a gift, freely offered by God to all who believe. We cannot earn it through our own efforts. Let us receive this gift with gratitude and allow it to transform our lives.

Verse 19: Τί οὖν ὁ νόμος; τῶν παραβάσεων χάριν προσετέθη, ἄχρις οὗ ἔλθῃ τὸ σπέρμα ᾧ ἐπήγγελται, διαταγεὶς δι’ ἀγγέλων ἐν χειρὶ μεσίτου. (What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.) (NKJV: What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator.)

Paul addresses the purpose of the Law: it was added because of transgressions, to reveal sin and to point people to their need for a Savior. It was temporary, lasting “till the Seed should come” (Christ). The Law was also mediated through angels and given by the hand of a mediator (Moses), suggesting a degree of separation between God and the people.

Spiritual Application: The Law serves as a guide, revealing our sinfulness and pointing us to our need for a Savior. It is not meant to be a means of salvation, but a tool to expose our shortcomings and lead us to Christ.

Verse 20: ὁ δὲ μεσίτης ἑνὸς οὐκ ἔστιν, ὁ δὲ Θεὸς εἷς ἐστιν. (Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.) (NKJV: Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one.)

Paul highlights the role of a mediator, implying that mediation is necessary when there is separation. However, God is one, suggesting a direct relationship with believers through Christ, surpassing the need for mediation as defined under the Law. This hints at the unity and directness of the relationship we have with God through Christ.

Spiritual Application: Through Christ, we have direct access to God. We no longer need intermediaries to approach Him. Let us draw near to God with confidence, knowing that we have been reconciled to Him through the blood of Jesus.

Verse 21: Ὁ οὖν νόμος κατὰ τῶν ἐπαγγελιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ; μὴ γένοιτο· εἰ γὰρ ἐδόθη νόμος ὁ δυνάμενος ζωοποιῆσαι, ὄντως ἐκ νόμου ἂν ἦν ἡ δικαιοσύνη. (Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.) (NKJV: Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.)

Paul emphasizes that the Law is not contrary to God’s promises. If the Law could impart life, then righteousness would indeed come through it. However, since the Law cannot impart life, it cannot be the means of justification.

Spiritual Application: The Law serves to highlight our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts, thus underscoring our need for a Savior who can provide life and righteousness. Let us not place our hope in our ability to keep the Law, but in the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Verse 22: ἀλλὰ συνέκλεισεν ἡ γραφὴ τὰ πάντα ὑπὸ τὴν ἁμαρτίαν, ἵνα ἡ ἐπαγγελία ἐκ πίστεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ δοθῇ τοῖς πιστεύουσιν. (But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.) (NKJV: But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.)

Paul states that the Scripture has “confined all under sin,” meaning that everyone is subject to sin and unable to attain righteousness through their own efforts. This universal condemnation highlights the necessity of the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, which is offered to all who believe. **Justification by Faith** is now available to all!

Spiritual Application: We are all sinners in need of God’s grace. The Law exposes our sinfulness and points us to our need for a Savior. Let us humble ourselves before God and receive His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

🕊️ Galatians 3:23-29 – Sons of God Through Faith in Christ

Verse 23: Πρὸ τοῦ δὲ ἐλθεῖν τὴν πίστιν ὑπὸ νόμον ἐφρουρούμεθα συγκλειόμενοι εἰς τὴν μέλλουσαν πίστιν ἀποκαλυφθῆναι. (But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept in custody until faith should be revealed.) (NKJV: But before faith came, we were kept under guard under the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed.)

Before the coming of faith (Christ), believers were “kept under guard by the law.” The Law served as a temporary guardian, keeping them in custody until the faith that would be revealed in Christ. The Law acted as a restrictive measure, preparing the way for the freedom and grace that would be offered through faith.

Spiritual Application: The Law served a valuable purpose in preparing the way for Christ. It revealed our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. But now that Christ has come, we are no longer under the Law’s strict control but are free to live in the grace and freedom that He offers.

Verse 24: ὥστε ὁ νόμος παιδαγωγὸς ἡμῶν γέγονεν εἰς Χριστόν, ἵνα ἐκ πίστεως δικαιωθῶμεν. (Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.) (NKJV: Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.)

Paul describes the Law as a “tutor” or “schoolmaster” (παιδαγωγὸς) whose purpose was to lead us to Christ. The Law’s role was not to justify but to guide us to the One who could. Once we come to Christ, the Law’s role as a tutor is fulfilled.

Spiritual Application: The Law serves as a guide, revealing our sinfulness and pointing us to our need for a Savior. Let us not reject the Law’s instructive role but recognize that its ultimate purpose is to lead us to Christ, in whom we find true righteousness.

Verse 25: ἐλθούσης δὲ τῆς πίστεως οὐκέτι ὑπὸ παιδαγωγόν ἐσμεν. (But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.) (NKJV: But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.)

Now that faith has come (in Christ), we are no longer under the authority of the tutor (the Law). We have graduated from the school of the Law and are now living in the freedom and grace that Christ offers.

Spiritual Application: We are no longer bound by the legalistic requirements of the Law. We are free to live in the grace and freedom that Christ offers, guided by the Holy Spirit. Let us embrace this freedom and live lives that are pleasing to God.

Verse 26: πάντες γὰρ υἱοὶ Θεοῦ ἐστε διὰ τῆς πίστεως ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. (For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.) (NKJV: For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.)

Paul makes a profound declaration: “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” This highlights our adoption into God’s family through faith. We are no longer slaves but sons and daughters, enjoying the full rights and privileges of sonship.

Patristic Insight: St. Irenaeus of Lyons writes, “Οἱ γὰρ διὰ πίστεως εἰς Χριστὸν ἐγενήθησαν τέκνα Θεοῦ.” (Hoi gar dia pisteōs eis Christon egenēthēsan tekna Theou.) – “For those who through faith have become children of God in Christ.” (Irenaeus, *Against Heresies*, 3.6.1)

Spiritual Application: Through faith in Christ, we become children of God, adopted into His family and made heirs of His kingdom. Let us embrace our identity as sons and daughters of God, living lives that reflect His love and grace.

Verse 27: ὅσοι γὰρ εἰς Χριστὸν ἐβαπτίσθητε, Χριστὸν ἐνεδύσασθε. (For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.) (NKJV: For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.)

Paul connects baptism with putting on Christ. Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. By being baptized into Christ, we have clothed ourselves with Him, taking on His identity and character.

Sacramental Theology (Coptic Orthodox Perspective): In Coptic Orthodox theology, baptism is not merely a symbolic act but a sacrament through which we are united with Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. It is a transformative event that marks the beginning of our new life in Christ. Our reliance on **Justification by Faith** is expressed through the sacraments.

Spiritual Application: Baptism is a powerful symbol of our union with Christ. It signifies our death to sin and our resurrection to new life in Him. Let us live in the reality of our baptism, putting on Christ in every aspect of our lives.

Verse 28: οὐκ ἔνι Ἰουδαῖος οὐδὲ Ἕλλην, οὐκ ἔνι δοῦλος οὐδὲ ἐλεύθερος, οὐκ ἔνι ἄρσεν καὶ θῆλυ· πάντες γὰρ ὑμεῖς εἷς ἐστε ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ. (There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.) (NKJV: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.)

Paul declares that in Christ, there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female. All believers are one in Christ Jesus, united by their common faith and love. This is a radical statement of equality and unity, challenging the social divisions of the time.

Social Implications: This verse has profound implications for social justice and equality. It calls us to break down the barriers that divide us and to treat all people with dignity and respect, recognizing that we are all created in God’s image and united in Christ.

Spiritual Application: We are all equal in the eyes of God, regardless of our background or social status. Let us embrace our unity in Christ and work to create a more just and equitable world, where all people are treated with love and respect.</p