Galatians 3:20 – “A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is continuing his explanation of the relationship between God’s promise and the law. He has already shown that the law was given through angels and a mediator (Moses) (Galatians 3:19). Now, he makes a contrast between the law and God’s promise by pointing out a key difference:

• The law required a mediator. A mediator is someone who acts as a go-between when there are two or more parties involved in an agreement. Moses acted as the mediator between God and Israel when the law was given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20).
• God’s promise did not require a mediator. When God made His promise to Abraham, He did it directly—there was no need for an intermediary.

Paul’s point is that the law was given through multiple parties, showing that it was a two-way agreement—Israel had to obey, and God would bless them. But the promise God made to Abraham was one-sided—God Himself guaranteed it.

By saying “God is one,” Paul is emphasizing that the promise depends only on God, not on human effort. The law was a temporary arrangement that required a mediator, but God’s covenant with Abraham was eternal and based on God’s faithfulness alone.

Historical Context

In the ancient world, agreements and covenants often required mediators. The law of Moses was no different—it was a covenant between God and Israel, and Moses acted as the mediator. The Israelites had to keep their part of the covenant by following the law, and in return, God promised to bless them.

However, God’s promise to Abraham was different. When God made His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15, He put Abraham into a deep sleep and passed through the sacrifice alone, showing that God Himself would fulfill the promise. There was no mediator because the promise depended on God alone.

Paul is using this historical fact to prove that God’s original plan was not based on the law, but on His promise. The law was given later and required a mediator, but the promise came first and was unchangeable because God made it directly.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several important theological truths:

1. The law was a temporary system that required human involvement. The fact that it needed a mediator shows that it was not the ultimate way of salvation.
2. God’s promise is based on His faithfulness alone. The covenant with Abraham was unconditional—it did not depend on human obedience.
3. Salvation is by grace, not by law. If salvation depended on the law, then it would require a mediator. But because it depends on God’s promise, it is guaranteed by grace alone.
4. God’s plan is unchanging. Since God is one, His promise remains secure—it does not depend on human cooperation, making it completely reliable.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording in this verse is precise and intentional:

• “A mediator, however, implies more than one party;” – This shows that the law was a two-way covenant between God and Israel, meaning it depended on both sides keeping their part.
• “But God is one.” – This phrase emphasizes that God’s promise stands alone, needing no mediator because it is based solely on His own will and faithfulness.

Paul is making a contrast between the conditional nature of the law (which required human obedience) and the unconditional nature of God’s promise (which depends only on Him).

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (God’s promise to Abraham was based on faith, not works.)
• Genesis 15:17 – “When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking firepot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces.” (God alone passed through the sacrifice, guaranteeing the promise Himself.)
• Exodus 19:3-5 – “Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain.” (Moses acted as a mediator when the law was given.)
• Hebrews 8:6 – “But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.” (Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, based on grace.)
• 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.” (Jesus is now the only mediator we need.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not about religious rules—it is about trusting in God’s promise. Many people today believe that they must earn their way to God by following certain laws, traditions, or good works. But Paul is making it clear: God’s promise is received by faith, not by works.

For today’s believers, this means:

• We don’t need a mediator to access God. In the Old Testament, Moses had to stand between God and the people. But now, because of Jesus, we have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16).
• We can trust God’s promise completely. Since the promise depends on God alone, we do not have to worry about losing it based on our failures.
• Our relationship with God is based on grace, not performance. The law required obedience, but the promise is based on God’s faithfulness—not ours.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the way He makes salvation depend on His promise, not on human effort. If salvation were based on the law, people would always be anxious about whether they were good enough. But because it is based on God’s grace, we can have complete confidence.

This verse also shows God’s desire for a personal relationship with His people. Instead of requiring mediators like Moses, God has made a way for us to come directly to Him through Jesus Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise and the only mediator we need.

• Jesus replaced Moses as the mediator. While Moses stood between God and Israel when the law was given, Jesus now stands between us and God as our eternal Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
• Jesus fulfilled the law, so we are no longer under it. The law was temporary, but Jesus fulfilled it completely (Matthew 5:17).
• Jesus made the promise available to all. Because of His death and resurrection, the blessing of Abraham now belongs to everyone who believes in Him (Galatians 3:14).

Paul is making it clear: If you have Jesus, you don’t need the law to be made right with God—you have already received the promise.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why does Paul emphasize that the law required a mediator, but God’s promise did not?
2. How does this verse show the difference between the law and God’s promise?
3. What does it mean for you personally that salvation is based on God’s faithfulness, not your own performance?
4. How does this verse give you confidence in your relationship with God?
5. How can you help others understand that they don’t need to follow religious rules to be accepted by God?