Galatians 3:23 – “Before the coming of this faith, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul explains what life was like before Jesus came and how the law functioned before faith in Christ was fully revealed. He describes the law as something that held people in custody, meaning that it placed restrictions on them and highlighted their sin, but it did not provide freedom.

The phrase “held in custody under the law” means that people were bound by the demands of the law, which they could not fully keep. The law pointed out their sin and showed them their guilt, but it did not provide a way out.

However, Paul also points to “the faith that was to come,” which refers to faith in Jesus Christ. This faith was always God’s plan, but it was not fully revealed until Jesus came and fulfilled the law.

In simple terms, Paul is saying: Before Jesus, the law acted as a kind of prison, keeping people aware of their sin. But now that faith in Christ has come, we are set free from that bondage.

Historical Context

The Jewish people had lived under the law of Moses for centuries. The law contained commandments, sacrifices, and rituals that were meant to teach them about holiness and their need for a Savior. However, many Jews believed that obeying the law was the way to be right with God.

Paul is showing that the law was never meant to provide righteousness. Instead, it was meant to show people their sin and point them to Christ. Before Jesus, the law acted like a guardian or prison warden, keeping people locked up under its strict requirements.

False teachers in Galatia were telling Christians that they still needed to follow the Jewish law to be saved. Paul is explaining that now that Jesus has come, faith has been revealed, and believers are no longer under the law’s custody.

Theological Implications

This verse highlights several key truths about the relationship between the law and faith in Christ:

1. The law was temporary. It was given for a specific purpose—to reveal sin and lead people to Christ.
2. The law was restrictive, not freeing. It kept people aware of their sin but did not provide a way to remove it.
3. Faith in Jesus brings freedom. Once Christ came, faith became the way to righteousness, setting people free from the law’s demands.
4. Salvation has always been God’s plan. The law was not God’s final solution—it was preparing the way for Jesus.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “held in custody under the law” is a powerful metaphor. It paints a picture of the law as a prison guard, keeping people locked up under the weight of sin.

• “Before the coming of this faith” – This phrase emphasizes that faith in Jesus was part of God’s unfolding plan.
• “Locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed” – The law was a temporary measure, preparing people for the freedom that comes through Christ.

Paul is using contrast to show the difference between life under the law and life through faith. The law was restrictive, but faith in Jesus is liberating.

Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 3:20 – “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” (The law shows sin, but does not save.)
• Romans 7:6 – “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” (Believers are no longer under the law.)
• Galatians 3:24 – “So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith.” (The law prepared people for Jesus.)
• Hebrews 9:15 – “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” (Jesus brought the new covenant of faith.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a great reminder that faith in Jesus brings freedom. Many people today still believe that they must follow religious rules to earn God’s approval. But Paul makes it clear—before Jesus came, the law held people in bondage, but now, faith has been revealed, and we are set free.

For today’s Christians, this means:

• We do not need to earn God’s approval through works. Faith in Jesus is what makes us right with God.
• Religious legalism does not save. Following rules cannot replace true faith in Christ.
• We live under grace, not under the law. Instead of trying to obey a set of religious rules, we live by faith and follow Jesus.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in His desire to free people from the burden of the law. Instead of leaving humanity trapped under sin, He provided a way out—faith in Jesus.

This verse also shows God’s patience and wisdom. He used the law to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus, revealing their need for a Savior. His love is seen in the fact that He did not leave people in bondage—He sent His Son to set them free.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse points directly to Jesus as the one who fulfilled the law and set people free.

• Jesus is the “faith that was revealed.” His life, death, and resurrection made it possible to be saved by faith.
• Jesus did what the law could not do—He provided righteousness. The law exposed sin, but Jesus removed it (Romans 8:3).
• Jesus replaced the old system with something better. Instead of trying to obey the law, we now live by faith in Him.

Paul is making it clear that Jesus is the answer to the problem of sin—not the law.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to be “held in custody under the law”?
2. How does this verse show that the law was temporary?
3. What does it mean that “faith has now been revealed”?
4. How does this verse change the way you view your relationship with God?
5. How can you help others understand that salvation comes through faith, not religious rules?