Covenant (19) Schoolmaster

The last few verses of Gal 3 are often translated as if the law was a schoolmaster to lead people to Jesus. This is misleading as it focuses on the conviction role of the law, whereas Paul is more concerned about the protection role.

So the Law has became our supervising servant to lead us to Christ that we may be justified by faith (Gal 3:24)

A “paidagoges” was not a tutor. The word refers to a servant who accompanies the son of his master on his amusements and studies to keep him safe from evil and to ensure he does not wander into trouble. This is the perfect description of the role of the law. It could not make the people of Israel good. But it could go with them to keep them on the right track and free from evil.

After the coming of gospel, they no longer needed spiritual protection from the law, because Jesus provides better spiritual protection and the Holy Spirit provides better guidance.

Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian (Gal 3:25).