Commentary on Galatians 3:17

Galatians 3:17 states, "And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect."

Contextual Understanding

This verse is crucial in understanding the interplay between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant. Paul emphasizes that the covenants made by God, particularly the promise made to Abraham, transcend the law which was given later. The mention of "four hundred and thirty years" points to the timeline established in Old Testament history, highlighting God's commitment and the enduring nature of His promises.

Insights from Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry draws attention to the significance of the covenant made with Abraham. He argues that the promise to Abraham was made before the law was introduced, indicating that the law was not meant to cancel or undermine that promise. In his view:

• The Promises Precede the Law: Henry emphasizes that God's promises take precedence over the law. The law was given after the covenant with Abraham; therefore, it cannot nullify God's promises.
• God’s Faithfulness: He highlights that God’s faithfulness to His covenant shows the unchanging nature of God’s purpose and plan for humanity.

Insights from Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes underscores the theological implications of this verse by stating that the law serves a different purpose than that of the covenant. His commentary stresses that:

• Distinct Purposes: The law was added for a specific purpose, which includes the revelation of sin and the need for salvation, but it does not replace or revoke the promise made to Abraham.
• Inviolability of God’s Word: Barnes emphasizes that any covenant or promise confirmed by God cannot be annulled by subsequent events or legislations. The enduring nature of God's plan assures believers of their standing through faith.

Insights from Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke provides an analytical approach to the historical and theological context of Galatians 3:17. His insights expand on the nature of God's covenant and the timing of the law:

• The Legal Framework: Clarke discusses how the law operated within the covenant community. He argues that the law was a temporary measure that served its purpose until the coming of Christ, who fulfilled the promise.
• Timeframe and Covenant Validity: His examination of the "four hundred and thirty years" indicates the long-standing nature of God's promises and the assurance that they hold validity apart from human implications.

Theological Implications

The theological implications of Paul’s teaching in Galatians 3:17 are profound and wide-ranging:

• Salvation by Faith: This text reinforces the doctrine of justification by faith, highlighting that it is through faith in the promises of God, rather than adherence to the law, that believers are saved.
• Covenantal Theology: Understanding the distinctions and connections between the covenants enriches one’s grasp of the overall narrative of Scripture, revealing God's steadfastness and fidelity throughout salvation history.
• Christian Liberty: The assurance that the promises are immutable provides believers with freedom from the ceremonial and legalistic portions of the law, affirming that their identity is rooted in Christ.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Galatians 3:17 provides a key insight into the relationship between law and promise within the biblical narrative. The commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke converge on the essential truth that God's covenant remains unbroken, bringing to light the richness of faith and grace as central to the believer's life. As we meditate on this verse, we are reminded of God's unwavering promises, which stand firm against human failure and time.