John Calvin Commentary Galatians 3:25

"But now faith that is come, we are no longer under a tutor." — Galatians 3:25 (ASV)

But after that faith is come. This phrase has been already considered. It denotes the brighter revelation of grace after the vail of the temple was rent in twain (Matthew 27:51), which, we know, was brought about by the manifestation of Christ.

He affirms that, under the reign of Christ, there is no longer any childhood that needs to be placed under a schoolmaster, and that, consequently, the law has resigned its office—which is another application of the comparison.

There were two things he had undertaken to prove—that the law is a preparation for Christ, and that it is temporal. But here the question is again posed: Is the law so abolished that we have nothing to do with it?

I answer, the law—insofar as it is a rule of life, a bridle to keep us in the fear of the Lord, a spur to correct the sluggishness of our flesh, and insofar, in short, as it is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that believers may be instructed in every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17)—is as much in force as ever and remains untouched.

In what respect, then, is it abolished? Paul, we have said, views the law as possessing certain qualities, and those qualities we will enumerate.

It attaches to works a reward and a punishment; that is, it promises life to those who keep it and curses all transgressors. Meanwhile, it requires from humanity the highest perfection and most exact obedience.

It makes no allowance, gives no pardon, but calls to a severe reckoning the smallest offenses. It does not openly display Christ and His grace, but points him out at a distance, and only when hidden by the covering of ceremonies.

All such qualities of the law, Paul tells us, are abolished, so that the office of Moses is now at an end, insofar as it differs in outward aspect from a covenant of grace.