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1
The Law: A Guardian, Not a Teacher
Nearly all commentators emphasize that the Greek word 'paidagōgos,' often translated as 'schoolmaster' or 'tutor,' does not mean a teacher. It refers to a trusted slave who guarded a child, enforced discipline, and escorted them to the actual teacher. In this metaphor, the Law is the guardian, while Christ is the true Teacher. The Law's role was to restrain and guide, not to provide the ultimate instruction for salvation.
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Galatians
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Commentaries
14
Albert Barnes
On Galatians 3:24
18th Century
Theologian
Therefore the law was our schoolmaster. The word translated schoolmaster, paidagwgov, from which the word pedagogue<…
AT Robertson
On Galatians 3:24
Our tutor unto Christ (παιδαγωγος υμων εις Χριστον). See 1 Corinthians 4:15 for the only other N.T. example of this ol…
Charles Ellicott
On Galatians 3:24
19th Century
Bishop
The law was our schoolmaster.—Not quite a satisfactory translation; yet it is difficult to suggest a better. The Greek word is tha…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Galatians 3:23–24
19th Century
Preacher
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our school…
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Galatians 3:24
The phrase “put in charge” is the Greek noun paidagogos (GK 4080), which means “a child-custodian” or “child-attendant.” The pedagogue was a slave …
John Calvin
On Galatians 3:24
16th Century
Theologian
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster. This is the second comparison, which still more clearly expresses Paul’s design. A schoolmaster is…
John Gill
On Galatians 3:24
17th Century
Pastor
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster unto Christ
So the words should be read, as they are by the Syriac and Ethiop…
Matthew Henry
On Galatians 3:23–25
17th Century
Minister
The law did not impart a living, saving knowledge. Instead, through its rites and ceremonies, especially its sacrifices, it pointed to Christ so th…