3:19 Why then was the law given? ¹  It was added ²  because of transgressions, ³  until the arrival of the descendant ⁴  to whom the promise had been made. It was administered ⁵  through angels by an intermediary. ⁶  3:20 Now an intermediary is not for one party alone, but God is one. ⁷  3:21 Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God? ⁸  Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. ⁹  3:22 But the scripture imprisoned ¹⁰  everything and everyone ¹¹  under sin so that the promise could be given – because of the faithfulness ¹²  of Jesus Christ – to those who believe.

3:23 Now before faith ¹³  came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners ¹⁴  until the coming faith would be revealed. 3:24 Thus the law had become our guardian ¹⁵  until Christ, so that we could be declared righteous ¹⁶  by faith. 3:25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. ¹⁷