Use Contrasts to Determine Meaning
One useful tool for discovering meaning in literature is the use of contrasts. Whereas comparisons focus on similarities between two words or thoughts found in literature, a contrast focuses on the differences between two words or thoughts. Literary contrast takes dissimilar elements, things, or thoughts that are unlike to make a main point sharp and clear by highlighting the differences between the two. What is Paul contrasting in Galatians 3:15-25?
Law vs. grace – Verse 18 uses the contrast word, ‘but’ in the NIV. God’s promises come through God’s grace, which was established before the law.
seed vs. seeds – Sometimes, the use of singularity vs. plurality is very important. Vs. 16 clearly states that the seed is speaking of one person vs. many people. The seed is Christ.
Seed vs. seed – Even the use of caps can be contrasted. Once Paul establishes Christ as the ‘Seed’, the English translation capitalizes the use of ‘Seed’ (v. 19) to emphasize that Paul is referring to Christ.
Mediator – the key to this contrast in vs. 20 is the use of the word ‘however’. Why is this significant? Meditators work to resolve a conflict between two people- Christ needs no mediator since He is the final answer.
Law vs. faith – In vs. 22, life in Christ is not achieved by following the law, ‘but’ by faith in Jesus.
Verses 19-25 help define the purpose of the law. Law lays out the definition of sin. But when we live in grace, we are free from the curse of the law thanks to the Seed of Christ. In every life circumstance, seek not to follow the law, but to know God’s grace. Then, you will find the Seed of Christ.
Jason Marshall