Galatians 3:22

But the Scripture, &c. The impossibility (Theod. Mops.) of obtaining righteousness by legal obedience is proved by the plain testimony of Scripture. It is noteworthy that in this momentous argument St Paul appeals not to conscience or experience, but to God's Word written.

the Scripture hath concluded Not the O. T. generally, but the particular passage referred to in ch. Galatians 2:16, viz. Psalms 143:2. This view is confirmed by the tense employed -concluded", rather than the perfect -hath concluded". This personification of Scripture is remarkable, investing it with the dignity and authority of a Divine utterance.

concluded i.e. -shut up", leaving no means of escape. The same word occurs Romans 11:32, -God shut up all men into disobedience, that He might have mercy upon all".

all Lit. -all things", neuter. In the passage just quoted from Romans we have -all men". This is more comprehensive, not because -no exception is made, not even in favour of the Virgin Mary, as the Vatican decree would require" (Dr Schaff) though this is true, but because men's purest aims, and noblest efforts, and holiest achievements are tainted with sin.

that the promise … believe The promise is here put for the thing promised, justification, life. Bp. Lightfoot observes that the words, -by faith in Jesus Christ" are not redundant. St Paul's opponents did not deny that only believers could obtain the promise. They held that it was obtained by works, and not by faith.

This verse reveals the end for which the law was given not to condemn, but to shew that byit was no escape, fromit no escape, except by faith in the promisein the Person promising and the Person promised. How beautifully Bunyan illustrates this great truth when he makes the Pilgrims who were shut up in the Doubting Castle of Giant Despair effect their escape by the Key of Promise, which Christian found in his bosom!