¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions^(A) until the Seed^(B) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels^(C) and entrusted to a mediator.^{(D) 20} A mediator,^(E) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(F) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(G) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(H) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

²³ Before the coming of this faith,^[a] we were held in custody^(I) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.^{(J) 24} So the law was our guardian until Christ came^(K) that we might be justified by faith.^(L)