¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses;^(A) grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.^(B)

¹⁷ If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward;^(A) if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.^(B)

⁹ If the ministry that brought condemnation^(A) was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry that brings righteousness!^{(B) 10} For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. ¹¹ And if what was transitory came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!

¹² Therefore, since we have such a hope,^(C) we are very bold.^{(D) 13} We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face^(E) to prevent the Israelites from seeing the end of what was passing away. ¹⁴ But their minds were made dull,^(F) for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant^(G) is read.^(H) It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. ¹⁵ Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. ¹⁶ But whenever anyone turns to the Lord,^(I) the veil is taken away.^{(J) 17} Now the Lord is the Spirit,^(K) and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.^{(L) 18} And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate^[a](M) the Lord’s glory,^(N) are being transformed into his image^(O) with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law^(A) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”^{[a](B) 14} He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,^(C) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.^(D)

The Law and the Promise

¹⁵ Brothers and sisters,^(E) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. ¹⁶ The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.^(F) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”^[b](G) meaning one person, who is Christ. ¹⁷ What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years^(H) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;^(I) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

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

²¹ Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!^(O) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.^{(P) 22} But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,^(Q) 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,^[c] we were held in custody^(R) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.^{(S) 24} So the law was our guardian until Christ came^(T) that we might be justified by faith.^{(U) 25} Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.^(V)