22. But--as the law cannot give life or righteousness
[ALFORD]. Or
the "But" means, So far is righteousness from being of the law, that
the knowledge of sin is rather what comes of the law [BENGEL].
the scripture--which began to be written after the time of the promise,
at the time when the law was given. The written letter was needed SO
as PERMANENTLY to convict man of disobedience to God's command.
Therefore he says, "the Scripture," not the "Law." Compare
Ga 3:8,
"Scripture," for "the God of the Scripture."
concluded--"shut up," under condemnation, as in a prison. Compare
Isa 24:22,
"As prisoners gathered in the pit and shut up in the prison."
Beautifully contrasted with "the liberty wherewith Christ makes free,"
which follows,
Ga 3:7, 9, 25, 26; 5:1;
Isa 61:1.
all--Greek neuter, "the universe of things": the whole
world, man, and all that appertains to him.
under sin--
(Ro 3:9, 19; 11:32).
the promise--the inheritance promised
(Ga 3:18).
by faith of Jesus Christ--that is which is by faith in Jesus Christ.
might be given--The emphasis is on "given": that it might be a free
gift; not something earned by the works of the law
(Ro 6:23).
to them that believe--to them that have "the faith of (in) Jesus
Christ" just spoken of.
JFB.
Picture Study Bible