^{17 Ref} Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.

^{18 Ref} For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by promise.

^{19 Ref} What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.

^{20 Ref} Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.

^{21 Ref} Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most assuredly righteousness would have been of the law.

^{22 Ref} But the Scriptures shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

^{23 Ref} But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

^{24 Ref} So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.