Meaning of Galatians 3:20

This verse, Galatians 3:20, addresses the nature of mediation in the context of God's covenant and the law, contrasting it with the singular nature of God. Paul is arguing that the Mosaic Law, mediated by an intermediary (Moses), is not the ultimate or original covenant God made with Abraham. The law, by its very nature as a mediated agreement, implies a plurality of parties involved—God and humanity, with Moses acting as the go-between. However, Paul emphasizes that God's fundamental relationship with His people, particularly as established in the Abrahamic covenant, is a direct, unilateral promise from one God. This distinction is crucial for Paul's argument that salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through adherence to the law, which was given much later and through a mediator.

Context and Background

Paul is writing to the churches in Galatia, who are being influenced by "Judaizers" – individuals teaching that Gentile believers must be circumcised and follow the Mosaic Law to be truly saved or to have a right standing with God. In Galatians 3, Paul has been systematically dismantling this argument. He first points to Abraham as the father of all who believe, demonstrating that Abraham was justified by faith before the law was given (Galatians 3:6-9). He then explains that the law actually reveals sin and serves as a "custodian" or "schoolmaster" to lead people to Christ (Galatians 3:19-24), rather than being the means of righteousness. Verse 20, therefore, fits into this larger discourse by highlighting a structural difference between the Abrahamic covenant (direct, unilateral) and the Mosaic covenant (mediated).

Key Themes and Messages

• The Nature of Mediation: The verse directly defines a mediator as one who implies more than one party. This highlights the inherent plurality in a mediated agreement.
• The Singularity of God: The counterpoint, "but God is one," emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty, unity, and His direct relationship with His people, particularly in the foundational covenant.
• Distinction Between Covenants: Paul is drawing a clear distinction between the covenant established with Abraham and the covenant mediated through Moses. The former is a divine promise, while the latter is a legal framework with an intermediary.
• Faith vs. Law: The underlying message is that salvation and righteousness are rooted in God's singular action and promise, received by faith, not in a mediated legal system.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the direct and personal relationship believers have with God through Christ. It reminds us that God's initiative in salvation is primary and not contingent on human mediation or legal performance beyond faith. The singularity of God means His promises are unwavering and His covenant is secure, based on His own faithfulness. For believers today, it means we approach God directly through Jesus, our ultimate mediator, not through a system of works or intermediaries that would divide or complicate our relationship with the one true God.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Galatians 3:20 is a pivotal point in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The narrative begins with God's direct promise to Abraham, establishing a covenant of faith. The Mosaic Law, while divinely given, represents a later stage, a conditional covenant mediated through Moses, which revealed sin and pointed towards a need for something more. The ultimate fulfillment of God's singular promise is found in Jesus Christ, who is not merely a mediator between God and humanity in the same sense as Moses, but is Himself the God-man who embodies the covenant and reconciles humanity to God through His own sacrifice. The Old Testament narrative moves from direct promises to a mediated law, and the New Testament culminates in Christ, the one mediator who brings about a new, direct, and enduring covenant.

Analogies

• A Business Contract vs. a Gift: A mediated covenant is like a business contract, requiring two or more parties to agree and fulfill specific terms, often with lawyers (mediators) involved. However, God's promise to Abraham is more like an unconditional gift from a wealthy benefactor, where the recipient simply needs to accept it by faith.
• A Diplomatic Envoy vs. a Royal Proclamation: Moses acted as an envoy, carrying God's message and mediating terms between God and Israel. This is different from a king issuing a direct royal proclamation that carries the full authority of the monarch. Paul argues that God's foundational covenant is more like the latter.

Relation to Other Verses

• Galatians 3:19: This verse immediately precedes 3:20 and sets up the discussion: "Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ordained through angels by a mediator." Paul explicitly calls the law "mediated."
• 1 Timothy 2:5: "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This verse echoes the theme of God's oneness and introduces Jesus as the sole mediator, contrasting with the mediated nature of the Mosaic Law that Paul is discussing in Galatians.
• Hebrews 8:6: "But now he has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant that he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises." The author of Hebrews also distinguishes between the old, mediated covenant and the new covenant mediated by Christ, which is superior.
• Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This foundational Shema declaration emphasizes the absolute oneness of God, which Paul uses as a theological anchor in Galatians 3:20.