The Relationship of Jewish and Gentile Believers to the Law Between A.D. 30 and 70 in the Scripture

214 reached. The Means and Source of Blessing 3:27-29 In this section Paul's argument begun in 3: 1 comes full circle. His point that his readers are "in Christ" and that all who are in Christ are therefore sons of Abraham summa– rizes his argument. His readers received the promise of the Spirit because of their acceptance of the gospel of Christ. Being in Christ makes them "heirs according to the promise." Thus Abrahamic blessings are found in Christ, not in law. The Illustration of the Pedagogue 4: 1-11 Paul ' s illustration of the pedagogue does not seem to introduce any new ideas into his argument, rather it forcefully illustrates the temporary nature of the role of the law. 1 2 The same basic message of 3: 10-14 and 3: 19-26 is repeated. Israel was held in bondage under the curse of the law but only for a time. Just as a child anticipates his freedom from the "guardians and managers " who are over him (4: 1-2) so also Christ came to redeem I rael (4:4-5). This redemption, in turn , provided blessings not only for Israel (4:5) but al o for the nations ("you," 4 :6-7) as well. Paul's fear is that his readership may be turning back the clock of redemption history by turning from Christ to Law. If they do thi they will turn back again to the weak and worthle elemental thing , " (4:9). Although being 'under la " i not to be equated with the pagani m (4:8-9) from which the Galatian had b en a d, b ing under the cur e of the law wa a imilar form of la ery . 183 I " nth n hand , I ia l' pli ht i n ' ' rt f and th f th h ir in f 11 p pl