Galatians 3:23

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But before faith [in Christ] became available, we [Jews] were kept in bondage under [condemnation for not obeying perfectly] the Law of Moses. [This condition existed] until the faith [i.e., the Gospel message] was made known [to people].

Cross References

John 3:34

For the One whom God has sent [i.e., Jesus] speaks the words of God, for He [i.e., God] does not give the Holy Spirit in a limited quantity [i.e., to Jesus. See next verse].

Romans 11:32

For God has made all people prisoners of a disobedient life, so that He could show mercy to everyone.

Romans 3:19

Now we [all] know that everything the law says applies to those who are under [obligation to obey] that law, [Note: Here “the law” appears to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures generally, since Psalms and Isaiah are quoted. See verses 10-18]. This is so that the mouth of every objector may be stopped [i.e., from making excuses for his sin], and thereby bring the entire world under God’s judgment [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles].

Galatians 3:19

What then is [the benefit of] the Law of Moses? It was introduced [as part of God’s revelation] in order to define what sin was, until the seed [i.e., Jesus] would come, to whom the promise [of never ending life] was made. The Law of Moses was ordained through [the medium of] angels and [delivered] through the hand of an intermediary [i.e., Moses].

Galatians 4:21

Tell me, those of you who desire to be under [obligation to the requirements of] the Law of Moses: Are you really paying attention to what the Law of Moses says?

Galatians 5:18

But, if you are led by [what] the Holy Spirit [wants you to do], you are not under [obligation to meet the requirements of] the Law of Moses.

Hebrews 11:13

These people [all] continued to have faith until they died, [even though] they had not obtained [all] the things God had promised, but had [only] seen them and welcomed them from a distance. And they had confessed to being strangers and aliens on earth.

Hebrews 12:2

We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, “our”] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God’s throne.