Galatians 3:19b-20 – Resolution

The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

Summary: Paul’s words seem cryptic at times, suggesting there is a lot more going on in his mind than he is able to share.

Do you understand this passage? If so, what do you think it means?

It seems logical that the “mediator” Paul mentions is probably Moses. After all, we know that the Law was given through Moses (2 Chronicles 34:14).

As I read Paul’s words, I wondered what he meant by the word “mediator.” My online dictionary defines “mediator” as someone trying to solve a dispute between two groups of people. The illustration that comes to mind is a person working to solve a labor dispute between a company’s management and their employee’s union.

Paul’s second sentence, however, throws me off. It is true that the presence of a mediator implies “more than one party,” but then Paul adds, “but God is one.” What does he mean? Is he referring to the fact that Jesus and God are “one?” (John 10:30)

Another possibility is that “God is one” means that God is not negotiating with anybody. He doesn’t need a “mediator” because he makes the rules.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul touches on this topic again when he writes, “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

In this passage, the “mediator” is Jesus. So here is what I am getting from this passage. (Feel free to correct me if you see something different.)

First, there is a “dispute” between God and man. Mankind thinks it should be in charge, but God, by virtue of being God, is actually in charge.

Second, God doesn’t want mankind to die condemned and estranged from him. To resolve the situation, he does two things. Both of these things could be considered “mediation.”

The first mediation is to give God’s people the Law, given through Moses. This Law is intended to make people aware of the dispute and God’s position as the ultimate authority.

The second mediation is to give God’s people himself, in the form of Jesus Christ. The purpose is to show people God’s love and provide an effective means to remedy the dispute between God and Man.

The “mediator” reference in this passage points us to a need mankind has had for centuries, the need to be reconciled with our Maker.

Application: Think about things from God’s point of view.

Food for Thought: How would you solve the problem of a creation gone astray?