⁸ Now we know that ^(A)the law is good, if one uses it lawfully,

¹⁹ Why then the law? ^(A)It was added because of transgressions, ^(B)until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was ^(C)put in place through angels ^(D)by an intermediary. ²⁰ Now ^(E)an intermediary implies more than one, but ^(F)God is one.

²¹ Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For ^(G)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. ²² But the Scripture ^(H)imprisoned everything under sin, so that ^(I)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given ^(J)to those who believe.

²³ Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, ^(K)imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. ²⁴ So then, ^(L)the law was our ^(M)guardian until Christ came, ^(N)in order that we might be justified by faith.

^27 (A)Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith ^(B)apart from works of the law.