Paidagogos – Schoolmaster
It is important to any understanding of Scripture that we realize the significance and meaning of the message that was first delivered to the saints. To know what Scripture means to us today, we must understand what it meant to the original recipients of the Word. This is not a difficult task, but it is one that must be recognized.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. Galatians 3:24
When New Testament Christians read this verse, they learned that the law was a paidagogos. When they saw that word, they would never have thought of a schoolmaster as we do today. The paidagogos was more like what we might think of as an escort or a bodyguard. This servant’s job was to protect the child from evil influences and guarantee that he arrived at the teacher’s house. He didn’t teach anything except what not to do, and he normally taught that with a rod or switch. The paidagogos brought the child to the schoolmaster. The schoolmaster taught the child what he need to know to be a citizen.
The law protected the nation of Israel and preserved the lineage of Christ, so that Christ could teach us how to become citizens. The law (the paidagogos) brought us to Christ (the master teacher) so we could learn that true living comes by faith.
Christ is the master teacher. The law is a ruthless slave. If you want to know how to live, look to Christ, not the law.
Last 5 posts by Jeff Voegtlin
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