19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.



Ver. 19. Because of transgressions] Which are discovered by the law. Sight of misery must go before sense of mercy. Lex, lux, the law is a light (saith Solomon), which lays all open, as 1Co_14:25, and threateneth destruction to transgressors.



And it was ordained, &c.] Therefore it is not to be disrespected, though we cannot attain eternal life by it.



In the hand of a mediator] That is, of Moses, who was a mediator of that communication of the law to the people, Exo_20:19. Christ is the only Mediator of expiation. And of Christ alone some take this text.