Galatians was written to Christians who were being fooled into returning to the law. For an example of this theme, look at Galatians 3.
O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?… For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:1-3, 10-11)
Galatians often contrasts “faith” and “law” (or “the faith” and “the law”). This contrast helps us understand a passage that answers our question about which system we are under.
Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. (Galatians 3:23-25)
Here the law is called “our guardian.” Other English versions use words like “tutor” or “supervisor” or “custodian.” Each term translates the original Greek word paidagogos, literally meaning a “child-leader” (used in both verse 24 and verse 25 of Galatians 3).
In those days the paidagogos was often a slave who helped his master’s child and took the child to school. The law had a similar purpose.
So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)
Notice the force of the word “until.” The law served as leader “until” Christ came. Christ has now come. The new system of faith in Christ is now in effect. Is there any longer a need for us to remain under that old guardian, the law? The next verse answers that question:
But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian. (Galatians 3:25)
“We are no longer under a guardian.”
Since the guardian was the law (Galatians 3:24), the meaning is clear: We are no longer under the law. Again, if there is any doubt as to the law’s identity, Paul goes on in Galatians 4 to identify the law as the “covenant… from
Mount Sinai.”