The pedagogical nature of the law in Galatians 3:19-4:7

Abstract

"In the discussion of Christians and the Mosaic Law, the analogy of the pedagogue in Gal 3:24-25 and the illustration of a son in a patrician household in Gal 4:1-7 provide significant though somewhat puzzling points of reference. There is no doubt that the analogy and illustration are meant to be taken together. Our difficulties have to do with (1) what Paul meant by them, (2) what areas in the discussion they apply to, and (3) how seriously they should be taken. So while Gal 3:24-25 and 4:1-7 are important passages for a Christian understanding of the Mosaic Law, the analogy and illustration require careful explication if we are to grasp Paul's point aright"