But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
Ver. 23. But before faith came, &c.] i.e. Before Christ came; faith is put for the object of faith.
We were kept under the law] φρουρουμεθα, as in a prison or garrison, being circled with a compassing strength. The sinner, having transgressed, is kept by the law, as with a guard or garrison, that he cannot escape unless he be delivered by Christ. Some learned men make this expression of the apostle here, "Kept under the law," to denote the duty of a schoolmaster; as one who is to give an account of such as are committed to his charge.