In this section of the letter to the Galatians, Paul continues his argument against the Galatian false teachers by showing 1) the priority of the promise and 2) the purpose of the law. Since the promise came first, it’s gracious nature could not be altered by the giving of the law, which was meant to prepare the people for the fulfillment of that promise – Jesus Christ. The law was never meant to give life, or justify sinners, but rather to expose their sinfulness and convince them of their need for a Savior.