Galatians Journal: Chapter 3, Verse 20

Galatians 3:20 A mediator, however, does not represent just one party; but God is one.

“mediator” As noted in the previous verse, this was Moses as far as the law was concerned. The legal concept of a mediator really has not changed since Paul’s day. A mediator intercedes between two or more parties to establish an agreeable solution where the parties involved are at odds. An agreement is negotiated (or sometimes imposed by the mediator) that is adopted to the needs of both parties. Paul is pointing out that this is essentially what the Sinai covenant was – a formal arrangement of mutual commitments between God and the people of Israel. Moses served as the intermediary.

“does not represent one party” The promises God made to Abraham were different than the mutual promises made at Sinai. They were unilateral – the covenant God made with Abraham involved a commitment only from God’s side. No mediator was necessary.

“but God is one” This is more than just an emphasis on the unilateral nature of the promise. This is a concept central to the Jewish faith and mindset. Deuteronomy 6:4 states “Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One.” This is the most basic, foundational matter of faith in Judaism. Indeed, this verse is a blessing invoked by Jews at every Sabbath meeting – the focal point of worship. God’s “oneness” was essential, especially when contrasted to the rampant polytheism of the pagan world. The difference between the promise made to Abraham and the Sinai Covenant is ultimately connected to God’s “oneness.” The promise to Abraham is a commitment made from the heart of God, based on His loving nature, His essence, His very being. This is more in keeping with the concept of the unity of God’s existence – his “oneness,” rather than the concept of an ostensibly “brokered” deal conditioned on our behavior. Paul’s Jewish audience would have identified with this metaphor.

As a side note, this also helps address one of the major objections and stumbling blocks modern Jews have with Jesus – that the notion of God the Father and God the Son means God is divided (Some Jewish apologists even go so far as to accuse Christians of being polytheists!). It is easier to grasp the concept of the unity of God, even as manifested as Father and Son, when we know the promise, given by God out of His very oneness, is fulfilled by the Son, who is one in essence with the Father.