Tutor to Christ in Context

What is a tutor to Christ?

In Scripture, the term 'tutor to Christ' describes a preparatory role that guides individuals toward faith in Jesus, as seen in Paul’s teaching on the Law’s purpose.

Galatians 3:24-25 explicitly states, 'So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith. Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.' Here, the Law is likened to a tutor whose role was temporary, guiding people to recognize their need for Christ’s redemptive work.

This concept underscores the transition from legalistic preparation to a relationship grounded in faith, setting the stage for exploring how Christ fulfills earlier covenantal roles.

The Biblical Foundation of the Tutor to Christ

The concept of the 'tutor to Christ' is rooted in the theological framework of God's redemptive plan, as outlined in Galatians 3:24-25.

Paul describes the Law as a temporary guardian that guided God's people until Christ's arrival, stating, 'So the law was our guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith' (Galatians 3:24). This role functioned to reveal humanity's need for salvation while maintaining covenantal accountability in the absence of Christ's redemptive work. Once faith in Christ became accessible, the Law's role as a tutor ceased, as 'we are no longer under a guardian' (Galatians 3:25). This transition highlights God's progressive revelation, moving from a preparatory system to a covenant of grace fulfilled in Jesus, setting the stage for understanding Christ's complete authority in redemption.

How to Read Tutors to Christ Correctly

To interpret 'tutor to Christ' accurately, begin by situating the concept within Paul’s theology of redemption in Galatians 3:24-25, where the Law is described as a temporary guide leading to faith in Jesus.

Paul’s framework emphasizes that the Law’s role was preparatory, revealing humanity’s need for Christ while pointing forward to His redemptive work (Galatians 3:24). However, Christ’s arrival fulfills this typological purpose, rendering the Law obsolete as a 'tutor' (Galatians 3:25). This shift underscores God’s progressive revelation, where Christ replaces legalistic systems with a covenant of grace.

Avoid reading the 'tutor' metaphor as a call to legalism or perpetual adherence to the Law. Instead, recognize that Paul’s teaching stresses liberation in Christ (Galatians 3:25), inviting believers to rest in the completed work of Jesus rather than striving under covenantal obligations.

Going Deeper

To expand this discussion, consider how Paul’s pedagogical metaphors in Galatians 3-4 and Hebrews 7-10 deepen the concept of preparation for Christ.

Galatians 3-4 contrasts the 'tutor' role of the Law with the freedom found in Christ (Galatians 4:1-7), while Hebrews 7-10 explains how Christ’s priesthood fulfills Old Covenant roles. Exploring commentaries on Paul’s use of educational imagery can clarify how these metaphors function in his theological arguments.