unique work of Jesus Christ. Works are those of the law. Thus the law is set in opposition to Christ as works are to faith. These oppositions will run throughout the next chapters. They make clear that for Paul justification is not earned by actions, that works do not complete justification, and that faith is not itself the supreme work of humans. Verses 15–16 lay the base for what follows. Paul clarifies his interpretation of this common starting point by ruling out false ideas in vv. 17–18. To