those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” Paul viewed those living under the Law as children in a state of immaturity, and he viewed the Law as a pedagogue, a child trainer or overseer whose responsibility it was to supervise every area of the life of the child committed to its care. Because of her immaturity Israel needed the Law. Thus the Law was given as a gracious provision by God to meet the needs of a redeemed people who were in a state of spiritual infancy.