1 Now I say, [That] the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I [am]; for I [am] as ye [are]: ye have not injured me at all.
13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if [it had been] possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, [but] not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
18 But [it is] good to be zealously affected always in [a] good [thing], and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, [thou] barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Overview of Galatians Chapter 4
Galatians Chapter 4 continues the Apostle Paul’s argument regarding the nature of the law and grace, emphasizing the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant through Christ. Paul uses the metaphor of adoption to illustrate the believer’s new identity in Christ and the implications of this new status.
Key Themes
- Sonship and Inheritance: Paul explains that through Christ, believers are adopted as sons and daughters of God, thus becoming heirs to the promises made to Abraham.
- Contrast Between Law and Grace: The chapter contrasts the bondage of the law with the freedom found in grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
- Return to Legalism: Paul warns against reverting to the old ways of the law after having received the freedom of the gospel.
- Personal Appeal: Paul makes a personal appeal to the Galatians, reminding them of their initial reception of the gospel and their past relationship with him.
Detailed Analysis
Verses 1-7: The Nature of Sonship
In these verses, Paul begins by illustrating the status of believers before and after coming to faith in Christ. He compares the state of an heir who is still a minor to that of a fully mature son.
- Minority and Guardianship: Paul states that as long as the heir is a child, he is no different from a slave, being under the guardianship of others until the time set by the father.
- Fullness of Time: At the appointed time, God sent His Son to redeem those under the law, allowing them to receive adoption as sons.
- Spirit of Adoption: The Holy Spirit is given to believers, affirming their status as children of God and enabling them to call God “Abba, Father.”
Verses 8-11: Warning Against Legalism
Paul expresses concern for the Galatians, reminding them of their previous state of ignorance and bondage to false gods before knowing God. He questions their desire to return to the observance of the law.
- Past Bondage: Paul recalls the Galatians’ former life in paganism, highlighting the contrast with their current status in Christ.
- Return to Weak and Worthless Principles: He warns them against reverting to the observance of days, months, seasons, and years, which he considers a regression.
Verses 12-20: Paul’s Personal Appeal
In a heartfelt appeal, Paul reminds the Galatians of their past relationship and the sacrifices he made for them. He expresses his concern for their well-being and spiritual condition.
- Initial Reception: Paul recalls how the Galatians received him with joy despite his physical condition, which he describes as a trial.
- Affection and Concern: He expresses his deep affection for them and his anguish over their current state, likening it to the pains of childbirth.
- Desire for Restoration: Paul longs for the Galatians to return to the freedom of the gospel and to be formed anew in Christ.
Verses 21-31: Allegory of Hagar and Sarah
Paul uses the story of Hagar and Sarah from Genesis to illustrate the two covenants: one of slavery (Hagar) and one of freedom (Sarah).
- Two Covenants: Hagar represents the covenant from Sinai, which brings bondage, while Sarah represents the new covenant of grace.
- Children of Promise: Paul emphasizes that believers are children of the free woman, heirs of the promise, contrasting their identity with that of those who are still under the law.
- Call to Freedom: He concludes with a strong exhortation to stand firm in their freedom and not to be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
Conclusion
Galatians Chapter 4 serves as a pivotal point in Paul’s letter, where he articulates the profound implications of being adopted as children of God through faith in Christ. The chapter is a call to embrace the freedom that comes from grace and to reject any return to legalism.
