Galatians 4
Becoming Children of God through Christlike Faithfulness (4:1–7)
1 And now I say that as long as the designated heir is a child, there is no difference between him and a bondman, even though he is a master of it all. 2 Certainly, he is under guardians and managers until the time appointed by his father. 3 And in the same way, when we were children, we were in a state of slavery by the principles of the world. 4 But when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his own Son, born by a woman, subject to Mosaic law, 5 so that he might redeem those under the law in order that we might receive his adoption as a son. 6 Because you are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his own Son into our hearts, fervently crying out, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore, you are no longer a bondman but rather a son and, if so, even an heir of God.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians (4:8–11)
8 But then, not knowing about God, you served as slaves to those that are not in their essence gods. 9 And now, having known God—or rather, being known by God—how do you again turn to weak and poor elemental forces to which you desire to be in bondage once more? 10 You carefully observe holy days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear that my work with you was in vain.
Paul’s Personal Appeal (4:12–16)
12 I beg you, brothers and sisters, be as I am because I am also like you. You did not ever wrong me. 13 You know that originally, on account of the weakness of the body, I preached the gospel to you. 14 You did not reject or despise your temptation caused by my body, but instead you accepted me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 So where then is the happiness you felt? I testify to you that if it were possible for you to dig out your eyes, you would have given them to me. 16 So then, I have become hateful toward you for telling you the truth.
Paul’s Warning Against the Interlopers (4:17–20)
17 They intensely court your favor [but] for no good reason. They want to exclude you so that you might be dedicated to them. 18 It is good to always be energetically courted for a good purpose and not just when I am present with you. 19 My children for whom I travail in birth again until Christ takes shape in you, 20 I wish I could be there with you now and to change my tone because I am perplexed because of you.
Lessons from the Two Covenants: Hagar and Sarah (4:21–5:1)
21 Tell me, those of you who want to be subject to the law, do you not understand the law? 22 It has been written that Abraham had two sons: one from a bondwoman and one from a free woman. 23 But the son of the bondwoman had been born through the body only and the other son the free woman bore through the promise. 24 These things can be taken as allegories. For these women are the two covenants: one from Mount Sinai producing bondage, which is Hagar 25 (for Mount Sinai is Hagar in Arabia) and corresponds to Jerusalem, for she is in bondage with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem from above is free, which is our mother. 27 For it has been written, “Rejoice infertile woman, who does not bear children. Break forth and shout, she who does not suffer labor pains, because the children of the forsaken woman are more than those of her who has a husband” [Isa. 54:1]. 28 Now, brothers and sisters, we are children of the promise just like Isaac. 29 But even still, he who was born by only the body persecuted him who was born by the Spirit. So also it is now. 30 And what does the scripture say? “Throw out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman will not inherit with the son of the free woman” [Gen. 21:10]. 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are no bondwoman’s children, but of the free woman. 5:1 Christ set us free in the interest of liberty. Therefore, stand firm and do not be again loaded down with the yoke of slavery.
