1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything,
2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.
3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,
5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.
6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!”
7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.
8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods.
9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more?
10 You observe days and months and seasons and years!
11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.
12 Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are.
13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first,
14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me.
16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them.
18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you,
19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!
20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman.
23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.
25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.
27 For it is written, “Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear; break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor! For the children of the desolate one will be more than those of the one who has a husband.”
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.
30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.”
31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.
The True Meaning of Galatians 4
The Epistle to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul addresses the Galatian believers in this chapter, warning them against the dangers of abandoning the gospel of grace for a system of legalistic works-righteousness.
Paul reminds the Galatians of their former bondage to pagan idolatry and the Mosaic law, likening it to the slavery of children under guardians and managers. He then introduces the concept of adoption, explaining how through faith in Christ, they have become heirs and sons of God, no longer slaves but free. This foreshadows the pivotal moment when the Galatians must choose between the freedom of the gospel or the burden of the law.
The chapter also includes a personal appeal from Paul, recounting his initial preaching of the gospel to the Galatians and their warm reception of him. This sets the stage for the apostle’s stern rebuke of their subsequent turning away from the truth, which he will address in the following chapter.
Galatians 4:1-7
The passage in Galatians 4:1-7 can be broken down into a few key sections. The first section, in verse 1, speaks about the heir, who is a child, being under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. This section illustrates the idea that before Christ came, humanity was under the guardianship of the law. The law served as a tutor or guide until the appointed time when Christ would fulfill the law and bring about a new covenant. This transition from the law to grace is a central theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the shift from the requirements of the law to the freedom found in Christ.
Moving on to verse 4, it speaks of the fullness of time when God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law so that they might receive adoption. This verse highlights the significance of Christ’s incarnation. Jesus could identify with humanity and fulfill the requirements of the law on our behalf by being born of a woman and under the law. His redemption and sacrifice on the cross opened the way for us to be adopted as God’s children. This act of adoption into God’s family is a powerful metaphor for our new identity in Christ. Through Him, we receive the full rights and privileges as heirs of God’s kingdom.
Verse 5 mentions that we receive the adoption as sons because God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” This section underscores the intimate relationship we have with God through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16), allowing us to approach God not just as a distant deity but as a loving Father. The term “Abba” is one of tenderness and familiarity, reflecting the closeness and intimacy we can have in our relationship with God through Christ.
Continuing to verse 6 and 7, it highlights that as children, we are no longer slaves but sons, and if sons, then heirs through God. Through Christ, we are no longer bound by the law as slaves but are elevated to the status of sons and daughters of God. This transformation signifies our inheritance as heirs of God’s promises. This inheritance includes not only the blessings of eternal life but also the privilege of co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). This truth is a reminder of our worth and value in God’s eyes, not based on our own merits but on His grace and love for us. Galatians 4:1-7 powerfully illustrates the redemptive work of Christ, the intimacy of our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit, and our identity as heirs of God’s promises. This passage serves as a reminder of the shift from the constraints of the law to the freedom found in Christ, the adoption into God’s family, and the assurance of our inheritance as heirs of God. It emphasizes the central message of the Gospel that through faith in Christ, we are no longer slaves but beloved children of God with a secure hope for the future.
Galatians 4:8-11
Paul addresses the Galatians by starting the verses in Galatians 4:8-11 with the words, “Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods.”” Here, Paul is reminding the Galatians of their past lives before they knew God. The Galatians were once ignorant of God and unknowingly served false idols and worthless practices. This is a crucial message that Paul wants to highlight – the shift from a life of spiritual bondage to one of freedom through Christ. This transformation is a central theme in Christianity, that through accepting Christ, one can break free from the chains of sin and false idols.
Paul continues in verse 9, “But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” Paul is expressing his concern that the Galatians, who have come to know and experience the grace of God, are now turning back to their old, unfulfilling ways. He questions the Galatians about their desire to return to the bondage of following these powerless forces instead of reveling in the freedom found in Christ. The emphasis here is on the danger of reverting back to a life of sin and deception after having tasted the goodness of God. Paul addresses the observance of special days, months, seasons, and years in verse 10. This likely refers to the religious observances and rituals that some in the Galatian church were reverting to, possibly Jewish ceremonial laws or pagan customs. Paul is cautioning against placing importance on these external practices rather than focusing on the true essence of faith in Christ. This aligns with the broader theme seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in Colossians 2:16-17, where Paul warns against judging others based on their observance of religious festivals or rituals, emphasizing that these are merely shadows of the substance found in Christ. Paul expresses his fear in verse 11 that all his efforts in teaching the Galatians might have been in vain, as they seem to be straying from the Gospel. This reflects Paul’s deep care and investment in the spiritual growth of the Galatians, and his desire for them to remain steadfast in their faith. It also serves as a reminder for all believers to guard against backsliding or being swayed by false teachings. This verse underscores the importance of consistency and perseverance in the Christian walk, as well as the need for believers to continually grow in their understanding and application of the Gospel message.
Galatians 4:12-20
The Apostle Paul addresses the Galatian Christians in the passage Galatians 4:12-20 with a mix of concern, frustration, and affection. Let’s break down this passage into important sections for a detailed commentary:
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Verse 12: “I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. Paul appeals to the Galatians in this verse to imitate him in returning to a proper understanding of the Gospel. Paul had initially shared the Gospel with them, and now he urges them to remember and hold fast to the teachings they received from him. Paul is referring to his approach of adapting his message to meet the Galatians where they were at in their understanding by saying “I became like you.” This emphasizes the necessity of contextualizing the Gospel, while not compromising its essence.
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You did not treat me with contempt or scorn, even though my illness was a trial to you, because of which I first preached the gospel to you. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Paul recounts the warm reception he received from the Galatians when he first preached to them, even mentioning a physical ailment he had at the time in these verses. He expresses his bewilderment over the change in their attitude towards him. Paul questions if his truth-telling has turned them against him. This highlights the fickleness of human nature and how easily people can turn away from the truth when faced with false teachings or influences.
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Verses 17-20: “Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you! Paul identifies the false teachers who were influencing the Galatians as individuals seeking to exploit them for their own gain in these verses. These false teachers sought to alienate the Galatians from Paul’s influence. Paul acknowledges the zeal displayed by the Galatians but emphasizes the importance of it being aligned with the true Gospel. He uses the metaphor of being in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in them, underscoring the deep concern and love he has for their spiritual well-being. Paul’s words convey a sense of urgency and genuine care for the Galatians, imploring them to return to the foundational truths of the faith. This passage from Galatians 4 sheds light on the challenges of remaining steadfast in the face of false teachings and influences, in conclusion. Paul’s words resonate across time, reminding believers to hold fast to the authentic Gospel message, to not stray from the truth, and to be discerning in recognizing and rejecting false doctrines. The theme of genuine concern for the spiritual growth and well-being of fellow believers is paramount here, urging us to support, exhort, and correct one another in love, just as Paul did with the Galatians.
Galatians 4:21-31
The Apostle Paul dives into an allegory concerning two women, Hagar and Sarah, in Galatians 4:21-31. This passage serves as a comparison between the bondage of the law and the freedom found in Christ. Paul begins by addressing those who desire to be under the law and asks them if they truly understand what the law entails.
Paul first mentions Hagar, Abraham’s maidservant, who represents Mount Sinai and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem. Hagar represents the covenant given at Mount Sinai, which was characterized by rules and regulations that brought about bondage and slavery to sin. This is a reference to the law given to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai, which they were not able to perfectly uphold, leading to a cycle of sacrifice and atonement.
On the other hand, Sarah, Abraham’s wife, represents the promise of God and the heavenly Jerusalem, symbolizing freedom and grace through faith. Sarah symbolizes the new covenant through Christ, which brings about freedom from sin and the promise of salvation through faith in Him. This contrast between Hagar and Sarah illustrates the difference between trying to attain righteousness through the law and receiving it as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.
The story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar is a powerful example of faith and promise. Abraham and Sarah waited years for the fulfillment of God’s promise to give them a child, and in their old age, Isaac was miraculously born to them. This serves as a reminder that God’s promises are always fulfilled in His timing and according to His plan, even when it seems impossible to human understanding. Those who are under the law persecute those who are of faith, just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac. This persecution can symbolize the conflicts and hardships that believers may face when choosing to live by faith in Christ rather than by the works of the law.
Paul concludes the passage by emphasizing the freedom that believers in Christ now have, likening them to children of promise born of the heavenly Jerusalem. We, as followers of Christ, are no longer slaves to the law but instead heirs of God’s promise through faith in Jesus Christ.
This passage in Galatians 4 serves as a critical reminder for believers to stand firm in their faith in Christ and to understand the difference between living under the bondage of the law and embracing the freedom found in the grace of God through Jesus Christ. It underscores the importance of relying on faith rather than works for salvation and righteousness, pointing believers towards the promise of eternal life through Christ.
After Galatians 4
The apostle Paul had made it clear that the Galatians were no longer slaves, but sons and heirs of God. They had been freed from the bondage of the law and were now called to live in the freedom of the gospel. Yet, as we shall see in the next chapter, some were still struggling to fully embrace this new reality. The path ahead would not be an easy one, for the forces of legalism and false teaching were ever-present, seeking to draw the Galatians back into the very chains from which they had been liberated. But the apostle would not relent, for the stakes were too high. The very heart of the gospel was at stake, and Paul was determined to guide the Galatians towards the truth that would set them truly free.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.