Galatians 4:8-31
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 But in the past, when you didn’t know God, a you were enslaved to things ▼▼Or beings
that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, c or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt d elemental forces? e Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10You observe special days, months, seasons, and years. f 11I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted. 12I beg you, ▼▼brother(s): The Greek word adelphoi can be used as a reference to males only or to groups that include males and females. It is the context of each usage that determines the proper meaning.
brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; 13you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. 14You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you. ▼▼Other mss read me
On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? i 17They ▼▼The false teachers
are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. 18 Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good – and not just when I am with you. 19 My children, k I am again suffering labor pains l for you until Christ is formed in you. 20I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you. Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants
21 Tell me, those of you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham m had two sons, one by a slave n and the other by a free woman. 23 But the one by the slave was born according to the impulse of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. 24 These things are illustrations, ▼▼Typology or allegory
for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai p and bears children into slavery – this is Hagar. q 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia r and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, s for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above t is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: uRejoice, childless woman, vwho does not give birth.
Burst into song and shout,
you who are not in labor,
for the children of the desolate are many,
more numerous than those
of the woman who has a husband. w , x
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, y are children of promise. z 29 But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, aa so also now. ab 30 But what does the Scripture say?Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman. ac , ad
31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. ae
Galatians 5:1
Freedom of the Christian
1 Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm af then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery. ag
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