Gal 4 | MHM | STEP | The Redemption by Christ In this chapter, Paul speaks to those who listen to teachers wanting them to follow the law of Moses instead of the gospel of Christ. Paul compares the situation of believers before and after Christ. He shows that, under the law, God’s people were like children under strict rules. But now, because of Christ, believers live with greater freedom and blessing. v. 1–3 : Paul explains that in the Old Testament, God's people were like children who were not yet adults. Even though they were heirs, they lived under tutors and guardians until the time set by their father. This means they were in a state of darkness and bondage, following many strict rules and rituals without fully understanding them (2 Corinthians 3:13 ). They were like servants, obeying commands without knowing the reasons. But now, with Christ, believers move from this dark and strict time into a time of light and freedom.

‏ Galatians 4

The Redemption by Christ

In this chapter, Paul speaks to those who listen to teachers wanting them to follow the law of Moses instead of the gospel of Christ. Paul compares the situation of believers before and after Christ. He shows that, under the law, God’s people were like children under strict rules. But now, because of Christ, believers live with greater freedom and blessing.

v. 1–3: Paul explains that in the Old Testament, God's people were like children who were not yet adults. Even though they were heirs, they lived under tutors and guardians until the time set by their father. This means they were in a state of darkness and bondage, following many strict rules and rituals without fully understanding them (2 Corinthians 3:13 ^a). They were like servants, obeying commands without knowing the reasons. But now, with Christ, believers move from this dark and strict time into a time of light and freedom.

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v. 4–5: Paul says, when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law (Galatians 4:4-5 ^b). Jesus, the Son of God, became human and chose to live under the law. He did this to free us from the heavy burden of the law, and to give us the chance to become God’s children. Jesus did not just save us from the ceremonial law, but also from the curse and punishment of the moral law. One main reason for His coming was so that we could receive adoption as sons, no longer treated just as servants, but as mature children with greater privileges.

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v. 6: Paul then teaches that because we are now sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6 ^c). This means believers have the Holy Spirit, who helps them pray and know God as their Father. Through the Spirit, we have a close and loving relationship with God.

v. 7: Paul concludes, you are no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ (Galatians 4:7 ^d). We are not slaves under the law anymore. By believing in Christ, we become God’s children and heirs, with a right to God’s promises and the hope of eternal life.

These verses show God’s great love. The Father sent His Son to save us. The Son became one of us and suffered for us. The Holy Spirit now lives in believers and helps them pray. Because of Christ, we have the special privilege of being God’s children and receiving His promises. All who truly belong to God through faith are given the Holy Spirit, and all are heirs to His blessings. This is much better than living as a servant under the law.

Affectionate Remonstrance

In this section, Paul reminds the Galatians of their life before they became Christians and how much it changed after they accepted the gospel. He wants them to see how unwise it is to go back to old ways or to put themselves under the Jewish law after knowing Christ.

v. 8: Paul reminds them that before the gospel, they did not know God. They were ignorant about the true God and did not know how to worship Him. Instead, they served things that were not real gods at all. They practiced many superstitious and idolatrous customs, worshipping things that were only made by people and had no power to help them. This shows that when people do not know the true God, they often turn to false gods.

v. 9: Now, things are different. Paul says, now you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God . Their new relationship with God was not because of their own effort, but because God reached out to them in His grace. God rescued them from their old ways and gave them the privilege of being His children. This makes it even more important for them to stay free in Christ and not go back to spiritual slavery.

Paul is surprised and concerned that they want to turn back to those weak and beggarly elements (the old ways and Jewish rituals). He asks why they would want to be in bondage again, following rituals like days, and months, and times, and years—special religious festivals and observances. These things could not really help or save them, and were meant only for a time when the church was like a child under rules.

v. 10: Paul points out that they are observing these special days and seasons, thinking it will make them right with God. But these actions are just empty traditions now, since Christ has already brought true freedom and salvation.

v. 11: Paul is worried for them. He says, I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain (Galatians 4:11 ^e). He spent much effort sharing the gospel and helping them grow in faith, but if they go back to the old ways, all his hard work will be wasted. This is a great sorrow for any faithful Christian leader, because they want the people to remain strong in God’s grace.

Affectionate Remonstrance

Paul reminds the Galatians about the love and respect they once had for him and his message. He wants them to see that their current attitude does not match how they felt when they first heard the gospel. He hopes this will make them think about their actions and return to the truth.

v. 12: Paul speaks to them kindly, calling them brothers, even though he knows they are no longer close to him. He asks them to be as he is, because he once lived like them. He explains that he has nothing against them personally. If he spoke strongly to them, it was only because he cared about the truth of the gospel and their spiritual good, not because he felt hurt. Paul teaches us that when we correct others, we should make it clear we are doing it out of love and concern for them, not because of personal anger.

v. 13: He reminds them how, when he first preached to them, he did so through infirmity of the flesh. This means he was dealing with some weakness or trouble, maybe sickness or persecution (2 Corinthians 10:10; 12:7-10 ^f). Whatever it was, it did not stop him from sharing the gospel with them.

v. 14: Even though Paul had this weakness, the Galatians did not look down on him or reject him. Instead, they welcomed him as if he were an angel of God, or even as Christ Jesus Himself. Their respect for him was so great that, if possible, they would have given him their own eyes to help him. This shows how much they cared for him at first, but also how quickly people's feelings can change.

v. 15: Paul asks, Where is then the blessedness you spoke of? There was a time when they were full of joy over the gospel and grateful to him for bringing it. Now, things have changed. He wants them to remember the happiness they once had in knowing Christ and to think about why it has faded. If someone loses their first love for God, they should ask themselves what happened to that joy and closeness.

v. 16: Paul continues, Am I become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? (Galatians 4:16 ^g). He is sad that telling them the truth about the gospel has made them upset with him. It is common for people to see those who correct them as enemies, even though they are actually friends who care about their salvation. Paul shows that Christian leaders must speak the truth, even if it means people will not like them. What matters is being faithful and loving, not just being liked.

Affectionate Remonstrance

Paul continues to warn the Galatians about turning away from the truth of the gospel. He points out the real motives of the false teachers who are trying to win the Galatians over. Paul wants them to see that these people do not have their best interests at heart, and that true zeal should be directed toward good things and remain steady over time.

v. 17: Paul tells them that the false teachers zealously affect you, but not well. These teachers act like they care a lot about the Galatians and show them much attention. But their real goal is not good. They want to separate the Galatians from Paul and the gospel so that the Galatians will admire and follow them instead. Paul warns that these teachers are more interested in their own reputation than in helping others. He wants the Galatians to realize how unwise it is to listen to people who only want to use them for their own benefit.

v. 18: Paul gives a wise rule: It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing (Galatians 4:18 ^h). It is right to be enthusiastic about what is good, and to keep that enthusiasm steady, not just when someone is present, but all the time. Paul reminds them that they used to be eager to listen to him when he was with them, and there is no reason to stop now. He teaches that true zeal should always focus on what is right and should not fade away.

Affectionate Remonstrance

Paul expresses his deep love and concern for the Galatians to help them understand the reason for his strong words. Unlike the false teachers, who pretended to care but only sought their own gain, Paul’s affection was genuine. He cared for the Galatians like a parent cares for their children, and his greatest desire was to see them grow in faith and become true followers of Christ.

v. 19: Paul calls the Galatians his little children, showing his deep tenderness and affection for them. He compares his concern for their spiritual growth to the pain of a woman giving birth. He says he is in labor again until Christ is formed in you. Paul’s goal was not to win their affection for himself, but to help them become more like Christ. True ministers of the gospel want to see people transformed, renewed in their minds, and fully trusting in Christ’s righteousness rather than their own. Paul emphasizes how unreasonable it is for the Galatians to turn away from someone who genuinely wants their good to follow false teachers.

v. 20: Paul tells them that he wishes to be present with them so he could speak to them in person and better understand their situation. He says he would like to change his voice, meaning he hopes to encourage them rather than continue to correct them. At the moment, he is in doubt about them because he is worried about how far they have strayed. Paul shows that ministers do not enjoy rebuking others; they would much rather encourage and commend them. However, when correction is needed, it must be given out of love and concern for their spiritual well-being.

Affectionate Remonstrance

Paul uses the story of Abraham’s two sons, Isaac and Ishmael, to explain the difference between those who trust in Christ alone and those who try to be right with God by following the law. He wants the Galatians to see how unwise it is to leave the freedom of the gospel and place themselves under the bondage of the law.

v. 21: Paul asks, Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? He reminds them that the law was read publicly every week, so they should know what it really says. Paul wants them to think carefully about the message of the law itself.

v. 22–23: He explains, Abraham had two sons, one by a bondwoman and one by a freewoman (Galatians 4:22-23 ⁱ). Ishmael was born in the ordinary way, by Hagar the servant, but Isaac was born by God’s promise, through Sarah, even though she was too old to have children. These two sons represent two different ways of relating to God.

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v. 24–27: Paul says this story is an allegory. Hagar and Sarah represent two covenants. Hagar stands for Mount Sinai, the law, and the present city of Jerusalem, which brings people into bondage. Sarah represents the new Jerusalem above, which is free, and is the mother of all believers. Paul quotes Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not (Isaiah 54:1 ^j), showing that the gospel brings more people to God, both Jews and Gentiles, than the law ever could.

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v. 28: Paul applies this lesson: Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of the promise (Galatians 4:28 ^k). Christians, through faith in Christ, become the spiritual children of Abraham and inherit all the blessings God promised.

v. 29: He reminds them that, just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, so now those who follow the law often oppose those who live by faith in Christ . This should not surprise them.

v. 30: But Paul points out what the scripture says: Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman (Genesis 21:10 ^l). This means that those who try to rely on the law will not share in the inheritance God gives through Christ.

v. 31: Paul finishes by saying, So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free (Galatians 4:31 ^m). Christians are free in Christ, not slaves under the law. This is the blessing and freedom that faith in Jesus brings.