Gal 4:8-12 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Gal 4:8-11: 4:8-11 Paul reminds the Galatians of their former paganism; he argues that practicing circumcision (and the law in general) would be a return to the same kind of slavery that they experienced before they knew God . 4:8 The Gentile Galatians had previously practiced pagan idolatry; they worshiped the elements and the seasons (cp. Rom 1:25 ) and were slaves to the fear of offending these so-called gods (1 Cor 8:5-6 ).

Summary for Gal 4:8-11: 4:8-11 ^a Paul reminds the Galatians of their former paganism; he argues that practicing circumcision (and the law in general) would be a return to the same kind of slavery that they experienced before they knew God. 4:8 ^b The Gentile Galatians had previously practiced pagan idolatry; they worshiped the elements and the seasons (cp. Rom 1:25 ^c) and were slaves to the fear of offending these so-called gods (1 Cor 8:5-6 ^d).
4:9 ^e now that you know God: Christians have a relationship with God that is like a child to a parent rather than a slave to a master (4:5-7 ^f).

• why do you want to go back? Paul was perplexed (cp. 4:19-20 ^g) that Christians who had this standing would want to return to their old life of slavery.

• now that God knows you: God is the agent of salvation and had taken the initiative in laying their souls bare (cp. Ps 139:1-6 ^h, 23-24 ⁱ; Luke 2:34-35 ^j; Heb 4:12 ^k) and forgiving them freely.

• By turning to circumcision, the Galatians would be returning to the same useless spiritual principles of this world that they had known under paganism. In both cases, one must work to satisfy an unyielding master.
Summary for Gal 4:10-11: 4:10-11 ^l Circumcision was not the Galatians’ only attempt to follow the law; it was one example of a whole way of thinking. They had also begun celebrating the Jewish festivals, thinking that it would make them more acceptable to God. To Paul, it was another indication that they did not understand, or had turned their backs on, the Good News of God’s grace through Christ.
4:11 ^m I fear for you: The Galatians were in danger of turning away from Christ by relying upon the law. If they did, Paul’s hard work would have been for nothing. The Good News would have done them no good (cp. Heb 6:4-6 ⁿ; 2 Pet 2:20-22 ^o). See Acts 13:44–14:24 ^p for a description of Paul’s work for the sake of the Christians in that region.
Summary for Gal 4:12-20: 4:12-20 ^q Turning aside from scriptural arguments, Paul appeals personally to the Galatians by reminding them of their close relationship with him. 4:12 ^r live as I do: Paul, the scrupulous Jew, abandoned his own efforts at righteousness and received the free grace of God in Christ. Now he calls these Gentiles to adopt his position rather than take on the practices he had abandoned. Paul’s exhortations throughout the rest of the letter (4:12–6:10 ^s) grow out of this single command.

• You did not mistreat me: Likewise, the Galatians should not mistreat Paul now but should continue in their warm acceptance of his ministry and message.