Galatians 4
1 Now I say that as long as the heir a is a child, he differs in no way from a ▼▼slave: The strong Greek word doulos cannot be accurately translated in English by "servant" or "bond servant"; the HCSB translates this word as "slave," not out of insensitivity to the legitimate concerns of modern English speakers, but out of a commitment to accurately convey the brutal reality of the Roman empire's inhumane institution as well as the ownership called for by Christ.
slave, though he is the owner c of everything. 2 Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. 3In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces ▼▼Or spirits, or principles
of the world. e 4 When the time came to completion, God sent His Son, f born of a woman, g born under the law, 5 to ▼▼Red Sea: Literally Sea of Reeds
redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. i 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son j into our ▼▼Other mss read your
hearts, crying, “ ▼▼Abba: The Aramaic word for "father"
Abba, m Father!” n 7 So you are no longer a slave o but a son, p and if a son, then an heir q through God. Paul’s Concern for the Galatians
8 But in the past, when you didn’t know God, r you were enslaved to things ▼▼Or beings
that by nature are not gods. 9 But now, since you know God, t or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt u elemental forces? v Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? 10You observe special days, months, seasons, and years. w 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? z 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, ab I am again suffering labor pains ac 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 ad had two sons, one by a slave ae 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 ag and bears children into slavery – this is Hagar. ah 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia ai and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, aj for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above ak is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written: alRejoice, childless woman, amwho 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. an , ao
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, ap are children of promise. aq 29 But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, ar so also now. as 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. at , au
31 Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman. av
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