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Galatians 4

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Additional references:

https://www.ligonier.org/learn/scripture/galatians_4/?type=devotional
https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/index.php?action=getChapterSections&cid=7&source=1&schap=4
https://bible.org/seriespage/galatians-4
https://bible.org/series/galatians-gospel-and-gods-grace
https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/galatians-4/
https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/mlg/galatians-4.html
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/o-that-christ-would-be-formed-in-you
https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/hagar-and-slavery-vs-sarah-and-freedom
Bruce, F. F. (1982). The Epistle to the Galatians: a commentary on the Greek text. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Pub. Co.
Cole, R. A. (1989). Galatians: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 9). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.
McClelland, S. E. (1995). Galatians. In Evangelical Commentary on the Bible (Vol. 3). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Barclay, W. (2002). The Letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. Louisville, KY; London: Westminster John Knox Press.
Spurgeon, C. (2013). Galatians. (E. Ritzema, Ed.). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.
Stott, J. R. W. (1986). The message of Galatians: Only one way. Leicester, England; Downer’s Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

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Recap on End of Galatians 3

Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. - Galatians 3:23-29 (ESV)

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Reading

Galatians 4:1-11

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Galatians 4:1-5

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, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

- Galatians 4:1-5 (ESV)

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Chapter 4 opens up with an elaboration that attempts to further clarify what was meant at the end of chapter 3. Some of the language in this chapter can be a bit difficult due to the mixing of various metaphors or other kinds of figurative language. But let’s start by trying to break down the opening. Paul starts by laying out a more familiar example for this readers and then relating that to his larger point about us and God’s actions in relation to our salvation:

The basic example is given in verses 1-2 - an heir, when still a child, is like a slave because he is under guardians because he is lacking freedom. We see this notion of freedom being a key differentiating factor in verse 5 with the word “redeem”, which hints back to the “enslavement” of verse 3.
Next, verses 3-4 relates this to our condition (for those who have faith in Christ) - in the past, we were enslaved (more on the “elementary principles” later). But this was only for a time - until the time set by God the Father.
Finally, verse 5 describes how we have been redeemed so that we can be sons/heirs who are no longer slaves.

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Galatians 4:1-5

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, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

- Galatians 4:1-5 (ESV)

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Galatians 4:1-11

What is the nature of the relationship between…

a slave and master?
a son and father?

Why adoption?

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This first section of Galatians 4 spends a lot of time on the topic of “sonship” (adoption - https://biblehub.com/greek/5206.htm) in contrast to a “slave”. This is something worth spending some time on to really get at the heart of what God is trying to communicate to us through Paul.

First off, Paul mentions the idea of a “slave” here to compare/contrast that with that of a “son”. So what are the nature of these kinds of relationships (slave/master versus son/father)? This is asked as a way to compare/contrast the two. There are a number of potential similarities/differences (a good relationship between a slave and master should ideally be more similar to that of a son and faster, but a bad relationship could be quite different). However, potentially the most interesting difference is that a father is more likely to look at a son with a view towards long-term growth. While a master may want to have his servant improve, this is likely different than the way a father would look toward having a son grow and improve over time - a father has the fundamental responsibility of raising a son from a young child to a successful adult. This is more clearly important when you think about the concept of an inheritance - a father would certainly want his son to be capable to make the most of the inheritance once the son is ready to receive it.

Now, this isn’t to downplay or ignore the concept of us being “slaves” or “servants” in relation to God - the Bible (including the start of many of Paul’s letters - https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_1401.htm) uses that terminology pretty frequently. But one of the key points from this section to Galatians is that we’re something more than that to God - we’re also His children.

On adoption:

Also note just how key the Holy Spirit is in different aspects of this:

God has given us the Holy Spirit as fulfillment of His promise for us as sons (Galatians 3:2-14, Galatians 4:6).
We have validation of this by the Spirit’s cry of “Abba, Father!” (Galatians 4:6) “Abba” is the Aramaic term for “father” and is the same word recorded of Jesus in Mark 14:36 when He was praying in the garden primary to His capture and crucifixion. This is an incredibly personal relationship.
Coming full circle, because we are sons, we are also heirs through Christ - we have an inheritance (Galatians 4:7) and are fellow heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).

One final observation from Galatians 4:5 - note how the redemption is described as a prerequisite for adoption - God desires son who are free, not enslaved.

Also see John 8:31-37.

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Galatians 4:1-11

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? - Galatians 4:9 (ESV)

What would one lose by turning back to these “elementary principles”?

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In Galatians 4:3, we saw Paul refer to the “elementary principles”, and we see Paul refer to them again in Galatians 4:9. What exactly is meant here? The fundamental Greek word here is “stoicheion” (https://biblehub.com/greek/4747.htm), which can have meanings related to basics of an alphabet (our “ABCs”, something “elementary” that we learn at an early age) or other rudimentary/elementary principles in our universe. There’s a lot of debate on exactly what may be meant here - the Jewish law, sin, other religions, false god worship (Galatians 4:8), basic principles of secular life, etc. But regardless, I think there’s a common meaning that applies to all of Paul’s usage here - whether to Jews or Gentiles, to the Jewish law or other “laws of nature” - and that is that all of these other things are less than the true power of God - that power in the Gospel that is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

But in Galatians 4:9, Paul poses an interesting question. First, he notes that “we” (his audience/the Galatians) have come to know God, although this is really God’s initiation here of this more intimate relationship through salvation (John 6:44). And then he asks a question that contrasts with knowing God - how can we then “turn back” to this weak - and worthless - elementary principles? To gain a deeper understanding of this, I think it can be useful to think about what one would lose by turning back to these elementary principles? In other words, what would you really be giving up? Some thoughts:

We’d lose our freedom by becoming slaves again (as verse 9 implies).
We’d lose more of our intimate “knowing” of God, which we have through the Holy Spirit (verse 6).
We’d lose our inheritance through adoption as sons (verses 5-7).

(The above is all assuming one could “lose” things by turning away from God and His Gospel, which isn’t possible from the salvation perspective as ultimate responsibility for our salvation is placed in Jesus Christ; but even in our current lives where we struggle with sin, that can at least lessen the abundance of our life experience with God).

(Minor note on verse 10 - One commentary I read pointed out a contrast between religious observances of special “days” and what the Gospel gives us through God. Having separate days for focus on religious activities as many religions do tends to result in a natural tendency to separate what should be holy interaction with God from other secular work - compartmentalizing it in a way to think observance of special religious festivals is sufficient. That’s obviously not what God intends for us in an intimate parent-child relationship - we should have joy in our Father that isn’t restricted to special days. While this may not be the exact thought being expressed through Paul in this particular verse, it’s still interesting to contemplate. It also doesn’t mean that all special “religious days” are bad - Romans 14, Colossians 2).

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Reading

Galatians 4:12-20

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Galatians 4:12-20

Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are... - Galatians 4:12 (ESV)

What has Paul become like?

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In this section of Galatians 4, Paul makes a bit of a more personal appeal. He recalls his personal history with the Galatians - how he came to them and despite some kind of ailment Paul had, they welcomed him as Christ Himself and would have gladly given him their eyes if possible. There’s much debate about what this ailment or trialing condition Paul had was, but it’s not clear. But Paul does make a statement in that he wants the Galatians to become as he is, for he has become like they are. What is meant by this? What has Paul become like?

Well, from context, it seems like Paul is most likely referring to how Gentiles were never under the Jewish law, and that’s what Paul has become like - rather than relying on bondage to the law for his salvation, he is instead free as a son of God by relying on Christ for his salvation. So he’s entreating the Galatians to be reminded of this and to live in this freedom that only comes through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Finally, note how Paul has a very personal, emotional connection and concern for these Galatians (birth pangs in verse 19). This motherly concern is in deep contrast to that of the Judaizers who are zealous for the Galatians (verse 17) for a different purpose. Whereas these Judaizers aren’t seeking the welfare of the Galatians - rather, they want to shut the Galatians out from the true Gospel to instead to be held captive to Jewish laws and regulations that only result in glory of the flesh). But instead, Paul is deeply concerned that Christ be fully formed within his children of the Galatians.

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Reading

Galatians 4:21-31

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Allegory

a metaphor in which a character, place or event is used to deliver a broader message about real-world issues and occurrences...it can readily illustrate or convey complex ideas and concepts in ways that are comprehensible or striking to its viewers, readers, or listeners. (Wikipedia)

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First Call of Abram

Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”

- Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)

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Promise of Land, Descendants

The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever. I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if one can count the dust of the earth, your offspring also can be counted. Arise, walk through the length and the breadth of the land, for I will give it to you.”

- Genesis 13:14-17 (ESV)

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Reiteration of Promises

But Abram said, “O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “Behold, you have given me no offspring, and a member of my household will be my heir.” And behold, the word of the Lord came to him: “This man shall not be your heir; your very own son shall be your heir.” And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. - Genesis 15:2-6 (ESV)

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Birth of Ishmael via Hagar

And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has prevented me from bearing children. Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her.”...And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

- Genesis 16:2-15 (ESV)

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Reiteration of Promises

Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. - Genesis 17:3-7 (ESV)

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Reiteration of Promises

I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.”...And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.” - Genesis 17:16-21 (ESV)

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Reiteration of Promises

The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:10-14 (ESV)

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Birth of Isaac via Sarah

The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him...So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. - Genesis 21:1-12 (ESV)

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Timeline of Abraham & Children

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Chapter	Abraham’s Age	Event
Genesis 12	75	First call of Abraham (Go to land, great nation, blessing)
Genesis 13		Promise of land, descendants
Genesis 15		Reiteration of promise of land & descendants
Genesis 16	86	Birth of Ishmael via Hagar
Genesis 17	99	Reiteration of promises; promise of son via Sarah for covenant
Genesis 18		Reiteration of promise of son via Sarah
Genesis 21	100	Birth of Isaac via Sarah

To really understand the allegory in Galatians 4:21-31, you really need to understand the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar and their interactions with God. The slide shows a timeline.

In this history, we see God call Abraham, promising him a land, that he will be the father of a great nation, and blessings. At this initial point, Abraham is already really old - 75 years old - and he and his wife Sarah are childless (note: still called Abram and Sarai at this point). He reiterates this promise several times, including that the great nation and blessings for all the earth will come through his offspring.

But after 10-11 years, there still doesn’t seem to be any action on this front. At this point, Sarah has Abraham have a child through Hagar, their slave. This is Ishmael. There’s a problem though...this wasn’t the child God had chosen to fulfill His promises through. Later down the line (13-14 years later), Sarah finally has Isaac (note the beginning verses of Genesis 21), the son through whom God had chosen to establish a covenant with for fulfillment of His promises.

Notice what happened here in the context of what Paul wrote in Galatians:

Abraham and Sarah tried to work through their effort (with Hagar) to have a son who would inherit the promises of God. This is similar to those who may try to work and earn righteousness through observance of the law given through the Mosaic covenant at Mount Sinai (hence partly why Paul connects Hagar to it).
But the inheritance of the promises of God would only come through the child of promise through Sarah. (Ishmael was blessed but differently/separately)

There are parallels to what Paul’s been writing about in Galatians - we can never work on our own to try and earn fulfillment of the law in a way that would let us receive the inheritance from God. We can only receive the promised inheritance - salvation, eternal life through Jesus Christ - by relying on the promises of God.

And that’s the key point of this allegory.