Galatians 4


Galatians 4 continues Paul’s argument for the gospel of grace, emphasizing believers’ freedom as God’s adopted children. Written around AD 48–49, likely from Syrian Antioch or during his first missionary journey, Paul addresses the Galatian churches’ drift toward legalism under Judaizers’ influence. He uses the analogy of heirship, contrasts the covenants of Hagar and Sarah, and expresses personal concern for the Galatians’ faith.
Key Sections
Heirs Through Christ (4:1–7): Paul compares believers to heirs: as minors, they were like slaves under the law, but at God’s appointed time, Christ redeemed them, granting adoption as sons. The Spirit in their hearts cries “Abba, Father,” confirming their heirship, freeing them from slavery to the law or paganism.
Paul’s Concern for the Galatians (4:8–20): Paul is perplexed that the Galatians, once freed from pagan idols, now turn to the law’s “weak and worthless” elements. He fears his labor was in vain. Recalling their warm reception despite his illness, he pleads as a mother in labor, urging them to become like him in gospel freedom, not swayed by Judaizers’ flattery.
Allegory of Hagar and Sarah (4:21–31): Paul uses an allegory: Hagar, the slave, represents the Sinai covenant (law), producing children for slavery, like present Jerusalem. Sarah, the free woman, represents the new covenant, producing children of promise, like the heavenly Jerusalem. Believers, like Isaac, are free, but face persecution from legalists, as Ishmael persecuted Isaac. Cast out the slave’s influence, embracing freedom.
Cross-References
  • Heirs and Adoption:
    • Romans 8:14–17: Sons and heirs by the Spirit.
    • Ephesians 1:5: Adoption through Christ.
    • John 1:12: Children of God by faith.
  • Redemption by Christ:
    • Romans 3:24: Redemption in Christ.
    • Hebrews 9:15: New covenant mediator.
    • Titus 2:14: Redeemed from lawlessness.
  • Abba, Father:
    • Mark 14:36: Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane.
    • Romans 8:15: Spirit of adoption.
    • Psalm 89:26: God as Father.
  • Pagan Elements:
    • Colossians 2:8: Empty philosophies.
    • 1 Thessalonians 1:9: Turn from idols.
    • Acts 14:15: Vain things to living God.
  • Hagar and Sarah Allegory:
    • Genesis 16:15; 21:2–10: Hagar and Sarah’s stories.
    • Hebrews 12:22: Heavenly Jerusalem.
    • Romans 9:6–8: Children of promise.
  • Persecution and Freedom:
    • John 15:20: Persecution for faith.
    • 1 Peter 4:14: Blessed when persecuted.
    • Romans 6:18: Freed from sin.
Theological Meaning
  • Adoption as Sons: Christ’s redemption grants believers full status as God’s children, with the Spirit’s intimate witness (4:6; Ephesians 2:19).
  • Freedom from the Law: The law was a temporary guardian; Christ frees believers from its yoke (4:5; Romans 7:6).
  • New Covenant Promise: Believers are heirs of God’s promise, like Isaac, not slaves to the law, like Ishmael (4:28; Hebrews 8:10).
  • Danger of Legalism: Returning to rituals risks forsaking Christ’s grace, enslaving believers (4:9; Colossians 2:20–21).
  • Persecution for Freedom: Legalists oppose gospel freedom, but believers must stand firm (4:29; 2 Timothy 3:12).
  • Heavenly Citizenship: The church belongs to the free, heavenly Jerusalem, not earthly bondage (4:26; Philippians 3:20).
Questions and Answers
  1. Why compare believers to heirs (4:1–3)?
    To show they were once under the law’s guardianship, now freed as sons in Christ (4:3; Romans 8:15).
  2. What does “Abba, Father” signify (4:6)?
    The Spirit’s intimate cry, affirming believers’ adoption as God’s children (4:6; Mark 14:36).
  3. Why fear for the Galatians (4:8–11)?
    Their turn to legalistic rituals risks nullifying the gospel, resembling their pagan past (4:9; Galatians 3:3).
  4. What was Paul’s illness (4:13)?
    Likely a physical ailment, possibly eyesight, not hindering his preaching (4:15; 2 Corinthians 12:7).
  5. What does the Hagar-Sarah allegory mean (4:24–25)?
    Hagar symbolizes the law’s slavery (Sinai); Sarah, the gospel’s freedom (promise) (4:24; Romans 9:8).
  6. Why mention persecution (4:29)?
    Legalists, like Ishmael, oppose gospel freedom, but believers are the true heirs (4:29; Acts 13:50).
  7. How does this apply today?
    Embrace freedom in Christ, reject legalism, and live as God’s heirs, trusting His Spirit (4:7; Colossians 2:16–17).
Additional Notes for Readers
  • Historical Context: Written to Galatian churches (Acts 13–14) facing Judaizers’ pressure to adopt the law (Galatians 1:6–7), this chapter counters legalism’s threat. Galatia’s Gentile converts (Acts 14:1) were swayed by Jewish rituals (4:10). Paul’s illness (4:13) may relate to his persecutions or health (Acts 14:19). The Hagar-Sarah allegory (4:21–31) uses Jewish interpretive methods, appealing to mixed churches (Genesis 21:9–10).
  • Cultural Questions: “Elementary principles” (4:9) likely refer to basic religious rituals, Jewish or pagan, common in Galatia’s syncretistic culture (Colossians 2:8). “Abba” (4:6) is an Aramaic term, intimate yet respectful, bridging Jewish-Gentile believers (Romans 8:15). The allegory (4:24) reflects Jewish midrashic tradition, reinterpreting Genesis for Galatia’s context (Romans 4:11). “Heavenly Jerusalem” (4:26) evokes Jewish eschatology (Revelation 21:2). Persecution (4:29) mirrors Galatia’s Jewish opposition (Acts 14:2).
  • Application: Galatians 4 calls believers to live as God’s free children, rejecting legalistic burdens and embracing the Spirit’s work. It challenges reliance on rituals or works, urging trust in Christ’s redemption and resilience against opposition in a rule-bound world (Romans 8:1; 1 John 3:1).
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