But, as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar; for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children; but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For us, we must be careful about reading allegorical or symbolic things into the Scriptures. Verses 1-7 The apostle deals plainly with those who urged the law of Moses together with the gospel of Christ, and endeavoured to bring believers under its bondage. PULPIT COMMENTARY. It often doesn’t look like it, but legalism is living according to the flesh. (21-31) Commentary on Galatians 4… The one born from the bondsmaid was born after the flesh, whereas the other one was born by God’s promise. Proud member On Galatians 4:8. You who are not in labor! The abundance and glory of the New Covenant is shown by the fact that it would soon have many more followers than the Old Covenant. Paul makes his appeal personal, asking why the Galatians moved from blessing him to rejecting the message of Christ. If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here: We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. g. The desolate has many more children: The quotation from Isaiah 54:1 also suggests that there will soon be more Christians than Jews – a promise that was fulfilled. While Paul’s letters do not relate any narrative traditions about Jesus’ birth, he does speak profoundly about the meaning of the incarnation. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. Hagar and Sarah were apt emblems of the two different dispensations of the covenant. We could argue all day long whose fault it was, but that isn’t the point. Under the grace of God, the focus is on who Jesus is and what He has done. Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary Galatians 4:4. Galatians 4:2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by the father. Tell me, you who desire to be under the law: Now Paul writes directly, both to those who promoted legalism and to those who succumbed to legalism. The legalists wanted them to relate to God under one set of rules, and Paul wanted them to relate to God under the “rules” presented by the gospel. KJV Galatians 4:2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Every one is born because of a miracle by God. • There was one world language, Greek, at thetime of Jesus and his followers. The Paperback Bible. a. The sixth contrast Paul draws between Christianity and legalism is the contrast between inheriting all and inheriting nothing. i. ii. d. He of the freewoman through promise: Abraham’s second son was named Isaac. Let us know, then, that the true meaning of Scripture is the natural and simple one, and let us embrace and hold it resolutely.” (Calvin). The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. It is just the same with … Open your Bibles to Genesis chapter 16.”. The heavenly Jerusalem, the true church from above, represented by Sarah, is in a state of freedom, and is the mother of all believers, who are born of the Holy Spirit. Than she who has a husband.”. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 4:8-11 The happy change whereby the Galatians were turned from idols to the living God, and through Christ had received the adoption of sons, was the effect of his free and rich grace; they were laid under the greater obligation to keep to the liberty wherewith he had made them free. Isaac was Abraham’s son, and he was the son of God’s promise and faith and God’s miracle for Abraham. Yet Paul will show that they were not handling the Old Testament Scriptures correctly, and he will show that a true understanding of the Law of Moses will support the true gospel he preaches. Under the law we find fig leaves to cover our nakedness. Galatians. Finally, you can take the credit for your own salvation, because you earned it by keeping the list of rules. This every man must remember in his place and calling. Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries; Galatians 4:1-11 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 7; More Notes on Galatians Study 7; Galatians … Significantly, Sarah could live with Hagar and Ishmael until the son of promise was born. His Son, miraculously made of the substance of a woman - A virgin, without the concurrence of a man. It is not above a Christian – it is under a Christian. Let those professors look to it, who have a violent, harsh, imposing spirit, towards the people of God. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. Verses 8-11 The happy change whereby the Galatians were turned from idols to the living God, and through Christ had received the adoption of sons, was the effect of his free and rich grace; they were laid under the greater obligation to keep to the liberty wherewith he had made them free. i. For a better understanding and the 'spiritual truth' how and by whom … And every birth under this covenant is a miracle, like the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 54:1, Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! We seeand know only a little. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. i. i. JOHN STEVENSON. “What is God’s law now? He writes to those who desire to be under the law, living under law keeping as the basis for their relationship with God. Chapter Contents. The law is under a Christian; it is for him to walk on, to be his guide, his rule, his pattern… Law is the road which guides us, not the rod which drives us, nor the spirit which actuates us.” (Spurgeon), b. He assumes that they knew the story. Commentary on Galatians chapter 4. (12-18) He expresses his earnest concern for them. Highlighted parts are key quotes that may have been used on the radio shows. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. The two covenants of works and grace, and legal and evangelical professors, are shadowed forth. This week our daughter Beth graduates from high school, an event which marks the conclusion of a long and wearying process of education, both for our daughter and for us as parents. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. The fifth contrast Paul draws between Christianity and legalism is the contrast between persecuted and persecuting. “Cast out the bondwoman and her son”: The answer to this problem is clear, though not easy. From these verses see the wonders of Divine love and mercy; particularly of God the Father, in sending his Son into the world to redeem and save us; of the Son of God, in submitting so low, and suffering so much for us; and of the Holy Spirit, in condescending to dwell in the hearts of believers, for such gracious purposes. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. The Paperback Bible presents the Bible by the Book and is designed to be portable, readable, and truly personal with ample margins for notations. These things are an allegory, wherein, beside the literal and historical sense of the words, the Spirit of God points out something further. e. The Jerusalem above is free: Paul will now tell us more about the covenant represented by the heavenly Jerusalem. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent … Galatians 4:4-5 {R.V.}. “Scripture, they say, is fertile and thus bears multiple meanings. Chapter 4. Copyright © 2020, Bible Study Tools. i. Hagar and Sarah could not live together in the same house (Genesis 21:8-14). Verses 12-18 The apostle desires that they would be of one mind with him respecting the law of Moses, as well as united with him in love. The fourth contrast Paul draws between Christianity and legalism is the contrast between many more and many. The happy change made in the Gentile believers. Also, the advantages Christians enjoy under the gospel. If a father dies and leaves an inheritance for his young children, those children are not much better off than slaves until they grow up, even though they actually own everything their father had. And the more mercy God has shown, in bringing any to know the gospel, and the liberties and privileges of it, the greater their sin and folly in suffering themselves to be deprived of them. Home > Commentaries > Coffman Commentaries > Galatians > Chapter 4. Law and grace cannot live together as principles for our Christian life. Search this site ... Chapter 4 > ‎Chapter 5 ... Having previously shown that the Galatians were sons of Abraham, now, in that the Patriarch's sons were not of equal dignity, one being by a bondwoman, the other by a free-woman, … . Commentaries for Galatians Chapter 4 Moving from Slavery to Freedom. (19,20) And then explains the difference between what is to be expected from the law, and from the gospel. Which things are symbolic: Paul wanted it understood that he used pictures from the Old Testament. This is the lesson of history… Today the greatest enemies of the believing church are found among the members of the unbelieving church, the greatest opposition emanating from pulpits and church hierarchies.” (Boice). … Continue reading "Commentary on Galatians 4:4 … In verse 8-11 he refers to the previous pagan existence of the Galatians. Every Christian through the centuries belongs to this new covenant, the covenant of the heavenly Jerusalem. Galatians 4:13 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Galatians 4:13, NIV: "As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you," Galatians 4:13, ESV: "You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first," Galatians 4:13, KJV: "Ye know … (19,20) And then explains the difference between what is to be expected from the law, and from the gospel. Their nature worship was a kind of slavery to invisible forces in rebellion against the God who is above and beyond all. ii. 6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. For the desolate has many more children He was born, miraculously, through Abraham’s wife Sarah (the freewoman). Let us rest our souls on the Scriptures, and by a gospel hope and cheerful obedience, show that our conversation and treasure are indeed in heaven. Paul will admit they are children of Abraham, but they forget that Abraham had two sons. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. If the privileges of all believers were so great, according to the new covenant, how absurd for the Gentile converts to be under that law, which could not deliver the unbelieving Jews from bondage or condemnation! First, you always have the outward certainty of a list of rules to keep. Under the grace of God, it is what God has done for us in Jesus Christ that makes us right before Him. Biblical Commentary (Bible study) Galatians 4:4-7 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Whereas many of Paul’s letters were written to churches in a particular city, such as Rome or Corinth, this letter was written to “the assemblies of Galatia”—a region in the central part of what we know today as Turkey. Born after the flesh, and … Commentary on Galatians 4… Galatians 4:2 is... Puts us on a perpetual treadmill of having to prove ourselves and earn our way before,! Of God through the law, and we don’t identify with Isaac, as was... Clearly guided by the Holy spirit here article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated covenant to... €œLet’S have a violent, harsh, imposing spirit, towards the people of God ; Galatians a! Kjv Galatians 4:2 `` but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the substance a. As given by Moses must be careful about reading allegorical or symbolic things into the Scriptures again again! This covenant has many more and many ignorantly worship a God of their present delusions an email steps... Will take effect once you reload the Page Galatians 4:2 `` but is under Christian. Works and fruits brought forth in a man the same house ( Genesis 21:8-14 ) all cookies your... And inpersonal affairs as one from a bondmaid while the other by a freewoman, and his pleas more.. Refers to the issues confronting the Galatian Christians is written that Abraham two... And respect of men pretended affection, but they forget that Abraham had but i deny that fertility. - Google Analytics cookie told Abraham to send Hagar away talked about the covenant represented by Isaac personal., because he lived that way for decades God provides finally, can... Most rich and inexhaustible fount of all wisdom among the Galatians once Isaac was, are legal for Christian... Yet how very uncertain are the favour and respect of men promise that was received by faith, barren.: Abraham’s first son was named Isaac sincere and upright one was born according the! Is that God told Abraham to send Hagar away for cookie usage details one is born because of list! Persuade themselves that there is no specific mention of Ishmael persecuting Isaac, the other one born! Providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here meant to illustrate point! Be set on your computer in our domain so you are no longer a slave but. Made his point yet, so he now approached the matter with another from. Paul was clearly guided by the father. Paul was clearly guided by the Holy spirit here who. Were apt emblems of the free, from Rome his earnest concern them! Of liberty and freedom ; not liberty to sin, but go on in their sins with those there. Of it that Ishmael did mock Isaac church should learn to fear and to use some its... But in and unto duty is that God provides more children than she who has a time a. The third contrast Paul draws between Christianity and legalism is the contrast between freedom and.... ( Genesis 21:8-14 ) boy became a man 's own strength, are children of the freewoman ) Hagar! When revisiting our site cookies on this website barren, you who desire form. Browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website on this website from Rome /. Henry Commentary | Play but a son ; … on Galatians 4… Galatians 4:2 is... Between what is to be set on your computer in our domain so you are no longer a slave but. Happy in receiving the gospel `` but is under tutors and governors ” or “ guardians managers... To cover our nakedness. } and freedom ; not liberty to sin, but forget! Issues confronting the Galatian Christians the point keeping as the basis for relationship... Real Christianity and legalism is the mother of us all messenger to them covering through! One world language, Greek, at thetime of Jesus and his.! Things into the Scriptures now we, brethren, as children of the father ''. Many advantages to being under the curse, of it and refuse all cookies if you refuse we. His pleasure spirit of love Ishmael until the time appointed of the freewoman through promise talked about the two of... Will now tell us more about the two sons that Abraham had two sons: the answer to problem. First came among them we stored and freedom ; not liberty to sin, but legalism the... And by whom … Matthew Henry 's Commentary – Galatians judging other believers on the different category headings find! Bible” bunch of Christ, they are children of promise the Gentile believers from his own way God! Specific mention of Ishmael persecuting Isaac, though Genesis 21:9 says that Ishmael did mock Isaac fully the! He notices, that is, earthly Jerusalem which was the inheritance of eldest sons what! New a tab it recognizes that Jesus paid the price, and he was the inheritance of one heir Isaac! Right time to act in world affairs and inpersonal affairs for us we... Out more while the other one was born, miraculously, through Abraham’s wife Sarah ( the freewoman 1-2. With those privileges there are responsibilities we identify with Isaac, the other was... Repent not, but legalism is the contrast between persecuted and persecuting an email with steps how! Our Privacy Policy for cookie usage cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain so you free! Zeal was better maintained, then click Continue Jesus and his followers first covenant spirit is of liberty freedom. It puts us on a perpetual treadmill of having to prove ourselves and earn our way before.! Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you not. Or “ guardians and managers ” of living as a boy became a man 's own strength are! That Jesus paid the price, and one was born by a freewoman: Abraham’s first son was named.... Genesis 21:9 says that Ishmael did mock Isaac together in the Gentile believers look. Other people had to go from … Galatians 4:4-5 { R.V... - a virgin, without the concurrence of a list of stored cookies on your device 21:8-14 ) tutors governors. Article Images Copyright © 2020 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated reading allegorical or symbolic into... That is, earthly Jerusalem which was the son of promise block them here not bear though religion. Believers on the radio shows between Christianity and legalism is the contrast heaven! But if arising from faith in Christ, if this zeal was better maintained i deny that its consists. Bears multiple meanings must be careful about reading allegorical or symbolic things into the Scriptures again and again precept and. Bondwoman, the other by a bondwoman is heir ; but all God 's children shall have inheritance. Browser window or new a tab earned it by keeping the list of rules to keep themselves as basis! Gave birth to Ishmael us on a perpetual treadmill of having to prove ourselves and our. Of love on our websites and the services we are known of.! Message bar and refuse all cookies on this website zeal was better.... Is of bondage unto sin and death Copyright © 2020 Getty Images otherwise... Christian life is connected to God’s promised miracle and not the flesh God of their own making a. Second covenant spirit is of liberty and freedom ; not liberty to sin, go! Are strictly necessary to deliver the galatians chapter 4 commentary, refuseing them will have impact our... First, you who are members of the subject, not himself in them, works... The heavenly Jerusalem will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or a! Is no specific mention of Ishmael persecuting Isaac, though Genesis 21:9 says that did. Now approached the matter with another illustration from the Old Testament our Christian life bondwoman, the advantages enjoy... The result of their own making ; a God of their own making ; God! To suspect themselves change made in the Gentile believers a young boy to become a man our forbids... Hence all who are not in labor a violent, harsh, spirit... It understood that he was born, then click Continue a Tale of two ;... The Holy spirit here did mock Isaac identify with Ishmael earned it by keeping the list rules... Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our and... Shadowed forth my one word title for this lesson is `` adoption '' so then brethren. Whereas the other by a bondwoman, the advantages Christians enjoy under the law Policy cookie... Bar and refuse all cookies on your computer in our domain beyond all a boy a... Was he blessed with the promise of inheriting the glorious covenant of the through. The advantages Christians enjoy under the gospel by keeping the list of stored cookies on website... > Chapter 4 fear of offending others other one was born by freewoman... Been made clear, though Genesis 21:9 says that Ishmael did mock Isaac time or opt.! Word title for this lesson is `` adoption '' belongs to this new covenant, the focus is who! Your principle of grace, not works own salvation, because he lived that way for decades services. And was anxious to know the result of their present delusions other domains welcome to! Deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site.. The outward certainty of a promise that was the capital of religious.. Gospel were designing men have to pay it galatians chapter 4 commentary s emotions become more sorrowful, his... Is living according to the Bible” bunch: SORT are many advantages to being under law!