Part 237

3:28. There is neither Jew nor Greek: there is neither bond nor free: there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Neither Jew, etc. . .That is, no distinction of Jew, etc.

3:29. And if you be Christ's, then are you the seed of Abraham, heirs according to the promise.

Galatians Chapter 4

Christ has freed us from the servitude of the law. We are the freeborn sons of Abraham.

4:1. As long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all,

4:2. But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father.

4:3. So we also, when we were children, were serving under the elements of the world.

Under the elements, etc. . .That is, under the first rudiments of religion, in which the carnal Jews were trained up; or under those corporeal creatures, used in their manifold rites, sacrifices, and sacraments.

4:4. But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law:

4:5. That he might redeem them who were under the law: that we might receive the adoption of sons.

4:6. And because you are sons, God hath sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying: Abba, Father.

4:7. Therefore, now he is not a servant, but a son. And if a son, an heir also through God.

4:8. But then indeed, not knowing God, you served them who, by nature, are not gods.

4:9. But now, after that you have known God, or rather are known by God: how turn you again to the weak and needy elements which you desire to serve again?

4:10. You observe days and months and times, and years.

You observe days, etc. . .He speaks not of the observation of the Lord's day, or other Christian festivals; but either of the superstitious observation of days lucky and unlucky; or else of the Jewish festivals, to the observance of which, certain Jewish teachers sought to induce the Galatians.

4:11. I am afraid of you, lest perhaps I have laboured in vain among you.

4:12. Be ye as I, because I also am as you brethren, I beseech you. You have not injured me at all.

4:13. And you know how, through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the gospel to you heretofore: and your temptation in my flesh

4:14. You despised not, nor rejected: but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

4:15. Where is then your blessedness? For I bear you witness that, if it could be done, you would have plucked out your own eyes and would have given them to me.

4:16. Am I then become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

4:17. They are zealous in your regard not well: but they would exclude you, that you might be zealous for them.

4:18. But be zealous for that which is good in a good thing always: and not only when I am present with you.

4:19. My little children, of whom I am in labour again, until Christ be formed in you.

4:20. And I would willingly be present with you now and change my voice: because I am ashamed for you.

4:21. Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, have you not read the law?