Part 238

4:22. For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman and the other by a free woman.

4:23. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh: but he of the free woman was by promise.

4:24. Which things are said by an allegory. For these are the two testaments. The one from Mount Sina, engendering unto bondage, which is Agar.

4:25. For Sina is a mountain in Arabia, which hath affinity to that Jerusalem which now is: and is in bondage with her children.

4:26. But that Jerusalem which is above is free: which is our mother.

4:27. For it is written: Rejoice, thou barren, that bearest not: break forth and cry thou that travailest not: for many are the children of the desolate, more than of her that hath a husband.

4:28. Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.

4:29. But as then he that was born according to the flesh persecuted him that was after the spirit: so also it is now.

4:30. But what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.

4:31. So then, brethren, we are not the children of the bondwoman but of the free: by the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.

Galatians Chapter 5

He exhorts them to stand to their Christian liberty. Of the fruits of the flesh and of the spirit.

5:1. Stand fast and be not held again under the yoke of bondage.

5:2. Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.

5:3. And I testify again to every man circumcising himself that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

5:4. You are made void of Christ, you who are justified in the law: you are fallen from grace.

5:5. For we in spirit, by faith, wait for the hope of justice.

5:6. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision: but faith that worketh by Charity.

5:7. You did run well. What hath hindered you, that you should not obey the truth?

5:8. This persuasion is not from him that calleth you.

5:9. A little leaven corrupteth the whole lump.

5:10. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will not be of another mind: but he that troubleth you shall bear the judgment, whosoever he be.

5:11. And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the scandal of the cross made void.

5:12. I would they were even cut off, who trouble you.

5:13. For you, brethren, have been called unto liberty. Only make not liberty an occasion to the flesh: but by charity of the spirit serve one another.

5:14. For all the law is fulfilled in one word: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

5:15. But if you bite and devour one another: take heed you be not consumed one of another.

5:16. I say then: Walk in the spirit: and you shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.