Galatians 4:1–20

Sons and Heirs & Paul’s Concerns for the Galatians

Find a quiet place, alone and apart from distractions. Be comfortably alert, still, and at peace. Recite the Lord’s Prayer. Sing or cant the Jesus Prayer. Pray for family, friends, neighbors, and yourself.

1. Paul’s missionary work in Galatia (southern part of what is now known as Turkey) was being undermined by those who insisted that Gentiles, as well as Jews, must continue following the Mosaic Laws found in the Old Testament.
2. Such practice would amount to the ancient “elementary principles of the world,” principles that were, at minimum, a satanic doctrine.
3. The “fullness of time” had come, God sent His son to redeem all people, likened to adopting them as sons and daughters. Daughters is to be included in “sons.”
4. This work of the Son freed us from slavery to the Law.
5. Paul was very much concerned that the Galatian Christian, both Jew and Gentile, would fall into the trap of believing they must submit to law keeping instead of simple trusting in Jesus as Savior. Paul worries that he may have labored over them in vain, and thus his impassioned plea.
6. Indeed, the Galatians had done so much in receiving and accommodating Paul, as he was afflicted by a serious physical condition, perhaps having to do with his eyesight.
7. Paul states he is in “anguish of childbirth,” while he is waiting and hoping for the Galatian Christians to grow up in Christ and leave law keeping behind as their means of salvation.
8. We actually find Paul describing himself as being “perplexed” on their account.