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Bob Utley · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Utley has an interesting thought that "These Galatians were exchanging one religious calendar (pagan) for another (Jewish)." Utley goes on to point out that "in Romans 14, Paul encouraged strong believers not to judge weaker believers who respected certain days (see Ro 14:5–6+ below). In Galatians it is a matter of the proper understanding of the gospel, in Romans it concerns Christian fellowship (cf. 1 Cor. 8, 10). (Galatians 4) Romans 14:5-6+ One person regards one day above another, another regards every day alike. Each person must be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God. NET Note - In light of the polemic in this letter against the Judaizers (those who tried to force observance of the Mosaic law on Gentile converts to Christianity) this may well be a reference to the observance of Jewish Sabbaths, feasts, and other religious days. (Galatians 4 ) Warren
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Utley on nepios - This was the Greek term for infant, used in the sense of: (1) spiritual babies; or (2) legal minors. In ancient Mediterranean cultures, the rite of passage from boyhood to manhood occurred at different ages and was a major cultural/religious event: (a) in Jewish culture, it was age 13; (b) in Greek culture, it was age 18; and (c) in Roman culture, it was usually at age 14. (Galatians 4) NET Note - The Greek term nēpios refers to a young child, no longer a helpless infant but probably not more than three or four years old (L&N 9.43). The point in context, though, is that this child is too young to take any responsibility for the management of his assets. (Galatians 4 ) The great truth is that believers are heirs of God in Christ - Gal. 3:7, 16, 24–26, 29, Ro 8:17 and chapter 4 continues this emphasis - Gal. 4:1, 5, 6, 7, 28–31. Heir (2818)(Kleronomos from kleros = a lot - lots were cast or drawn to divide property or select a winner or an heir + nemomai = to possess, to distribute among themselves), literally refers to one who obtains a lot or portion. It is one who receives something as a possession or a beneficiary (the person named as in an insurance policy to receive proceeds or benefits). It signifies more than one who inherits and it includes the idea of taking into possession. The New Testament usage of kleronomos applies primarily to the realm of spiritual inheritance. A heir is one who receives or is entitled to receive some endowment or quality from a parent or predecessor In ancient times, inheritance was often determined by casting lots (such as with land disposition). This practice was further attested even in secular life by Herodotus (2:109), Plato (Lg.74) Lot-casting determined land allotments (distribution) related to inheritance, as well as to "title-deeds, legacy, inheritance, heritable estate" (LS).] In the Greco-Roman world the word kleronomos was a legal term and was found on ancient inscriptions of Asia Minor to refer to a son after he was succeeded to the inheritance as representative of his father, undertaking all the duties and obligations of his father. Richards writes that kleronomos is "one who takes possession of or inherits. The emphasis is on the heir's right to possess." (See context New International Encyclopedia of Bible Words)
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Utley summarizes Paul's varied use of the word kosmos all the created order (cf. Ro 1:20; Eph. 1:4; 1 Cor. 3:22; 8:4, 5) this planet (cf. 2 Cor. 1:17; Eph. 1:10; Col. 1:20; 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:16; 6:7) humans (cf. Gal 1:7–8; 4:9, 13; Rom. 3:6, 19; 11:15; 2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 1:6) humans organized and functioning apart from God (cf. Gal 1:20–21; 2:12; Gal 3:19; 3:22; Gal. 4:3; Eph. 2:2, 12; Phil. 2:15; Col. 2:8, 20–23). It is very similar to John’s usage (i.e. 1 John 2:15–17) the current world structures (cf. Gal 4:29–31; Gal. 6:14, similar to Phil. 3:4–9, where Paul describes Jewish structures) In some ways these overlap and it is hard to categorize every usage. This term, like so many in Paul’s thought, must be defined by the immediate context and not a pre-set definition. Paul’s terminology was fluid (cf. James Stewart’s A Man in Christ). He was not attempting to set up a systematic theology, but proclaim Christ. He changes everything! Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, KJV Galatians 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, when the fullness of the time came Ge 49:10; Da 9:24-26; Mal 3:1; Mk 1:15; Acts 1:7; Ep 1:10; Heb 9:10 God sent forth His Son Isaiah 48:16; Zech 2:8-11; John 3:16; 6:38; 8:42; 10:36; 1 John 4:9,10,14 born of Isaiah 9:6,7; Micah 5:2; Zech 6:12; Luke 2:10,11; Jn 1:14; Ro 1:3; 9:5; Phil 2:6-8; 1 Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14; 10:5-7; 1 Jn 4:2 a woman Ge 3:15; Isa 7:14; Jer 31:22; Micah 5:3; Mt 1:23; Luke 1:31,35; 2:7 born under the Law Gal 3:15; 5:17; Luke 2:21-27; Ro 15:8; Col 2:14 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:1-11 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 7; More Notes on Galatians Study 7 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! THE FULLNESS OF TIME Hiebert's Outline - The contrasted position under law and faith (Galatians 4:1-7) (See context in An Introduction to the New Testament, Volume 2) A. The illustration of the position of the heir as a minor (Galatians 4:1-2) B. The application of the illustration to believers (Galatians 4:3-6) 1. The condition of bondage as minors (Galatians 4:3) 2. The position as free sons through God's Son (Galatians 4:4-6) a. The sending of the Son of God (Galatians 4:4-5) b. The sending of the Spirit of God (Galatians 4:6) 3. The conclusion for the believer (Galatians 4:7) But when - Time phrase, and indeed one of the most important "time phrases" in all of Scripture! The fullness of the time came - God is sovereign over every event in time and eternity. When the time came, it was the time predetermined by the will of God the Father from eternity past. He came the first time in the fullness of time and He will return in the fullness of time! Why was the "time full"? Several events converged by God's providential working: (1). Roman civilization had brought peace and a road system (cf "Pax Romana") (2). Grecian civilization provided a language--the lingua franca (3). Jews proclaimed monotheism and messianic hope in the synagogues of the Mediterranean world. Note - There was a REMNANT of Jewish men & women who anticipated the time was at hand "looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (Lu 2:25+ Simeon...looking [prosdechomai in present tense = continually looking with earnest expectation] for the consolation of Israel [i.e., THE MESSIAH]). Sadly most of the "chosen people" did not recognize the FULLNESS OF TIME as documented by Luke (Lu 19:44+ you did not recognize the time (kairos) of your visitation (episkope)." If they had read and interpreted literally the prophecy of [Da 9:24-26+] they would have recognized Messiah the Prince (Da 9:25+).
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Utley - Paul emphasized the full humanity of Jesus Christ possibly due to the tendency of the docetic Gnostics (Eph., Col., the Pastoral Epistles and I John) to affirm the deity of Jesus but to deny His humanity. However, there is scant evidence that this heresy influenced the writing of Galatians (cf. Gal 4:3). Surprisingly, the virgin birth of Jesus is not emphasized or even mentioned outside of the passages on Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke. Possibly it was too easily misunderstood and connected by pagans to the mythical activities of the Mt. Olympus gods. (Galatians 4) Born under the Law - (cf Ro 1:3) In other words Jesus was born a Jew, for the Gentiles were not under the Law (for they did not even have the Law). Jesus was born under the dispensation of the Old Covenant, the Mosaic Law. He was born a Jew and subject to the Jewish law and regulations established in the Old Testament. Related Resources: How can Jesus be both God and man at the same time? Does Christ have two natures? Why is the humanity of Jesus important? What does "incarnate" mean? How was Jesus God incarnate? How Can Jesus Be God and Man? | Desiring God The Person of Christ - Wayne Grudem - Includes 8 key Christological heresies during Patristic Era (ca. 100–600 AD) The Pursuing God God sent forth His Son, born of a woman . . . to redeem those who were under the law. —Galatians 4:4-5 Pastor Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Manhattan rightly observes that Christianity is unique among all religions for it is about God’s pursuit of us to draw us to Himself. In every other religious system, people pursue their god, hoping that through good behavior, keeping of rituals, good works, or other efforts they will be accepted by the god they pursue. The British poet Francis Thompson catches the profound nature of this reality when he writes of the relentless pursuit of God in his life. In his work titled “The Hound of Heaven,” he writes that as he fled from God he couldn’t outrun “those strong feet that followed . . . with unhurrying chase and unperturbed pace.” But God’s untiring pursuit of the wayward is not just Thompson’s story. At the heart of the Christmas message is the wonderful truth of God’s pursuit of every one of us. As Paul affirms, “God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4-5). Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? —Wesley God’s undying desire for you will never cease. A Wonderful Life When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4 Galatians 3:26-4:7 Each December, millions of people around the world watch Frank Capra’s 1946 film It’s A Wonderful Life. Although it wasn’t a hit when it debuted, it has become a Christmas classic. In a Time magazine essay, Roger Rosenblatt pondered the film’s continuing appeal. He concluded that the story is really about friendship. That helps to explain why we often feel choked up as we watch George Bailey’s family and friends rally around him in his time of greatest need. Rosenblatt said, “Just when George thinks he’s alone in the world, the world shows up to declare its love for him.” That sentence seems to capture the essence of our celebration of the birth of Jesus. Just when we thought we were alone in the world, Christ came to declare God’s love for us. Not only did God send His Son into the world at exactly the right time (Galatians 4:4-5), but He also demonstrated “His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That’s the message of Christmas that opens the door to a wonderful life—the joy of knowing Christ and living in His love. Reflect & Pray How To Receive Eternal Life Realize that it is a gift, not a wage (Romans 6:23). Recognize Jesus as its only source (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). Receive it by faith, calling on Christ (Romans 10:9-10). A wonderful life is yours when you know the Christ of Christmas. What If? When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. —Galatians 4:4 Today's Scripture: Micah 5:1-5 Several years ago a group of historians authored a book called If—Or History Rewritten. Some of the ifs those scholars considered were these: What if Robert E. Lee had not lost the Battle of Gettysburg? What if the Moors in Spain had won? What if the Dutch had kept New Amsterdam? What if Booth had missed when he shot at Abraham Lincoln? What if Napoleon had escaped to America? The attempt to reconstruct the past on the basis of these ifs was only a historian’s game. But apply it for a moment to the central event in history—the birth of Jesus Christ. It was foretold with pinpoint accuracy hundreds of years before by the prophet Micah. The greatest if, therefore—the most startling question to the imagination—is “What if Jesus had not been born as predicted?” Such an if staggers the mind. It is like imagining the earth without a sunrise or the heavens without stars. Yet this if must be taken seriously, especially at Christmas, because our world is oblivious to the true meaning of Christ’s coming. If Christ had never left His throne To enter time and space, We'd have no hope beyond the grave, No knowledge of His grace. —Sper A world without Christ would be a world without hope. "Soft Time" When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. —Galatians 4:4 Today's Scripture: Galatians 3:26-4:7 After studying the behavior of thousands of cell-phone users, James Katz, a professor of communication at Rutgers University, has concluded that the cell phone has changed the nature of the way we think of time. Researchers now speak of the US as living in “soft time.” This term has been coined to describe the thinking of a cell-phone user who calls at 8:20 to say he will be late for the 8:30 meeting, arrives at 8:45, and considers himself on time because he called ahead. Unlike us, God is always on time. While we may struggle to understand why He doesn’t act in world events or in our personal lives as speedily as we think He should, the Bible proclaims the punctuality of the Almighty according to His plan. Galatians 4:4-5 says, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.” And Romans 5:6, “When we were still without strength, in due time [at just the right time] Christ died for the ungodly.” God's thoughts are above human knowledge— He moves in mysterious ways To work out eternity's purpose Through time's short procession of days. —Stiefel God's timing is always right. Turnaround Expert When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. —Galatians 4:4 Today's Scripture: Galatians 3:22-4:7 Members of The Turnaround Management Association are rarely asked to join successful companies. Instead, these skilled professionals are called into ailing businesses to help get them back on their feet. The same need for dramatic change exists throughout society. People who can reverse the downward spiral in an individual’s life, a relationship, or a team are constantly in demand. But what about changing the world? Many people would say that only God can do that. And that’s exactly what He sent His Son to do. The Bible describes humanity’s downward spiral by saying that the entire world was imprisoned by sin and “in bondage” (Galatians 3:22; 4:3). Into that hopeless situation Jesus came “to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (4:5). The personal turnaround for us begins when we accept God’s offer of eternal life in Christ and receive His Spirit into our hearts (v.6). Rather than simply being given a new set of rules and sent off on our own, we are adopted into God’s family. Reflect & Pray The Lord will turn your life around If you'll invite Him in; Then you'll at once be heaven-bound, No longer chained by sin. —Hess When we choose to follow Jesus, our whole life changes direction. God Intrudes When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. —Galatians 4:4 Today's Scripture: Galatians 3:26–4:7 During this Christmas season, it’s good to keep a firm grip on the reality of Easter. While the two events are celebrated at different times and in very different ways, they are both integral parts of God’s initiative in His grand plan of salvation. Peter Larson wrote: “Despite our efforts to keep Him out, God intrudes. The life of Jesus is bracketed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb. Jesus entered our world through a door marked ‘No Entrance’ and left through a door marked ‘No Exit.’” James Edwards echoes this theme in his book The Divine Intruder: “[God] breaks into this world, even when He is unexpected and unwelcome. God joins us in our weakest and worst moments. There is a Divine Intruder among us.” The stable in Bethlehem and the cross of Calvary remind us that “when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son . . . to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). The Lord did not wait for an invitation to enter our world. Clothed with humanity, He lived as our teacher, died as our sacrifice, and rose from the grave as our Savior. Reflect & Pray This joyous season of the year Should prompt us to recall That Jesus’ death on Calvary Provides new life for all. —Sper Jesus’ earthly life is framed by two impossibilities: a virgin’s womb and an empty tomb. Christmas Journey When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4 Today's Scripture: Luke 2:1-7 How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem? If you’re in Pennsylvania, it’s about 9 miles and takes about 10 minutes by car. But if you’re in Nazareth of Galilee, and you’re traveling along with your pregnant wife, as Joseph was, it’s about 80 miles to Bethlehem. That journey probably took Joseph and Mary about a week, and they didn’t stay in a nice hotel when they got there. All Joseph could find was a stall in a stable, and that’s where Mary delivered “her firstborn Son” (Luke 2:7). But the journey for the infant Jesus was much farther than 80 miles. He left His place in heaven at God’s right hand, came to earth, and accepted our humanity. Eventually, He was stretched out on a cross to die, and He was buried in a borrowed tomb. But the journey was not over. He conquered death, left the tomb, walked again among men, and ascended to heaven. Even that is not the journey’s end. Someday He will return as King of kings and Lord of lords. As you take a Christmas journey this month, reflect on the journey Jesus made for us. He came from heaven to earth to die for us, making salvation available through His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Reflect & Pray When God stepped out of heaven above And came down to this earth, He clothed Himself in human flesh— A Child of lowly birth. —D. De Haan Jesus came to earth for us so we could go to heaven with Him. Galatians 4:5 so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. KJV Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. so that He might redeem Galatians 4:21; 3:13; Matthew 20:28; Luke 1:68; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; 5:2; Colossians 1:13-20; Titus 2:14; Hebrews 1:3; 9:12,15; 1 Peter 1:18-20; 3:18; Revelation 5:9; 14:3 those who were under the Law Galatians 4:7; 3:26; John 1:12; Romans 8:19,23; 9:4; Ephesians 1:5 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:1-11 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 7; More Notes on Galatians Study 7 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! Hiebert's Outline - The contrasted position under law and faith (Galatians 4:1-7) (See context in An Introduction to the New Testament, Volume 2) A. The illustration of the position of the heir as a minor (Galatians 4:1-2) B. The application of the illustration to believers (Galatians 4:3-6) 1. The condition of bondage as minors (Galatians 4:3) 2. The position as free sons through God's Son (Galatians 4:4-6) a. The sending of the Son of God (Galatians 4:4-5) b. The sending of the Spirit of God (Galatians 4:6) 3. The conclusion for the believer (Galatians 4:7) SETTING FREE BY PAYING A PRICE One English dictionary defines redeem as "to recover possession or ownership of by payment of a price or service." Webster has "to buy back; to free from what distresses or harms: such as to free from captivity by payment of ransom; to extricate from or help to overcome something detrimental." So that - term of purpose - Gives the purpose for which God sent forth His Son and it was that He might be the Redeemer of men in bondage to the Law and sin. In Galatians 4:4 Paul He might redeem those who were under the Law - The implication of being under the Law is also of being under the curse (Gal 3:13). See also Ro 2:12 Ro 3:19 1 Cor 9:20, 21 Gal 3:10, 23. Like all men, Jesus was obligated to obey God’s law. Unlike anyone else, however, He perfectly obeyed that law (Jn 8:46; 2Co 5:21; Heb 4:15; Heb 7:26; 1 Pe 2:22; 1 Jn 3:5). In Paul's day a slave could be purchased in a Roman city and the purchaser could either keep the slave for himself or he could set the slave free. Jesus was our "Purchaser" Who paid the price to set us free. The paradox is that while we are now at liberty, we are also His possession (Titus 2:14). Under is hupo which means submission or subjection to authority, rule, command, power of the Law. Gal 3:22+ But the Scripture has shut up everyone under (hupo) sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. Ro 6:14+ For sin shall not be master over you (IMPLIES IT STILL HAS THAT POTENTIAL!), (WHY) for you are not under (hupo - the authority and power of the) law but under (hupo) grace. Might redeem (1805)(exagorazo from ek = out or from + agorazo = acquire in exchange for money with result that whatever has been bought is buyer's possession <> agora = market place) means literally to buy out of (ek = out of) the market place. The idea is not just to redeem but to completely redeem. Exagorazo is used only 4x in NT - Gal. 3:13; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 5:16; Col. 4:5. Paul has already used this verb in Galatians 3 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us–for it is written, “CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE”– (Gal 3:13+) Related Resource: Bob Utley's topic - Ransom/Redeemed What is the meaning of Christian redemption? Might redeem in in the aorist tense, active voice, subjunctive mood, the mood of possibility and potentiality which means that the action described may or may not occur, depending upon circumstances. In other words Jesus was the Redeemer effectively only for those who received by faith God's offer of the gift of redemption and with it eternal life (Ro 6:23+). Jesus was not sent to force redemption on those who did not desire to be redeemed. NOTE - Redemption. Three ideas are involved in the doctrine of redemption: (1) paying the ransom with the blood of Christ (1 Co 6:20+; Rev 5:9+); (2) removal from the curse of the law (Gal 3:13+; Gal 4:5) (3) release from the bondage of sin into the freedom of grace (here and in 1 Pe 1:18+). Redemption is through Jesus' blood; i.e., through the death of Christ (Col 1:14+). Jesus had to take on flesh and blood in order to qualify as our Kinsman-Redeemer (our Goel) and thus even be able to pay the ransom price: 1 Peter 1:18; 19+ knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, 19 but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. Hebrews 2:14-15+ Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:17+ Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. That we might receive the adoption as sons - This is the purpose of Jesus becoming a God-Man and a Redeemer - that we might receive from God the adoption. Paul mentions one of the grand benefits of the redemption by Christ and that is that when we are redeemed we come into God's family as adopted sons and daughters.
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Utley - Excursus on the Relationship of Jesus and the Holy Spirit - This chapter also further explains the relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit (cf. Galatians 4:6): 1. Jesus asks the Father and He sends the Spirit a. Jesus sends the Spirit in Jn 15:26; 16:7 b. Jesus spoke out of His unity with the Father, so the Spirit speaks out of His unity with them both 2. “Another of the same kind.” The best name for the Spirit is “the other Jesus:” a. Both “sent” from the Father (1) Son—Gal. 4:4 (2) Spirit—Gal. 4:6 b. Both called “truth” (1) Son—John 14:6 (2) Spirit—John 14:17; 15:26; 16:13 c. Both called “paraclete” (1) Son—1 John 2:1 (2) Spirit—John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7 d. Spirit called by Jesus’ name (NASB) (1) Acts 16:7—“The Spirit of Jesus” (2) Rom. 8:9—“Spirit of God … Spirit of Christ” (3) 2 Cor. 3:17—“The Lord is Spirit … the Spirit of the Lord” (4) 2 Cor. 3:18—“The Lord, the Spirit” (5) Gal. 4:6—“The Spirit of His Son” (6) Phil. 1:19—“The Spirit of Jesus Christ” (7) 1 Pet. 1:11—“The Spirit of Christ” e. Both indwell believers (1) Son—Matt. 28:20; John 14:20, 23; 15:4; 17:23; Rom. 8:10; 2 Cor. 13:5; Gal. 2:20; Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:27 (2) Spirit—John 14:16–17; Rom. 8:11; 1 Pet. 1:11 (3) Father—John 14:23; 17:23; 2 Cor. 6:16 f. Both described as “holy” (1) Spirit—Luke 1:35 (2) Son—Luke 1:35; 14:26 3. Possible definitions of “helper,” “paraclete,” John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7; 1 John 2:1 a. defense advocate b. prosecutor c. comforter (the Father gives comfort in 2 Cor. 1:3–7, from the same root word) 4. Throughout the NT the Spirit is often identified in terms linking Him to the ministry of the Son (cf. Acts 16:7; Rom. 8:9; 2 Cor. 3:17–18 and Phil. 1:19). (Paul's First Letters ) Galatians 4:7 Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God. KJV Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. Therefore you are no longer a slave Galatians 4:1,2,5,6,31; 5:1 if a son Galatians 3:29; Romans 8:16,17 then an heir through God. Genesis 15:1; 17:7,8; Ps 16:5; 73:26; Jeremiah 10:16; 31:33; 32:38-41; Lamentations 3:24; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 2 Corinthians 6:16-18; Revelation 21:7 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:1-11 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 7; More Notes on Galatians Study 7 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! Hiebert's Outline - The contrasted position under law and faith (Galatians 4:1-7) (See context in An Introduction to the New Testament, Volume 2) A. The illustration of the position of the heir as a minor (Galatians 4:1-2) B. The application of the illustration to believers (Galatians 4:3-6) 1. The condition of bondage as minors (Galatians 4:3) 2. The position as free sons through God's Son (Galatians 4:4-6) a. The sending of the Son of God (Galatians 4:4-5) b. The sending of the Spirit of God (Galatians 4:6) 3. The conclusion for the believer (Galatians 4:7) Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son - No longer is the strongest Greek negative (ouketi = extension of time up to a point but not beyond) and it means "no more" or "no further." In the New Testament it is used literally when referring to time --“no longer” (Mt 19:6; Lk 15:19), “never again” (Acts 20:25+ = "will no longer see my face"; Ro 6:9+ = "death no longer is master over Him"). Paul's point is that the believers in Galatia are No longer a slave to sin and Satan but now and forever in right legal standing with God because we are in Christ, His beloved. Robertson on a slave - He changes to the singular to drive the point home to each one. The spiritual experience (Gal 3:2+) has set each one free. Each is now a son and heir. (Galatians 4 - Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) Wayne
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Utley notes that if a son "is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE, “since you are sons” (TEV, NIV) (ED: IN OTHER WORDS THIS CONDITION IS REGARDED AS FULFILLED). The Spirit removes our slavery and bondage and establishes our sonship (cf. Ro 8:12–17). This assures our inheritance. (Galatians 4) Peter writes about our sure inheritance (note the descriptions [see bold font below] that reiterate the truth that our inheritance is certain).. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4+ to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:3–5+). Warren
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Utley writes that "It is true that all humans have the potential of knowing God both from creation (Ps. 19:1–5 and Ro 1:19–20) and also an inner moral witness (cf. Ro 2:14–15). This knowledge is called natural revelation, but the Bible asserts that all of us, Jews and Gentiles, have rejected this knowledge (cf. Rom. 3:23). “Know” is used both in its Hebrew sense of interpersonal, intimate, family relationships and its Greek sense of cognitive content but the focus here is on the Greek sense as verse 9 is on the Hebrew sense." (Galatians 4) Paul describes their former miserable state in Adam... So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart; 19 and they, having become callous, have given themselves over to sensuality for the practice of every kind of impurity with greediness. (Eph 4:17-19) And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Cor 4:3-4) Every unredeemed person is enslaved whether they know it or not - to their flesh, to the devil and to the fallen world system (see the world, the flesh and the devil) In Acts 14:11-13+ Luke records how the pagans were in bondage to false gods such as Zeus and Hermes, "mute (dumb) idols" that were "nothings" and could say nothing! Now just as these pagans they had worshiped idols of wood and stone which were no gods, now they were turning to another type of bondage, bondage to the law.
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Utley comments that "Both Judaism and paganism were subject to the stoicheia! These fallen world structures are completely inadequate to bring salvation." (Ed: Or to bring about ongoing sanctification!) (Galatians 4) Robertson on elemental things - The same stoicheia in Gal 4:3+ from which they had been delivered, “weak and beggarly,” still in their utter impotence from the Pharisaic legalism and the philosophical and religious legalism and the philosophical and religious quests of the heathen...as shown by Angus’s The Religious Quests of the Graeco-Roman World. These were eagerly pursued by many, but they were shadows when caught. It is pitiful today to see some men and women leave Christ for will o’ the wisps of false philosophy." (Galatians 4 - Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament) To which you desire to be enslaved all over again? - Paul's logic is flawless, as he paints for them the picture of their foolishness to desire to go backward rather than forward and to trade the slavery of paganism (from which the Gospel had liberated them) for the slavery of Jewish legalism as a means of salvation (and sanctification - see verse below). It is not only foolish, but not even logical! But their problem was that they had been "bewitched" as Paul wrote earlier You foolish (anoetos) Galatians (not lacking intelligence, but lacking in obedience), who (REFERRING TO THE JUDAIZERS) has bewitched (baskaino in aorist tense, indicative mood = this actually had happened - THEY HAD BEEN "CHARMED"/MISLED BY LIES) you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed (prographo = POSTING OFFICIAL NOTICES IN PUBLIC PLACES - WHICH OCCURRED WITH PAUL'S PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL) as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? (OF COURSE A RHETORICAL QUESTION - ANSWER = BY FAITH NOT WORKS!) 3 Are you so foolish (anoetos)? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected (present tense = SPEAKS OF PROGRESSIVE SANCTIFICATION) by the flesh? (Gal 3:1-3+) In a similar passage, the writer of Hebrews warns his Jewish hearers who have heard the truth about Jesus and seem to have initially received that truth by faith... BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK, MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. 39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:38,39+) The writer of Hebrews is not saying a truly saved person can lose their salvation. He is saying that faith that endures (as when trials and afflictions and temptations come) to the end is the type of faith that truly saves a person. And then he goes on in Hebrews 11 to take his readers through the "Hall of Faith" showing numerous Old Testament saints who exhibited this quality of enduring faith. John Witmer on elemental things -
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Utley on loathe - The use of the second verb is the reason that some relate Paul’s illness to the superstition in the ancient Near East about “the evil eye” (cf. Gal 3:1+). The magical remedy was “to spit” and thereby protect yourself from its spell, possibly referring to: (1) an unusual-looking eye; or (2) a wild-eyed look (epilepsy). (Galatians 4) But you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself - As the verb for received implies they basically "put out the welcome mat" for the apostle Paul and accepted not only him but his message of salvation by grace through faith. In fact after only his second message in Pisidian Antioch, the Gentiles there “began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord” (Acts 13:48+).
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Utley on zeloo - “Zealous,” from the root “to burn,” had two connotations in Koine Greek: (1) the affection of young lovers; and (2) envy of another. These strong emotions characterized the activity of the sweet-talking false teachers toward the Galatian churches, but their activity derived from selfish motivation. (Galatians 4) Not commendably - Literally "not good." So absolutely not for any good purpose! Ben Witherington: “Like the zeal Paul himself had previously exhibited, this zeal also is not according to knowledge and not going in a proper direction, it is to no good end” (See context in Grace in Galatia). But - This term of contrast - the Judaizers were seeking the Galatian believers not for good but for bad, which he explains. They wish is the verb thelo is a word which Vine says "expresses not simply a desire, but a determined and constant exercise of the will." And here wish is in the present tense indicating this is their continual evil desire! To shut you out so that you will seek them - NLT says "They are trying to shut you off from me so that you will pay attention only to them." Hendriksen has "on the contrary, they want to isolate you, in order that you may zealously court them." So that (hina) gives the purpose for the Judaizers shutting out the Galatian believers and the purpose was that they would seek them (and their false teaching) instead of Paul and the truth of the Gospel. This reminds me of one of the main tactics in warfare - cut the supply lines and surround their forces so that they are easily defeated. Here it is applicable to spiritual warfare.
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Utley - The false teachers were jealous of the affection that the Galatian churches had shown Paul (cf. vv. 13–15). They wanted to alienate Paul so they could take his place! This may explain verse 18. (Galatians 4)
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Utley - Paul often used familial metaphors because of their warmth. He called himself a father in 1 Cor. 4:15 and 1 Thess. 2:11 and here, a mother (cf. 1 Thess. 2:7). (Galatians 4) I am...in labor pains (present tense)(5605)(odino from odin = birth pang) literally means for the mother to suffer birth pains when her baby is born. Then generally the word meant to be in pain as when a mother experiences birth pangs. The idea is to suffer greatly in Galatians 4:19. In Gal 4:27 the meaning is to be in pain as when a woman is in travail. Cp. the corresponding noun, odin, in 1 Thessalonians 5:3+ and the somewhat similar metaphor in Colossians 2:1+ ("I want you to know how great a struggle [agon] I have on your behalf"). In Rev 12:2+ John writes "and she was with child; and she cried out, being in labor and in pain to give birth." Tony