Galatians 4: Freedom From the Law

v.2 Tutors here refers to “guardians.” Governors here refers to “stewards.” The law was a guardian for the children of Israel. They were the heirs of many promises from God, but they had to wait until the time chosen by God for them to enter into the full inheritance.

v.3 Elements here refers to “elementary things,” the “basic fundamentals.” Being under the law is being in bondage (Acts 15:1–31).

v.4 God sent His Son from His presence in heaven to the earth to redeem fallen man (John 17:5).

v.6 The Trinity works in harmony (Romans 8:16). Jesus often used the intimate word “Abba” when speaking of His Father.

v.7 We need the restraints of the law when we have a primary relationship with God. When we mature to a love relationship with Him, we no longer need the law. Where there is a strong love relationship, there is no need for laws. Love fulfills the law (Romans 13:10; Matthew 22:37–40; John 13:35; 2 Corinthians 9:7; Ephesians 1:18).

v.8 Romans 6:20.

v.9 We know God only because He has revealed Himself to us (Job 11:7; John 6:44). The law is weak because it can only diagnose our problems; it cannot cure them.

v.10 The days the Jews observed were the Sabbath days, the months were the new moon feasts, the times they observed were the annual festivals, and the years they observed were the sabbatical years.

v.12 Paul begged the Galatians to walk in grace as he did, rather than live under the law.

v.13–14 Paul once described his physical problem as a “thorn [stake, literally] in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). Temptation here refers to the “testing.”

v.15 Paul’s reference here to the Galatians giving him their eyes could indicate that he had eye problems; or, he could be describing the depth of their love for him.

v.16 3 John 4.

v.17 The false teachers were very affectionate toward the Galatians.

v.19 This is the only time Paul used the endearing term “my little children” in his letters. The Holy Spirit works in us to conform us into the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:13).

v.20 Paul wished the Galatians to know that he was softening his tone at this point.

v.23 Ishmael, the son of the servant Hagar, was the child produced by fleshly efforts to fulfill God’s promise. Isaac, the son of Sarah, was the child of faith.

v.27 Paul quotes this Scripture to demonstrate that there will be many more converts to God through His grace than through the law (Isaiah 54:1).

v.28 Paul relates the Christian to Isaac, the child of promise.

v.29 The false teachers were persecuting Paul just as Ishmael had mocked Isaac.