1 I mean that as long as the heir is not of age, he is no different from a slave, although he is the owner of everything,
2 but he is under the supervision of guardians and administrators until the date set by his father.
3 In the same way we also, when we were not of age, were enslaved to the elemental powers of the world.
4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
5 to ransom those under the law, so that we might receive adoption.
6 As proof that you are children, God sent the spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying out, "Abba, Father!"
7 So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.
8 At a time when you did not know God, you became slaves to things that by nature are not gods;
9 but now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and destitute elemental powers? Do you want to be slaves to them all over again?
10 You are observing days, months, seasons, and years.
11 I am afraid on your account that perhaps I have labored for you in vain.
12 I implore you, brothers, be as I am, because I have also become as you are. You did me no wrong;
13 you know that it was because of a physical illness that I originally preached the gospel to you,
14 and you did not show disdain or contempt because of the trial caused you by my physical condition, but rather you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.
15 Where now is that blessedness of yours? Indeed, I can testify to you that, if it had been possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.
16 So now have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?
17 They show interest in you, but not in a good way; they want to isolate you, so that you may show interest in them.
18 Now it is good to be shown interest for good reason at all times, and not only when I am with you.
19 My children, for whom I am again in labor until Christ be formed in you!
20 I would like to be with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed because of you.
21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?
22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the freeborn woman.
23 The son of the slave woman was born naturally, the son of the freeborn through a promise.
24 Now this is an allegory. These women represent two covenants. One was from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar.
25 Hagar represents Sinai, a mountain in Arabia; it corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery along with her children.
26 But the Jerusalem above is freeborn, and she is our mother.
27 For it is written: "Rejoice, you barren one who bore no children; break forth and shout, you who were not in labor; for more numerous are the children of the deserted one than of her who has a husband."
28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of the promise.
29 But just as then the child of the flesh persecuted the child of the spirit, it is the same now.
30 But what does the scripture say? "Drive out the slave woman and her son! For the son of the slave woman shall not share the inheritance with the son" of the freeborn.
31 Therefore, brothers, we are children not of the slave woman but of the freeborn woman.
Versículos relacionados com Galatians, 4:
In Galatians 4, Paul continues to argue against the teachings of false teachers who try to persuade the Galatians to return to the observance of the Mosaic Law. He uses a heir metaphor who, while being a minor, has no authority over his inheritance and is controlled by tutors and administrators. Paul uses this to illustrate that Jewish believers under the law were in a state of spiritual minority, but now, through faith in Christ, they became mature children and heirs of God. The following verses relate to the topics addressed in Galatians 4:
Romans 8:15: "For you have not received a Spirit who slaves them to fear again, but have received the Spirit who adopts them as children, through which we cry out:" ABA, Father. " This verse highlights the relationship of adoption of believers as children of God, which is a central theme in Galatians 4.
Colossians 2:8: "Be careful that no one enslaves them to vain and misleading philosophies, which are based on human traditions and the elementary principles of this world, not in Christ." Paul warns the Colossians not to be enslaved by human teachings and traditions, which is one of Paul's main arguments in Galatians 4.
Romans 6:14: "For sin will not dominate them, because you are not under the law, but under grace." This verse highlights the freedom of believers in the domain of sin and law, which is an important theme in Galatians 4.
Ephesians 2:19: "Thus, you are no longer foreigners or foreign, but citizens of the saints and members of the family of God." Paul emphasizes the relationship of believers with the family of God, which is a central theme in Galatians 4.
Hebrews 2:15: "And deliver those who, by the fear of death, were subject to slavery for a lifetime." This verse highlights the liberation of the believers of the slavery of the fear of death, which is a central theme in Galatians 4, where Paul argues that the observance of the law is a form of slavery that brings spiritual fear and insecurity.
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