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¹ Now I say that as long as the heir^(C1) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(C2) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements^(F1) of the world.^{(C1) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent his Son,^(C1) born of a woman,^(C2) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(C1) 6} And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(C1) into our^(F1) hearts, crying, “Abba,^(F2) Father!” ^{(C2) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(C1) but a son,^(C2) and if a son, then God has made you an heir.^(C3)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, since you didn’t know God,^(C1) you were enslaved to things^(F1) that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,^(C1) or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless^(C2) elements?^(C3) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You are observing special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(C1) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹² I beg you, brothers and sisters: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know^(F1) that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a weakness of the flesh. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^(F1) On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus himself.

¹⁵ Where, then, is your blessing? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ So then, have I become your enemy because I told you the truth?^{(C1) 17} They court you eagerly, but not for good. They want to exclude you from me, so that you would pursue them. ¹⁸ But it is always good to be pursued^(F1) in a good manner—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(C1) I am again suffering labor pains^(C2) for you until Christ is formed in you. ²⁰ I would like to be with you right now and change my tone of voice, because I don’t know what to do about you.

Sarah and Hagar: Two Covenants

²¹ Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham^(C1) had two sons, one by a slave^(C2) and the other by a free woman. ²³ But the one by the slave was born as a result of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born through promise. ²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai^(C1) and bears children into slavery—this is Hagar.^{(C2) 25} Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia^(C1) and corresponds to the present Jerusalem,^(C2) for she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above^(C1) is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written,^(C1)

²⁸ Now you too, brothers and sisters, like Isaac,^(C1) are children of promise.^{(C2) 29} But just as then the child born as a result of the flesh persecuted the one born as a result of the Spirit,^(C1) so also now.^{(C2) 30} But what does the Scripture say? “Drive out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave will never be a coheir with the son of the free woman.”^{(F1)(C1) 31} Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave but of the free woman.^(C1)