Bible Reading Plan

Galatians 4

Chapter 4

^1 1 Now I say that as long as the heir^(a) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(b) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elemental forces^[a] of the world.^{(c) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent His Son,^(d) born of a woman,^(e) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(f) 6} And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son^(g) into our^[b] hearts, crying, "Abba,^(h) Father!"^{(i) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(j) but a son,^(k) and if a son, then an heir^(l) through God.

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

⁸ But in the past, when you didn't know God,^(m) you were enslaved to things^[c] that by nature are not gods. ⁹ But now, since you know God,⁽ⁿ⁾ or rather have become known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and bankrupt^(o) elemental forces?^(p) Do you want to be enslaved to them all over again? ¹⁰ You observe special days, months, seasons, and years.^{(q) 11} I am fearful for you, that perhaps my labor for you has been wasted.

¹² I beg you, brothers: Become like me, for I also became like you. You have not wronged me; ¹³ you know that previously I preached the gospel to you because of a physical illness. ¹⁴ You did not despise or reject me though my physical condition was a trial for you.^[d] On the contrary, you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

¹⁵ What happened to this sense of being blessed you had? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?^{(r) 17} They^[e] are enthusiastic about you, but not for any good. Instead, they want to isolate you so you will be enthusiastic about them. ¹⁸ Now it is always good to be enthusiastic about good—and not just when I am with you. ¹⁹ My children,^(s) I am again suffering labor pains^(t) 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, those of you who want to be under the law, don't you hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham^(u) had two sons, one by a slave^(v) and the other by a free woman. ²³ But the one by the slave was born according to the impulse of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born as the result of a promise. ²⁴ These things are illustrations,^[f] for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai^(w) and bears children into slavery—this is Hagar.^{(x) 25} Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia^(y) and corresponds to the present Jerusalem,^(z) for she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above^(aa) is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written:^(ab)

²⁸ Now you, brothers, like Isaac,^(ae) are children of promise.^{(af) 29} But just as then the child born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit,^(ag) so also now.^{(ah) 30} But what does the Scripture say?

³¹ Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.^(aj)